StandoxStandox Seminar 3Seminar 3Painting Plastics

Part 1Part 1The Theory of Plastics

What is plastic ?

Plastic, refers to any synthetic organic material that can be moulded under heat, and pressure, into a shape that is retained after the heat and pressures are removed

First Plastics

° GRP - Glass Reinforced Plastic° Laminated, resin bonded structure° Easily formed° Easily painted° Surface cracking problematic

Which Automotive Plastics exist ?

Thermoplastics :- When heated become malleable without sustaining major chemical changes they can be molten down & dissolved

Thermosets :- Are cross-linked materials that will not fuse or dissolve

Colour Achievement° First Generation Bumpers were Pre-coloured plastic, in the tones Black or Grey° This colouring method was

severely limiting due to the plastic blend used

Why are Plastics used in Automotive engineering ?

Save WeightSave Weight

Save EnergySave Energy

Increase SafetyIncrease SafetyIncrease ComfortIncrease Comfort

Reduce NoiseReduce Noise

Reduce MaintenanceReduce Maintenance

Extend Service lifeExtend Service life

Plastic Recycling

° Most Plastics Can be Recycled

Plastic Repairs° Repairing Plastics is often demanded

by Insurance companies in some Countries.

Various repair techniques exist such as ° Plastic Welding° Plastic Bonding° Chemical bonding

Parts Repair off the Vehicle° Most structural repairs must be

carried out off the vehicle° Inside areas may need special

attention to maintain their strength

Why Paint a Plastic Part ?° To help Bond the Surface

° To Protect, improve and maintain its surface.

° To prevent degradation due to the environmental factors.

Styling & Plastic Parts

Painted Plastics enhance styling through -° Apperance & Colour° Improved Gloss° Easier maintenance° Special effects° Two Tone styling

Colour also Provides

Gloss

Smoothness

Flexibility

Durability Characteristics

Painted Plastic parts exhibit improved -

° Weathering resistance ° Scratch resistance° Anti-chipping resistance° Acid/Alkyd - chemical resistance