The "new favorite" of materials - non-spray materials

Text/Polymer

With development of time, automotive industry also continues to move forward, and requirements for auto parts materials are becoming more stringent. Traditional spray paint is becoming less and less suitable for needs Policies have been implemented one after another, and new materials that do not require spraying have appeared as needed .

The "new favorite" of materials - non-spray materials

1. The true face of non-spray materials

Non-spray material literally means that it doesn't need to be sprayed and has a certain "beautiful" appearance effect that is well known.

From a professional point of view, non-spray materials are colored pigments (metal powder, mineral powder or other dyes) that are added directly to plastic raw materials and then directly processed into various plastic parts by injection molding or extrusion . they themselves have colors with different effects, and surface does not need to be sprayed.

A non-spray material is a material that can be injected directly to achieve a colorful appearance without spraying. Now non-spray materials include base material, metallic pigment and additives as shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 Composition of non-spray materials

2. Basic classification and application of non-spray materials

Non-spray material processing methods include injection molding, extrusion molding, blister molding, foam injection molding and other processing methods. Generally, non-sprayed materials are accurately weighed according to formulated formula after plastics, pigments and various additives. weighed while mixing in a high speed mixer and then extruded through a twin screw extruder.

2.1 High gloss, no spray required

This type of non-spray material is widely used in automotive industry. The main color is black. It can be applied to automotive grilles, rearview mirror housings, pillar decorations and other components. For materials with high gloss, a machine is usually used to quickly cool and quickly heat mold to obtain a higher gloss effect.

2.1 Non-spray materials with pearlescent and metallic effects

Pearl powder (or metallic powder) and other additives are added to plastic raw materials to make pearl effect and metallic effect plastic parts, which are safe, environmentally friendly and non-toxic, and low in VOC.

This type of material has an industry problem, that is, an industry problem with pearlescent and metallic effect non-spray materials that are affected by structure, resulting in flow marks and weld lines. Few manufacturers can solve this problem well.

Typically, there are several ways to solve weld lines and flow marks.

Table 2-2 Solutions for Weld Marks and Flow Marks

2.3 Hot Stamping

Commonly known as bronzing. Under a certain pressure and temperature, use template installed on hot stamping machine to shrink printing material and hot stamping plate in a short time, and transfer metal foil or color pigment foil to hot stamping material according to graphic requirements of hot stamping template. embossing surface treatment technology. It can achieve various effects such as bright silver, bright gold, wood texture, etc., and is mainly used for small accessories in car. ([1] Tao Yongliang, Wang Xiaoguang, Ouyang Ting. Application of non-spray materials in automotive parts [J]. Rubber and Plastic Technology and Equipment, 2019, 45(18): 21–24.)

Third, benefits of no-spray materials

Ø Non-sprayable materials are recyclable, reusable and low in VOC.

Ø Reduce spraying process and labor costs;

Ø The use of non-sprayable materials for production of auto parts is one of effective ways to realize lightness and energy saving of cars.

Fourth, summary

The country continues to advocate for protection of environment, and requirements of laws and regulations are becoming more and more stringent. Non-spray materials are always positive and sustainable for development of industry. With technological upgrading of materials and terminal facilities, non-spray materials will have a wider market space.

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