Welcome to Techlines: May 1999

WBX

In a previous newsletter we described a new black coating for exhaust systems. This went by the designation "WBX". When originally formulated and tested the coating was a one-part material. However we have found that after storage the properties change.

The primary change is in the appearance and texture. The coating was designed to be a shinny black with a smooth surface. The coating does not come out with this appearance if it has been stored for more than 1 week. Rather it has a flat black finish and stains easily. To solve this we are now packing it as a 2 part.

It still requires an oven cure at a minimum of 500f. However when blended just before spraying it does impart the desired finish. WBX is an excellent thermal barrier and is color stable to very high temperatures. It may be sued as a single coat material, though increased thermal barrier may be achieved by applying over MCS.

Under Body Insulator

As mentioned in a previous newsletter we are working on an under body insulator. The initial test results have been very encouraging. The test results and method were as follows;

Two standard metal test panels were placed on a wire rack directly over the heating element. The rack was approximately ½" above the heating element. Each plate was the same distance above the heat element and covered the same area of the element. A ¾" gap was left between each test panel. One panel was coated, on the

side towards the heating element, the other was uncoated. The element was then turned on. The coating thickness was approximately .0015"

When the element surface temperature exceed 750f we allowed 5 minutes to pass, with the heating element still turned on. We then measured the temperature of the air rising between the plates. The air temperature measured 350f. To determine how effective this coating was, we then measured the surface temperature of the back of both plates. The temperature of the coated plate was 80f cooler than the uncoated plate.

This mimicked very closely the actual conditions found in a vehicle floor board, over a header, except that the test plates were thinner than an actual floor board. We feel that the light weight combined with the ease of application will make this coating very attractive to the racers who are experiencing severe heat problems in the vehicle.

TEFLON COATING

While we normally avoid PTFE (Teflon) coatings for performance applications, there are certain applications where the use of PTFE can be beneficial.

TECH LINE is currently developing a line if PTFE coatings that will provide excellent release, a smooth soft feel and a durable surface. The primary binders will be water based and have a cure temperature of 300f. This allows the use of this type of coating without the high cure temperatures normally associated with PTFE coatings. This system will be available initially in a gray color. Black, blue and other colors will be developed in the future.

Initial interest in these coatings has come from two areas. The first is as a coating for carburetor bodies and venturies. The second calls for their application on chassis and suspension members for ease of cleaning and to provide non-stick properties.

Major Manufacturers

Currently TECH LINE is working with three well known manufacturers of automotive components. We are not at liberty at this time to release the names. However we can tell you that they include,

• An exhaust system manufacturer
• A manufacturer of piston rings
• A manufacturer of O.E.M. and replacement pistons.

Testing is proceeding with a university in Washington State on the thermal capabilities of TLTD. This was sparked by the interest of an O.E.M. and aftermarket radiator manufacturer, whose own testing showed impressive gains in thermal efficiency.

TEST FACILITY

We hope to have our test facility up and running shortly. We have just added an oven capable of 2000f for thermal testing of high temperature coatings. We still are in need of either/or a Tabor abrasive test wheel, a Falex test fixture and a four ball roller, test fixture. If anyone has contacts with used equipment dealers please pass on their names and phone numbers.

NEW FACILITY

Due to continued growth of sales and volume, creating the need for more room, TECH LINE is currently looking for land in the area of our current location. We will advise if and when our address and/or phone numbers change.

Send e-mail to the author: Leonard Warren

Back to HOME / Back to TechLines Index

Site design by AndComp Technologies www.andcomp.com
Copyright 2000 Tech Line Coatings, Inc.