Quick cure for sign problem

When a metal packaging manufacturer decided to improve safety by applying new floor traffic and safety signs, RapidShield UV-curable floor coating technology provided a solution, without disrupting production

As part of an ongoing safety improvement programme, a metal packaging manufacturer decided to apply new factory floor safety signs.

However, its health and safety officer had ongoing issues with the floor coatings previously used for this purpose. They had faded and broken down quickly and there were slip issues. The life of any new lines identifying gangways and storage areas needed to be increased.

The plant runs 24/7 - 365 days a year and with such an around-the-clock operation, the company could not afford any disruption or downtime while the work was carried out.

Aggressive cleaning agents are sometimes used to clean spillages of the products used during production so any floor coating must be able to cope with this. Some areas, where water is carried through from delivery and despatch bays during bad weather need enhanced anti-slip properties; and it was vital that clear demarcation lines be maintained to identify storage areas.

Technology has made a dramatic impact on the floor coating industry - not least in terms of developing fast curing coatings, so after researching the options, line marking specialist Quality Marking Services (QMS) was approached for recommendations. A series of trials confirmed that by using the RapidShield UV-curable high performance floor coating system, the company would minimise disruption and reduce line replacement and ongoing cleaning costs.

Once applied by roller or squeegee to a prepared, clean floor, RapidShield is cured by a portable unit that emits UV-light, turning the coating into a solid film which creates a strong bond to the substrate. This fast cure means that within minutes, the floor can be used again.

Its one-component formulation is a blend of oligomers, monomers, additives, photo initiators and pigments that produce a film with cross-link density that when exposed to UV light hardens almost instantaneously, leaving a gloss surface with a balance of hardness and flexibility. The final finish can be modified to produce a matte finish and/or enhanced skid and slip resistance. It can be used on floors exposed to direct sunlight without fading or the loss of gloss.

Having prepared the area for the signs, QMS laid down masks and, using rollers, applied RapidShield coats of clear, safety yellow and anti-skid. Each coat was instantly cured by UV-light after application, creating durable 4m STOP signs and three Zebra stripes, each taking about 60min.

As RapidShield is non-flammable, low odour and contains neither solvents nor isocyanates and complies with all the latest VOC and HAP regulations, normal work patterns could continue during application and no machine was stopped or production interrupted in any way. A variety of colours is available to conveniently create stop signs, pallet bay lines, and safety markings with all of the visibility, performance and cleanability properties required.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Our products are of the highest quality and our customers have very strict quality controls, so it was vital that the application of the RapidShield flooring product did not contaminate the work areas. The ability to keep the new floor clean is also a major benefit." "The RapidShield team at QMS have been very professional from start to finish and the product is working very well, outperforming previous floor coatings. Our employees are happy that they can continue to work near the floor coating process and the loss of production is minimal.'' Tried and tested in automotive, heavy equipment manufacture, aerospace, food factories and distribution warehouses throughout Europe and the USA, RapidShield is designed for use on any new or existing concrete floor.