inlinepinnoitus

Inlinepinnoitus is a coating process applied to a product during its continuous production on a moving line, enabling surface treatment without intermediate handling. It integrates coating equipment into the production line and is designed for high throughput and consistent coat thickness.

Typical process steps include substrate preparation (degassing, cleaning, pre-treatment), coating application (electroplating, chemical deposition such as electroless plating, or polymer/ceramic coatings applied by spray, dip, or extrusion), curing or drying, and inline inspection. Advanced systems may use in-line metrology to monitor thickness and adhesion.

Common coating chemistries include metallic coatings (nickel, zinc, chromium), alloy coatings, and polymer or composite coatings, as well as ceramic or oxide layers for hardness or wear resistance. The choice depends on substrate type, required properties, and process compatibility.

Typical applications include metal strips and wires in automotive and electronics supply chains, tubes and profiles, packaging foils, and plastic parts requiring surface protection, adhesion promotion, or aesthetic finishes. Inlinepinnoitus is valued for reduced handling, shorter lead times, and lower environmental impact compared with batch processes.

Key considerations include achieving uniform thickness on moving substrates, controlling bath chemistry and deposition rate, ensuring robust adhesion, managing line downtime, and complying with environmental and safety regulations. Quality control often uses inline thickness gauges and non-destructive testing.