Powder Drift

Why is powder drifting out of your spray booth openings? Here are some possible causes and solutions of this unwanted issue:

• Insufficient airflow through the booth and the recovery system.       

Solution: Position powder guns away from booth openings and check air volume control.

• Cartridge filters are not failing to receive adequate cleaning.                       

Solution: Increase air pressure or the volume.

• Cartridge filters at end of life.

Solution: Replace cartridge filters

• Final filters clogged.

Solution: Check the final filters for leakage; repair or replace filters as needed.

The History of Teflon™: Confidence in the Chronology

It’s very clear to see the successful track record that the Teflon™ brand has held up for years. Whether you’ve just started taking advantage of the successful products, or you’ve used them since 1938 when chemist Roy Plunkett discovered them, you understand the value of their history, and the trust you have in the brand is immeasurable and irreplaceable. As “your partner in the kitchen for 50 years” or your go-to coating in an industrial facility, Teflon™ has you covered, and keeps your products long lasting and durable.

“We didn’t just invent the nonstick cookware category; we’re constantly perfecting it.” –Cookware, Chemours

As the basic technology has expanded over time, Teflon industrial coatings have continued to enhance the functional qualities in today’s high tech applications. Teflon coating’s non-stick qualities, low coefficient of friction, heat resistance, cryogenic stability, chemical resistance, non-wetting, unique electrical properties, abrasion resistance, and FDA conforming are just some of many highlights of the brand’s available products. All products have grown and evolved over time as the brand has demonstrated benefits in the following industries: aerospace, chemical, oil and gas, automotive, molds, and industrial bakeware.

“Intech and the Chemours R&D team are actively working on new coating technologies that will provide even better durability and release. We are also working on new products for areas where our coatings have not been utilized in the past.” –Nicole McCall, Molds Market Segment Leader

Not only do we have you covered, but we can even grant you certification with Teflon™ Industrial Licensing. This licensing gives companies that use Teflon™ products a matchless edge.

Benefits of the Teflon™ FEP 2-Coat System

Looking for a more durable solution for your mold release applications? Below we share some of the benefits of the Teflon™ FEP two-coat system. You may have heard of the product, but the benefits it offers your shop are highlighted in the short description below.

This system has extreme release capabilities for mold and food processing applications, provides nonstick, chemical, and corrosion resistance for low abrasion release applications, and can be used on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

To get the most out of the coatings' release characteristics, Intech Services recommends the thickness be no less than 2 mils but not exceed 5 mils.

If you have a plastic or rubber molded material that needs release over a long period of time, this solution will increase process efficiency and reduce scrap rates.

More features:

• Excellent release qualities
• Good thermal stability
• Good wear resistance
• FDA approval

For more information on this product, visit this page.

Your shop can benefit from this long-lasting solution. Please contact Molds Market Segment Leader Nicole McCall at nicole@intechservices.com with any questions or for further information.

Kv Readings and Powder Surges

Reasons your control gun is not showing any reading of Kv could be any one of the following:

• Loss of power to gun
• Faulty circuit board
• Internal gun failure

A few causes for powder surging from the gun includes:

• Insufficient supplemental air to ensure the powder is in suspension as it moves through the hose.
• Improper seal between the powder injector and the lift tube in the gun feed hopper.
• Blockage from buildup or impact fusion. Check powder hose, gun tube, and pump insert.

Intech's Volunteer Day at the Sunday Breakfast Mission

This Wednesday, November 2nd, Intech Services visited the Sunday Breakfast Mission. Two teams of Intech employees volunteered their time and donated non perishables to help the hungry, homeless, and hurting. The teams took morning and afternoon shifts to sort and organize food in the Mission's pantry and prepare for their Thanksgiving food drive, which provides nourishing meals to the women, men, and children within the organization.

The Sunday Breakfast mission is a fantastic shelter and program that provides meals, safety, rehabilitation, and work-training to those in need in the Wilmington area. We are happy and proud to support this local and worthwhile organization.To learn more about this cause, visit their website here.

   

Introducing the Real Deal Teflon™ Series

As a customer, a client, or a friend of Intech Services, you may be aware of our core values: Genuine Connection, Unique Focus, and Deliver More. These values are best shown through our ability to interact genuinely with customers, our focus on expanding and exploring new opportunities, and our success rate as Teflon™ distributors.

As distributors, we are confident in the Teflon™ brand and all that it has to offer, and are proud of our robust, committed team here at Intech. We see Teflon™ as the real deal: top quality, consistent products that are delivered on time, with ease. That's why we've created the Real Deal Teflon™ blog series. Check back on the Intech Insider each month to read about the brand’s qualities and learn about the dedication and loyalty of the Intech Services team.

Boss's Day Celebration!

This month, in honor of Boss's Day, we surprised Intech Services' president Mike Patterson with a brand new duffle bag. All of Intech's employees showed their appreciation by contributing to the thoughtful present.

Boss's day gave us a chance to recognize Mike for all of the great things he does for the company as a whole, and for each individual employee. Mike always motivates everyone to do their best, while appreciating and acknowledging each employee's strengths and areas for growth. His leadership skills are a huge part of why Intech Services is so successful, and why we work together creating genuine connections with both each other and our clients, customers, and friends. Please join us in wishing Mike a Happy Boss's Day!

Thank You to our Customer Service Team!

Here at Intech, we have an outstanding Customer Service team. They allow Intech Services to run smoothly and efficiently, making the customer experience a pleasant one. Our team ensures that phones are always answered after a maximum of two rings and that customers are connected with the specific person they need, right away!

Customer Service Week is an international celebration of the importance of customer service and of the people who serve and support customers on a daily basis. In honor of this special week, we would like to thank our customer service team here at Intech Services. We are proud of the work and skill of our team.  Karen Nardo, Elaina Fisher, Mary Hartsoe, and Vicki Bobeck are all important contributers to the success of our company as a whole. Click each link to read more about these great employees, and join us in our admiration and appreciation.

A Look into the Specialty 2-Coat Reinforced Teflon™ Coating System

A premiere coating system for end-uses that require durability, non-stick, thermal stability, and abrasion-resistant properties. Product Overview Decades of innovation and technology for the Teflon™ brand have led to significant improvements for this specific coating line. The system is water-based, and a unique blend of PTFE, PFA, and FEP fluoropolymer chemisty. On-smooth technology is utilized for easy adhesion to smooth surfaces when necessary. If your application requires superior durability and ultimate release, we recommend trying the 2-Coat reinforced system. Properties Extended service life due to excellent durability Excellent nonstick properties FDA approved for direct food contact regulations in 21CFR Chemical and abrasion resistant Additional Features Some additional features of the coating line include thin film primer topcoat for quick application and cure, a water base that contributes to easy cleaning and meets low emission environmental standards, and a maximum use temperature of 500° F. Additionally, this line of coatings has excellent non-stick properties, extended service life due to excellent durability, FDA approval for direct food contact, and chemical and abrasion resistance. Application Process For best application, apply to aluminum oxide grit blasted metal substrate. If grit blasting is not appropriate, the coating can be applied to a smooth, clean surface. Spray applied primer is force-dried (Ref. 5-8 min. at 120–150 °C (248–302 °F). The temperature of the primer should be between 35–45 °C (95–113 °F) before application of the topcoat. The total system should include a minimum of 5 min. at 428 °C (802 °F) or 3 min. at 435 °C (815 °F) (metal temperature). Peak temperature should not exceed 440 °C (824 °F). See Fact Sheet for complete application information. Marketing Material To download this information in a PDF, click here. For more information on this coating system, call Intech Services, Inc. at (302)366-8530 or visit our website here.

What to do with Waste?

Ever wonder about what you should really be doing with the waste that comes from the pretreatment process?

• Oil, grease, metals, and pH are the most common environmental reporting concerns
• Sludge and contaminant buildup may call for a regular clean-out of the cleaner and phosphate stages
• The waste treatment process usually just needs adjustments in pH and flocculation

For accurate information on acceptable results, contact a treatment chemical or waste equipment supplier.

Automotive Industry Market Segment Interview: Chris Lord

Chris Lord is the segment leader for Teflon™ applications in the Automotive industry. We sat down and talked to him about applications of Teflon finishes in the automotive world. Read on to find out about current and future uses of Teflon coatings within this industry.

Q: What are the most common problems within the Automotive industry?

Chris: A main reason automotive manufacturers and suppliers consider Teflon™ products is to resolve noise, vibration, and hardness (NVH) situations which are common with automobiles. NVH are sources of complaints or results of premature wear that can greatly affect quality ratings and future sales of automotive manufacturers.

There are also opportunities to create efficiencies in the automotive plants where tooling maintenance is frequent. Reducing this maintenance can lead to increased plant safety and cost savings.

Q: How do Teflon™ coatings solve these problems
Chris: Flagship Teflon™ S products such as 958G-303 and 958G-203 provide inexpensive options that are a perfect fit for intricate automotive components produced in high volumes. For in-car parts, OEM’s are looking for coatings with high lubricity, thermal stability, and durability that can be applied in a relatively simple manner. Our one-coat Teflon™ S products fit these requirements.

Q: What is one specific coating or coating system that provides lubricity with great abrasion resistance?Chris: Our PTFE dry lubrication line is very robust with a variety of thick and thin film options to choose from. 958G-303 is an industry standard and has been used for dry lubrication for many years. In 2016, Intech Services began offering the abrasion resistant version of 958G-303 called 958G-313, and the response to this coating has been very favorable. For thicker film applications, we recommend using 958G-414. This coating system would be the ultimate option for applications that allow 2 mils dry film thickness (dft) or more.

Q: What trends are you seeing in the automotive industry?
Chris: CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards continually push automobile manufacturers to improve miles per gallon (mpg), which is why Ford transitioned to using aluminum (lighter metal) for the F-150. By 2025, automobile manufacturers are required to average 54.5 mpg across their fleet of vehicles. Because of these standards, more and more alternative fuel vehicles are being introduced into the market. Additionally, improved resistance to corrosion will always be stressed within the automotive market.

For further information on Teflon coatings in the automotive industry, contact market segment leader Chris Lord at (302) 366-8530 x 104 or clord@intechservices.com.

Meeting Salt Spray Performance Requirements

Have you been having trouble achieving Salt Spray performance requirements? Are you unsure what to do or where to look?

Improving the process line can be confusing and complicated. Take these steps to enhance Salt Spray performance:

1. Evaluate the process and establish if anything has changed about the incoming piece (either the incoming soil or the metal).
2. Determine if anything has changed within the wash process (focus on the cleaning stage).
3. Check for correct concentrations, nozzle performance and alignment, temperatures, and bath cleanliness.
4. Make sure that the pretreatment coating is still up to the desired conditions (differences in color, blotchiness, etc.)
5. Ensure quality of rinse water.

Many problems with Salt Spray performance can be traced back to an inefficiency of cleaning. Signs of this inefficiency are often found at the exit stage of the rinse cycle. In terms of the rinse water, the coating will be as clean as the last fluid it encountered. Rinses that are contaminated can result in salt deposits that reduce Salt Spray performance radically and interfere with the adhesion of coating.

New Teflon™ Product & Market Guide!

Need an ultimate guide to everything Teflon™? We know that choosing just the right coating for your products can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing. It is important to us to share input and educate our customers so they can use Teflon™ coatings to the best of their abilities.

This desire to always keep our coaters up-to-date with the latest information was the driving force for the creation of the Teflon™ Product & Market Guide. This guide is filled with valuable information about Teflon™ products, property data, and markets that the coatings may be used in. If you’re looking for answers and want to know what the most effective coating for your application is, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, this guide will help you to ensure that the coating you choose is within your shop’s capabilities. To download the Teflon™ Product & Market Guide for free now, visit this registration page!

Oil and Gas Industry Segment Interview: Chris Dohl

Q: What are the common problems within your industry? Chris: Corrosion is the most common issue in the Oil and Gas industry, particularly in subsea applications. Along with corrosion, lubricity for metal on metal surfaces also poses a problem. Many steel components are exposed to harsh environmental conditions that cause galling and overall component failures. Corroded threaded fasteners and other large componentry cause massive down time and costly maintenance. Q: How do Teflon™ coatings solve these problems? Chris: We have a series of coatings that prevent corrosion and provide enough slip to prevent galling that frequently occurs on threaded bolts, fasteners, and large oil and gas equipment. Q: What is one specific coating or coating system that has impressive resistance against corrosion for oil and gas industry applications? Chris: The 857G series has impressive corrosion resistance at very thin levels. Depending on your basecoat, achieving 3000 hours of salt spray is possible with the 857G at a thickness of only .8mils. This coating is also resistant to hydraulic fluids, aggressive rig wash products, has very good UV stability, and has a consistently lower coefficient of friction than uncoated threaded components and fasteners. Chemours developed a water based coating series specifically designed for Oil and Gas applications. These one coat systems can be coated as thin as .8mils but can be coated as thick as 4.5 mils to prevent corrosion in harsh environments like the Gulf Coast, Northern Africa, the North Sea, and other corrosive coast lines. Q: What new coating applications are on the horizon in the oil and gas industry? Chris: Currently the R&D team is working to develop a cermet primer and topcoat system that will enable fasteners and other componentry to withstand upwards of 10,000 salt spray hours. Enhancing the coating system’s corrosion protection while maintaining a very thin build up is a constant challenge for the R&D team. Q: Are there new technologies in development for this industry? Chris: Chemours is currently evaluating how traditional coatings in the Teflon™ product line can replace linings and other exotic metal and coating systems to prevent corrosion. Chemours recently developed a process to properly apply corrosion protection coatings inside of very narrow diameter tubes.  This process has the potential to save OEM’s significant money on existing applications. Q: What associations are you involved in within the industry? Chris: NACE, the National Association of Corrosion Engineering has been an excellent organization in understanding the latest industrial trends, test methodology, products, and applications that focus on corrosion protection. Regardless of the economy, rust never stops, and NACE allows the industries brightest engineers, chemists, and general technologist members to focus on preventing corrosion. If you may have any questions or inquiries for Chris about the oil and gas industry, email chris@intechservices.com or call (302)366-8530 x 103.

Best Pretreatment for Your Application

Most frequently, iron phosphate is used to pretreat powder coating, but other materials can be used as well. The reason that people choose to utilize iron phosphate is its usability with almost all substrates. Often, powder coatings will show improvements in performance over liquid paint when iron phosphate is used to pretreat.

A more costly process used for higher-end products is zinc phosphate. This process does have downfalls of using heavy metals, producing sludge, and needing added washer stages, yet sometimes is necessary if the desired performance is not accomplished with iron phosphate.

Teflon™ Pioneer Interview Series: Artie McElwee

We continue the pioneer series with a spotlight on a devoted Teflon™ coater with significant accomplishments in the industrial coatings field. All pioneers in the Teflon coatings industry are early adopters of the coatings and have helped to shape the way Teflon has grown and evolved as a reputable industrial fluoropolymer. With the vision and ingenuity of all pioneers, Teflon coatings continue to be regarded as the elite fluoropolymer of choice. This interview spotlights Artie McElwee of Toefco® Engineered Coating Systems, Inc. Through innovation and diversification, Toefco® strives every day to provide quality products and quality services with excellent delivery at a fair price. A family-owned and operated company for over 60 years, Toefco has been a frontrunner in coating application services. With the capacity to spray over 400 types of coatings and bake them in their 20+ ovens, Toefco has the capability to handle almost any coating project. Q:When was your company founded? Who founded it?A: The late Jim Jaden founded Toefco in 1955. For over 60 years, we have continued to stand behind our coating solutions and have engineered spray coating solutions for nearly any component you can think of. Q:What was the first significant piece of equipment you purchased?A: My family took over the company in 1994. The first significant pieces of equipment we purchased were new air compressors, air dryers, air and water separators, and filtration equipment. Q: How would you describe changes in the company from when it started to today? A: The list is long. The company is light-years ahead of where it first began, largely due to technological advances. Industrial equipment such as state of the art spray booths, robotics, and regenerative thermal oxidizers for the environment all play a part in the changing aspects of our business. These have all served as significant pieces of equipment and have been major investments towards the future of Toefco Engineered Coating Systems, Inc. Q: What would you consider significant milestones in your company? A: I consider the growth of Toefco, adding on to the facility and finding a great, great group of people to contribute to the company to be significant highlights within the last few years especially. We’re in the process of a big milestone right now. We’re just finishing a 20,000 square foot satellite facility only a mile away. This facility will accommodate our growth and expansion with our current customer base and support the new business that we’ve been awarded. In addition, we have built our state of the art equipment, which has the capability of coating and curing a 750 lb part, so that we can meet the needs of both new and existing customers. To see footage of our expansion, check out this video. Q: How has the coating industry itself changed over time? How have you seen it change over time? A: The coating industry is constantly evolving, particularly due to increasing environmental concerns. High-performance coating manufacturers have had to be progressive and get away from PFOAs and other constituents in these materials. These companies have strived to protect the environment and maintain earth-conscious practices, which has inspired a lot of change. Q: When did you get your LIA license? A: We got our LIA license well before I became a part of the Toefco team, and I’ve been here about 22 years. I believe we earned our LIA license in the early 1960s. Q: How has being an LIA affected your company? A: Being an LIA with Chemours has been very positive. Additionally, what Intech Services has done for our company has put us on the forefront as an LIA. Intech’s service and support as well as lead generation and opportunities we’ve been able to get have been significant. Their technical support and environmental help have really broadened our reach to customers. Q: What is your favorite Teflon™ coating? A: There are so many of them. The 851 Series and the 959G are great coatings. Tefzel is also a fabulous coating. As an applicator, we are committed to picking the best technology to solve the problem for the customer. Q: What excites you about the future of the coating industry? A: What excites me most are the opportunities that come with technological advancements as well as the progression towards more of a green thumb by lowering VOC content. Regulations are inevitable in our industry and causing it to progress and change. Several industries, such as car manufacturing, tractor manufacturing, and food processing are all increasingly regulated, giving us the opportunity to aid in their needed change. In the powder coating industry, we provide solutions such as fretting, galling, non-stick, corrosion resistance, and many more. What excites us at Toefco is being able to solve the problems that those within the industry did not have back in the day. Now that these industries are under regulation, Teflon produces new process solutions to create better results. For questions and inquiries for Toefco, please visit their contact us page, or contact Artie McElwee directly at Artie@toefco.com.

The Importance of Phosphating

Phosphating is a process that uses an acid to remove parts of the metal substrate and re-deposit a layer of material that is a combination of the phosphate, metal substrate, and other metals. The new material sticks to the surface of the metal and provides a good coating base.

The surface created firmly adheres to the metal, provides better corrosion inhibition, increases surface area, and ensures that the powder coating will stick. With phosphating, the good coating base extends the working life of the piece.

Intech's July 4th BBQ and Farewell to Ben Murrow

On June 29^th, the staff of Intech Services took part of the busy workday to relax and celebrate the Independence of America, as well as to wish Ben Murrow, one of our Teflon™ team staples, good luck and farewell on his next adventure in Paris, France.

Everyone pitched in to create a plentiful feast, with appetizers such as pasta salad, guacamole, caprese salad, and several dips, as well as hot dogs, hamburgers, and crabs for the main course. After indulging in all the refreshments, the Intech team burned some calories challenging each other to competitive rounds of cornhole and ladder ball. It was a perfect setting for connecting, camaraderie, and offering our best to Ben.

Ben Murrow has been a team member of Intech Services for about 2 years and will be sorely missed. We wish him the best of luck as an American in Paris and know that he will soak up all of the wonderful, new experiences that await him. Au revoir Ben!