Common materials that are compatible with hydrographic dipping include wood, metal, and plastic. Solera Metal Fabrication, a major metal fabrication facility in Brampton, Ontario, offering sheet metal laser cutting services, tube laser cutting services, and more, explores why these materials are compatible with hydro dipping services in this blog.
What Materials Are Compatible With Hydrographic Dipping?
Wood
Although not considered ideal at the outset, wood and wooden products can be used in hydrographic dipping. This is because wooden products have a fixed shape that can take on the pattern of the film to create a durable, aesthetic finish. Moreover, during hydro dipping services, a base coat is applied before the actual process to cover any pores on the surface.
Metal
Metal is the most compatible material for hydrographic dipping. It can be dipped in the solution to create visually striking patterns such as camo or wood grain. Of course, the most important factor to consider for metal parts is the base paint. Make sure that the base coating is suitable or compatible with the metal’s surface. Once this is established and the hydrodipping protocol is followed properly, a seamless, quality finish is guaranteed.
Plastic
Not all plastic products are compatible with the hydrodipping process. Some specific types of plastics, such as ABS, PP, PE, and EVA, are suited for this finishing process. In the case of ABS, there are chances of performing the dipping directly without using primer or base paint. This is because ABS products already have the right layer of paint on the surface.
As for PP, PE, and EVA, proper priming is essential before dipping them in film.
Conclusion
To conclude, hydro dipping services are compatible with wood, metal, and some types of plastics, even though they have different physical characteristics.
Want custom designs and prints for your project? Solera Metal Fabrication is here to assist. Apart from our custom hydro dipping services, we also offer sheet metal laser cutting, tube laser cutting services and much more. Contact us at 905-457-4777 to learn more about end-to-end fabrication services.
FAQs:
What materials are incompatible with hydro dipping?
Fabric and paper are incompatible with hydro dipping because they do not have a defined shape and are hydrophilic in nature.
Can hydro dipping be done without primer or base coating?
No, adding a primer or base coating is a vital part of hydro dipping.