cfs vent plug eliminates issues with pressure and leakage during coating processes

Designed for e-coating, the patented vent plug is used for plugging and/or capping part sections that connect to a cavity, creating a path to relieve air pressure while maintaining a liquid tight seal. If air is not escaping, the vent seals itself, helping to safeguard against leaks. The outer part of the design works like a standard plug and can be custom made to fit specific part geometries. In addition to e-coating, this part can also be used in powder coating and wet spray; the vent plug can withstand temperatures to 600° F (315° C).

Vent Plug for masking during powder coating and e-coating

Products Finishing magazine, which covers the finishing industry, shared an article on the vent cap at the time it was introduced to the market. Here is an excerpt from this article:

In November 2019 at the FABTECH metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing tradeshow, CFS unveiled its Vent Plug design which creates a path for air pressure to escape while simultaneously maintaining a liquid-tight seal. Brian Asik, (then) national sales manager for CFS, and inventor of this design, explains, “Plugging and/or capping parts that are connected to a large cavity has always been challenging due to the air pressure that builds up during both dry off and cure oven bake cycles." In many instances, this pressure is great enough to blow the plug or cap off of the part resulting in a masking failure.

To prevent this type of failure the part must be vented. Historically this has been accomplished simply cutting a slit in the masking plugs or caps to act as a vent. Unfortunately, this method can also lead to other masking failures. These types of failures are most commonly found during wash cycles as well as submersion processes like e-coat and plating. During the e-coat process, parts are submerged and those makeshift vents can leak, resulting in wash or coating getting inside the part. In some situations, this fluid could then slowly leak from the vent onto the part and create severe adhesion issues.

To address the problem, CFS developed a patented two-piece plug design that acts as a one-way vent. The vent allows air to escape as needed while keeping all wash and coating out. The outer part of the design works like a standard plug and can be custom-made to plug or cap any size or geometry.

Click here to read the full article.

Want to see the vent plug in action? See the video:

 

 

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