April 14, 2021
Oxford Advanced Surfaces, (OAS), in the surface preparation of plastic and composite components for painting and lacquering market, has developed a new treatment called KOTEFAST, it says reduces surface preparation time by 90 percent compared to the existing approach of sanding. It is available in a water-based formulation, avoiding the need to use solvents.
KOTEFAST was tested on a truck panel and the treatment was recorded at less than 15 minutes. An identical panel took three hours to prepare using the usual method of manual sanding, indicating a time saving of more than 90 percent, the company says.
KOTEFAST also delivered a significant improvement in quality, enabled by the consistency of its straightforward spray application process, OAS says. The adhesion of the paint or coating to the substrate is improved as the KOTEFAST chemically bonds to both using the company’s proprietary “Onto” technology.
Application by spray allows even difficult areas, such as internal corners, difficult angles and blind voids to be easily prepared, leading to improved quality finish compared to sanding including on complex parts.
As well as being available in a water-based formulation, KOTEFAST avoids environmental challenges which arise with sanding dust.
“Having a water-based treatment that reduces surface preparation time by 90 percent could be a game changer,” says Dr. Jon-Paul Griffiths, Chief Technology Officer, OAS. “At a stroke, we have improved the efficiency and productivity in the preparation of plastic and composite parts for painting and lacquering. KOTEFAST has been tested rigorously and is already being used by two OEMs, and we are now working closely with other OEMs and other customers to plot a course for its full integration.”
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