Contract Coating Manufacturers: What Do They Cover?

If you’ve looked into coating services recently, you may have heard of contract coating manufacturers. But what does contract coating cover, compared to in-house coating? Conversion Technologies International is here to answer that question.

Where can I find a contract coating manufacturer?

While certain contract coating manufacturers specialize in industrial coating only, some offer a more diverse range of services. If you think you might need options in the future, it could be a good idea to work with a manufacturer who’s ready to change tactics as needed. With that in mind, you won’t be looking for a contract coating manufacturer, so much as a more generalized contract manufacturer.

Custom contract manufacturers aren’t limited to working in one part of the world. Essentially, a contract manufacturer acts as a type of outsourcing provider. Rather than processing goods internally, you’ll pay the manufacturer to handle it for you. In the past, it was more common for businesses to work with third party manufacturers located in close proximity. However, this can be greatly limiting. Furthermore, it means in a post-Internet world, there’s really no need for you to reside close to your manufacturing partner. This gives you more flexibility, ensuring that you get to work with the right partner, rather than simply the most convenient one.

You’ll want to work with a company that will not only handle contract manufacturing services, but offer much-needed expertise. With that in mind, explore a company’s history before you commit. Ask questions and read testimonials. Look for recommendations from fellow business owners. An experienced company will be able to provide the information you need.

Furthermore, when you work with a company like CTI, you’ll have a consultation beforehand. It’s not just about you getting your questions answered. It’s also about ensuring that you and your manufacturing partner are a match. A responsible manufacturer will assess your needs before allowing you to sign a contract and make a final decision.

What kind of equipment do we use for coating?

The type of equipment we use depends heavily on the type of coating services you require. While some coating machines are more popular than others, we don’t “choose” equipment based on our preferences. Rather, we select the equipment in deference to your needs. When you work with a wide-ranging manufacturer like CTI, you have the benefit of our expansive resources. We have a range of machines and tools available, among them:

• Meyer rod and knife-over-roll coater
• Hot melt spray coater
• Hot roll coater
• Gravure coater
• Belt laminator
• Slot die coater
• And more!

Why do we maintain so many options? We want to be able to provide both hot melt adhesive and water-based coating systems. This range of equipment enables us to accommodate a wider range of clients.

One of the reasons why we cover so many processes at CTI is that we know many of our clients need the option of choice. As your business grows, so too will your personal requirements. Our goal at CTI is to be able to grow with you, and to serve your needs as your business shifts.

How does toll coating work?

When you think about “toll coating”, it isn’t that the process itself is strictly different from contract coating. Technically speaking, a contract coating manufacturer will run through the same processes as a toll coating manufacturer. Where they differ is in the business arrangement, and that’s what you need to take into account when making your decision.

As we said, a typical contract manufacturer will agree upon a contract with you as the client. According to the terms of the contract, your manufacturer will process the product and provide you with the final result. While you’ll help tailor the contract ahead of time—to the extent that you wish—the rest you’ll leave to the manufacturer.

A toll manufacturer handles things a bit differently. The key difference lies in the materials. While both manufacturers handle the processes themselves, a toll manufacturer allows you to select the raw materials involved. Why is this preferable among certain business owners? For one thing, some prefer to maintain a bit more control, and toll manufacturers allow for that. For some, if you have a preset deal with a provider, maintaining that relationship may save you money. Ultimately, you must make a decision based on your specific needs and those of your business.

What are three types of industrial coating?

While there is a vast array of coating types, some are more prominent than others. The basic types of industrial coating include:

• Polyurethane coatings. The coatings have a thin, but strong quality. They’re often used as top coats, and they perform well regardless of lighting. They can withstand submergence, while also withstanding the challenges that come with direct sunlight exposure.
• Zinc coatings. While zinc may not immediately seem like a coating, the right solutions certainly come in handy. They (unsurprisingly) have a high amount of zinc dust, which makes them more practically applicable as primers.
• Epoxy coatings combine an epoxy base and a curing agent. The combination of these elements makes them chemical-resistant. However, they’re vulnerable to sunlight, which makes them a better fit for dark spaces.

What do I need to do next?

Now that you know a bit more about contract coating, we recommend reaching out directly for more information. Call CTI at 419-924-5566 for more info, or reach out here. If you have questions, we have answers!