Abrasion Resistant Coatings

Hard coatings or anti-scratch coatings are more properly called abrasion resistant coatings. These thin film optically clear coatings greatly improve the properties of decorative and functional plastic components throughout a wide range of industries. Our coatings are incredibly flexible and durable, meaning that they can be applied to items with low flexural strength with no risk of crazing. Plus they have chemical and solvent resistance.

A less commonly known benefit of our optical thin film coatings is their low surface energy. This translates itself into a resilience to dirt pick up. Whilst difficult to quantify, such resilience is highly desirable for decorative and functional components such as light lenses and external fixtures. To demonstrate these anti-grime properties, we applied some mud to both coated and uncoated Polycarbonate sheet. The mud was rubbed onto the Polycarbonate surface, which wouldn't happen in reality, but we wanted to ensure the mud fully wetted out the sample panels. As you can see in our video, the wet mud simply does not want to adhere to our coated surface. When allowed to dry overnight, the dry mud on the uncoated surface is difficult to remove and can be heard scratching the surface. In reality of course dirt would be deposited onto the OCT coated surface from splashes and rain, with cleaning by hosepipe.

A follow on to this is that these coatings have good anti-graffiti properties. Spray paint and marker pen will dry onto the Optically Coated surface, but are easily removed with solvents such as IPA. The advantage in having a coated surface? Simple. The coated surface will not be scratched when being cleaned, unlike an uncoated Polycarbonate surface which scratches very easily. After a few clean ups, the uncoated surface will be so scratched it will become opaque. The surface coated by us will remain optically clear. So ideal for windows, signage and protective surrounds.

What are hard coatings?

Optical Coating Technologies offers a range of optically clear abrasion resistant coatings for use on different plastics. Commonly called hard coatings, our coatings are typically used in the automotive industry for gear knob tops, switches and trim. They are also found on electronic touch-panels, signage, instrumentation and safety goggles. They are specially formulated materials which are applied to plastic substrates in liquid form and then cured using heat or UV energy.

Hard coatings can be applied using many different methods, including spray, flow, roll or dip coatings.

The benefits are:

• Superior scratch resistance and abrasion resistance - this gives materials that are already strong and versatile such as Polycarbonate a harder surface, allowing it to be used in a wider variety of applications. 
• Superior chemical resistance to plastic materials which are easily damaged by harsh chemicals.
• Excellent transparency with very low haze characteristics.
• Improved end product durability.
• Excellent adhesion.

These coatings are proven as having extremely good weatherability. Indeed, they have been shown to retain their gloss and resist chalking even under very high UV levels. Thus coated parts retain their colour and aesthetic qualities. The coatings are also very durable.

Other properties can also be included such as UV resistance, Anti-microbial properties and anti-glare.

The actual level of abrasion and chemical resistance can also vary depending on how the hard coating is formulated - some coatings can offer a lower abrasion resistance but in doing so can offer an extended life under external weather conditions.

Hard Coatings can be applied to many substrates including Polycarbonate, PET, PVC, PMMA and PETg in sheet form or mouldings.

To find out which is the best solution for your needs, call Optical Coating Technologies on 01827 63489 or email us on info@optical-coatings.com.