How to Address Defects in UV 3C Coatings (Part 11)


In the actual production of UV 3C coatings, sagging is one of the common defects that compromise the uniformity of coating thickness. It manifests as downward flow of the coating on vertical surfaces, resulting in an uneven film—thick in some areas and thin in others. Sagging not only compromises the aesthetic consistency of the coating but can also lead to localized film‑thickness exceedances, potentially causing curing issues and other problems. To address this defect, appropriate measures must be taken, including controlling spray‑applied film thickness, adjusting coating viscosity, and selecting suitable diluents. This paper outlines methods for mitigating sagging by optimizing spray‑application parameters, managing coating condition, and regulating the application environment.

I. Control of Spray Coating Film Thickness

Excessive coating thickness is the primary cause of sagging. When addressing this issue, it is essential to properly adjust spraying parameters to prevent applying too much material in a single pass. Maintain a consistent gun travel speed—too slow can lead to paint buildup on the workpiece surface, while too fast may result in insufficient coverage. Striking a balance between efficiency and quality is crucial.

The paint output should be set according to the workpiece geometry and coating requirements. If the output is too high, resulting in a coating thickness per unit area that exceeds the normal range, it should be reduced accordingly. For workpieces with complex shapes, the paint output can be adjusted based on the specific coating needs of different areas: increase it slightly for flat surfaces, and reduce it at edges and on vertical faces.

The distance between the spray gun and the workpiece should be kept appropriate. If the distance is too close, the coating will deposit excessively in localized areas, resulting in an over‑thick film; if the distance is too far, coating utilization decreases and coating uniformity may be compromised. Maintaining an optimal spraying distance helps ensure uniform film thickness.

II. Adjustment of Coating Viscosity

An excessively low paint viscosity is another major cause of sagging. When addressing this issue, adjust the paint viscosity according to the application conditions. At higher ambient temperatures, paint viscosity naturally decreases; therefore, reduce the amount of thinner used or select a thinner with faster evaporation to maintain an appropriate application viscosity.

Viscosity may vary between batches of coating; therefore, the coating’s viscosity should be measured prior to use, and the amount of thinner adjusted accordingly. For batches with lower-than‑specified viscosity, reduce the amount of thinner added to prevent excessive thinning.

Before use, the coating should be thoroughly mixed to ensure uniformity. During storage, delamination may occur, with the upper layer exhibiting lower viscosity and the lower layer higher viscosity. Only after thorough mixing will the coating’s viscosity accurately reflect its true condition, thereby preventing sagging caused by locally reduced viscosity.

III. Rational Selection of Thinners

Excessive diluent addition and slow evaporation are among the factors that cause sagging. When addressing this issue, select an appropriate type and dosage of diluent based on the application conditions. The amount of diluent should be kept within the range recommended by the paint manufacturer to prevent excessive viscosity reduction caused by over‑dilution.

The evaporation rate of the thinner directly affects sagging. Thinner with a slower evaporation rate keeps the coating in a low-viscosity state for an extended period, increasing the risk of sagging. To ensure adequate leveling while minimizing sagging, it is advisable to select a thinner with a moderate evaporation rate, thereby reducing the duration during which the coating remains in a low-viscosity condition.

The temperature and humidity of the application environment affect the evaporation rate of the thinner. At higher temperatures, the thinner evaporates more quickly, so a slightly slower‑evaporating thinner should be selected; at lower temperatures, a slightly faster‑evaporating thinner is recommended. The choice of thinner should be matched to the specific application conditions.

IV. Control of Construction Ambient Temperature

The ambient temperature during application directly affects the viscosity of the coating. At higher temperatures, viscosity decreases, increasing the risk of sagging. To mitigate this, maintain the application environment within an appropriate temperature range to prevent excessive heat from causing the coating’s viscosity to drop too low.

For production lines where ambient temperature cannot be controlled, process parameters can be adjusted according to seasonal variations. In summer, when temperatures are higher, the amount of thinner can be reduced or a faster‑evaporating thinner can be selected; in winter, when temperatures are lower, the amount of thinner can be increased or a slower‑evaporating thinner can be chosen.

V. Integrated Process Control

Addressing sagging defects requires a comprehensive approach that considers multiple factors, including spray parameters, coating condition, and the application environment. In terms of spraying, control the gun travel speed, paint output, and spray distance to maintain an appropriate film thickness; for the coating, adjust the application viscosity and select the appropriate type and amount of thinner; and in the environmental context, regulate the application temperature to prevent excessive heat from reducing viscosity.

The control parameters at each stage are interrelated and must be adjusted in a coordinated manner. In actual production, the primary source of sagging can be identified based on its location and severity, allowing for targeted adjustments to the relevant process steps.

VI. Conclusion

Addressing sagging defects involves multiple steps, including control of coating film thickness, adjustment of paint viscosity, and management of the application environment. By regulating gun travel speed and paint output to prevent excessive film buildup, tailoring paint viscosity to prevailing application conditions, selecting appropriate diluents in both type and quantity, and maintaining an optimal ambient temperature, the occurrence of sagging can be effectively minimized. Optimizing each of these factors requires coordinated efforts, with careful consideration of equipment condition, material properties, and environmental conditions, to achieve a highly satisfactory coating finish.

Disclaimer: The above content has been compiled from publicly available sources and is provided for reference only. If any infringement occurs, please contact us, and we will address it promptly.

Bossin Related Product Recommendations – 3C Coatings

General-purpose

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-102

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

High hardness, high gloss, chemical resistance, contains 15% TMPTA.

B-151

Modified epoxy acrylate

Low halogen, yellowing-resistant, excellent plating performance, and strong adhesion.

B-165

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility and strong adhesion

B-216

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high fullness, and excellent toughness.

B-368

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Good toughness, excellent leveling, excellent bend resistance, and excellent heat resistance.

B-574C

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability, suitable for LED UV.

B-601

Aromatic polyurethane acrylate

High hardness, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent cost-effectiveness.

B-6019

Special functional group acrylate

Good leveling, excellent wetting, resistant to boiling water, and superior color dispersion.

B-609

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance.

B-615A

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, excellent toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance.

B-619W

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance.

B-6380N

Special functional group acrylate

Excellent adhesion to plastics, strong hiding power, and improved paint film appearance.

B-919B

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, and superior chemical and wear resistance.

Matte

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-572

Polyester acrylate

Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability, suitable for LED UV.

B-650A

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, excellent matting effect, fast curing, and good wettability.

Wearable device

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-6211

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, scratch-resistant, and free of organotin.

Hand feel

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-328M

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low gloss, low viscosity, excellent wettability, and a pleasant hand feel.

B-868

Organosilicon photocurable resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-868H

Organosilicon photocurable resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

Large-area spraying

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-374

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Excellent flexibility, good leveling, resistant to abrasion and chemicals, and resistant to yellowing.

Car interior

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-6063

Special functional group acrylate

High molecular weight, low curing shrinkage

B-6210

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, chemical resistance, environmental resistance, and dual photothermal curing.

B-6263

Special functional group acrylate

Fast curing, high build, boil‑water resistant, and excellent toughness.

B-916

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, and steel-wool resistance.

B-919B

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, and superior chemical and wear resistance.

Resistant to steel wool

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-910A2

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, yellowing resistance, chemical resistance, and steel-wool resistance.

B-916

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Low viscosity, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, and steel-wool resistance.

B-919B

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, and superior chemical and wear resistance.

Oil-resistant pen

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-868

Organosilicon photocurable resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

B-868H

Organosilicon photocurable resin

Excellent leveling, smooth finish, fast curing, and stain resistance.

Battery casing

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-431

Cycloaliphatic Specialty Acrylate

Yellowing-resistant, excellent wettability, low viscosity, fast curing

B-548

Polyester acrylate

Withstands high temperatures of 250–280°C.

Solid color paint

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-519

Self-curing polyester acrylate

Self-initiated photopolymerization performance

B-560

Polyester acrylate

Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting.

Yellowing resistance

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

B-151

Modified epoxy acrylate

Low halogen, yellowing-resistant, excellent plating performance, and strong adhesion.

B-160D

Modified epoxy acrylate

Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.

B-216

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, high fullness, and excellent toughness.

B-296

Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate

Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, impact resistance

B-431

Cycloaliphatic Specialty Acrylate

Yellowing-resistant, excellent wettability, low viscosity, fast curing

Monomer Recommendation

Product Model/English Abbreviation

Product Name/Product Type

Product Features

BM3231 (TMPTA)

Trimethylolpropane triacrylate

High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance.

BM3235 (PET3A)

Pentaerythritol triacrylate

Fast curing, high crosslink density, high hardness, and chemical resistance.

BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA)

Pentaerythritol triacrylate

More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA.

BM4241 (DiTMPTA-80)

Bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) tetraacrylate

High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance.

BM4242 (Di-TMPTA)

Bis-trimethylolpropane tetraacrylate

High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance.

BM6261 (DPHA-80)

Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate

High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance.

BM6263 (DPHA-90)

Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate

High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance.

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