SHOT BLASTING AND LIQUID COATING
Flexible coating for large-scale components and demanding environments
Large components often require more than a standard coating cycle. Size, weight, complex geometry and specific technical requirements can all influence the way a part needs to be prepared, coated and inspected.
OMC Axles & Trailers manages these applications in-house through a dedicated liquid coating area, separate from the powder coating line. The area includes a dedicated shot blasting booth, three liquid coating booths and one drying booth, allowing the process to be adapted to the requirements of each component.
Every part is assessed according to its structure, final application and project specifications. This allows OMC to define the most suitable cycle in terms of surface preparation, primer, finish, coating thickness and quality controls.
With dedicated 17 x 6 m booths, OMC can process large industrial components such as containers, shelters, skids, base frames and chassis, including parts that exceed the size or weight limits of the powder coating line, such as items over 2,000 kg or larger than 7,000 x 2,500 x 1,200 mm.
Surface preparation tailored to each application
A high-performance liquid coating starts with the right surface preparation. Before coating begins, each component is assessed according to its material, condition, operating environment and any applicable standards or project specifications.
OMC works with carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium components. Depending on the application, parts may undergo automated shot blasting with metallic grit or manual shot blasting in a dedicated booth. When required, a four-stage washing cycle is used to remove oxides, mill scale, contaminants and previous coatings, leaving a clean, stable surface ready for primer adhesion.
For liquid coating projects, mechanical preparation can be carried out in a dedicated manual shot blasting booth located near the coating and drying booths. This keeps the preparation stage within the liquid coating area, while maintaining a separate workflow from the continuous powder coating line.
When automated blasting is required, the process can achieve Sa2, Sa2.5 and Sa3 preparation grades, ranging from the removal of surface residues to full surface cleaning with a uniform micro-etched profile.
Where chemical preparation is needed, components can go through a four-stage washing cycle: hot phospho-degreasing, mains-water rinsing, demineralised-water rinsing and passivation, followed by controlled drying.
Once preparation is complete, the component moves through the liquid coating cycle for primer application, finishing and drying.
Primer and finish systems built around the application
OMC liquid coating is based on a primer and finish cycle. The primer is specific to the liquid coating process and differs from the materials used in powder coating. It promotes finish adhesion, creates a more uniform substrate and contributes to metal protection.
The finish is selected according to the type of component and the level of protection required. OMC uses solvent-based or water-based liquid coatings, mainly two-component systems. Depending on the application specifications, polyurethane, epoxy or acrylic enamels can be applied.
RAL colours are available on customer request, with gloss, matt or satin finishes to meet both protective and aesthetic requirements.
Manual airless application for complex components and large surfaces
OMC liquid coating is applied manually with airless spray guns, a high-pressure system that works without compressed air. This makes it especially effective for protective coatings on large industrial surfaces, where coverage, control and consistency are essential.
Manual application gives the operator the precision needed to follow the shape of each component, including critical areas, edges, details and hard-to-reach surfaces. For this reason, the process is well suited to complex geometries, small production runs, repair work, touch-ups and third-party coating services.
Drying and coating thickness control
After application, the component is dried in a dedicated drying booth, with controlled temperatures typically between 40°C and 80°C. Unlike powder coating, liquid coating does not rely on a fixed drying cycle. Drying times are defined according to the coating product, required film thickness, component mass, geometry and agreed project specifications.
Coating thickness is one of the key parameters in the process. OMC typically applies thicknesses from 60 to 320 microns, with higher values available on request. For offshore applications, up to 320 microns can be used as a technical reference, depending on the required specification.
Checks are carried out during application and after drying. Wet film thickness is verified with a wet film comb gauge, while dry film thickness is measured with a coating thickness gauge.
Quality, adhesion and process documentation
Final inspection goes beyond surface appearance. OMC checks visual quality, coating thickness, adhesion and uniformity to ensure a continuous protective layer, reliable substrate protection and a consistent final finish.
Coating reports can be provided on request, detailing the main process parameters and the checks carried out. This documentation supports industrial, marine, offshore, military and oil & gas applications where treatment traceability may be an essential part of the supply.
Why choose OMC liquid coating
Liquid coating is the right choice when the treatment needs to adapt to the component, its operating environment and the required technical specifications. Compared with powder coating, it offers greater flexibility in the choice of coating products, film thickness management and the processing of components that fall outside the standard limits of the powder coating line.
It is particularly suited to large components, heavy structures, complex geometries, small production runs, repair work, touch-ups and third-party coating services.
With its complete surface preparation and liquid coating cycle, OMC Axles & Trailers provides a flexible, controlled industrial service designed to protect metal components used in demanding working environments.
