Precision stripping: restoring components and equipment without alterations
SECTORS: AUTOMOTIVE / COSMETICS
Need
We were engaged for a clear need: to remove coatings with high aesthetic and functional finishes without compromising the surface, geometries, and dimensional characteristics of the component. In traditional stripping processes (sandblasting, shot blasting, pyrolysis), interventions are invasive and involve the removal of the first layer of the base material as well. This can compromise not only the surface integrity of the part but also lead to a variation in product characteristics, with the risk of being unable to recover it and generating production waste.
This need is particularly relevant in processes requiring highly reflective finishes obtained through metallization or the application of aluminized coatings. In these contexts, even minimal contamination or deposition defects can make an entire production batch non-compliant.
In the automotive sector, this occurs, for example, on LED headlight reflectors. In the cosmetics sector, however, it frequently concerns supports and equipment used for painting caps and components with a high aesthetic impact, where the quality of the final finish must remain constant over time.
SCT SOLUTION
To meet this need, we performed a chemical stripping process capable of removing the coating without affecting the substrate of the treated part. We structured the treatment into a single cycle, lasting approximately one hour, allowing for the recovery of components and equipment without altering their geometries, surface, or functional characteristics.
The most important aspect was preserving the integrity of the component, maintaining the characteristics necessary to subject the part or support to a new processing or metallization cycle.
RESULTS ACHIEVED
– Complete removal of non-compliant or deteriorated coatings;
– Preservation of the dimensional and surface characteristics of the part;
– Reduction of waste and recovery of components and process equipment.
Other applications
– Removal of coatings (paints, colors, resins, etc.);
– Stripping of technical and micro-technical components;
– Line equipment and process components.
OPERATIONAL ADVANTAGE
The stripping intervention applies with the same effectiveness to both production components and process aids, such as line tools, conveyor components, and handling systems, allowing for the rapid restoration of elements involved in the production cycle without invasive treatments or the compliance checks typical of mechanical processes.
