Customer Input

From Jason
Chemplate Custom Coatings
Nashville, TN

Jason wanted to let us know that while he has been applying our coatings for quite a while, in the Automotive field, and that his business is also attracting Industrial accounts. Sanford Corp makers of Sharpe pens and Rubbermaid Products among others, approached Chemplate regarding the possibility of coating some of their packaging equipment to reduce friction and wear. Jason used Cermalube and the customer is very satisfied with Jason's work and our product.

Connecting Rod Coatings

Is it possible to run bearing-less Rods? At the MPMC Conference we were showing a prototype of such a rod. This program is still in its infancy, but shows promise in race applications. By eliminating the rod bearing, both a slight reciprocal weight savings can be realized and the issues surrounding tolerance changes, while the engine is running, are significantly reduced. Plus it means one less part to mess with. When you consider that most Competitors are running coated bearings, the question must be asked why a coating can't be applied directly to the Rod and the Journal.

There seems to be no reason why this can't be done. The coating provides the friction reduction, so why have a bearing? On a street engine it may not be as practical, as the bearing is somewhat of a sacrificial piece, absorbing both debris and damage, to save a more expensive part, the Crankshaft. In a race application if significant damage occurs to the bearing the Crank is generally damaged as well. If the coating is providing a significant layer of protection, it may mean the bearing is not needed. We will keep you updated as this is examined.

MPMC Conference

WE just attended the MPMC conference in L.A., Calif. This was an opportunity to meet with Editor's and Writers from all the Major Publishers. This show is the source of many of the articles that will be appearing this year. From the discussions we had, there will be a significant number of such articles and Tech Line will have input in these articles. This is one of the best ways to promote coatings and help develop customer confidence. If any customer has had a really good experience with the coatings please let us know and we may be able to get it included in one of the stories.

Advertising Program

Tech Line will be contacting Approved Applicators over the next week or so, regarding an advertising program being developed. If you do not receive a copy of the program in the mail please call for the information. This will be a co-operative program allowing all of us to pool our resources to gain the best exposure for our advertising dollars.

TLC4Metal

Tech Line now has two metal repair compounds available. The first material is an air, curing product that will handle temps up to 425f. It can be machined, drilled, tapped and does not out gas when another coating is applied over it. The second formulation is good to temperatures in excess of 1000f. This will be available only to shops. These materials require a 300f cure. Both products allow you to repair or reshape parts that have either been damaged or where you want to alter the shape or contour. A thinner will also be available that will allow a thin film to be applied to mask areas that have received repair work and will give a uniform appearance. Call for more information.

Send e-mail to the editor: Leonard Warren