To ensure the service life and functionality of a lift table in the long term, effective protection against the effects of the weather is essential. Various corrosion protection methods are available for this purpose, each of which has specific advantages and disadvantages.
Wet painting
Wet painting is one of the most common methods of corrosion protection for scissor lift tables and goods lifts. A liquid paint containing binders, pigments, solvents and additives is applied to the surface.
Spray painting is often used in industry. In this process, the paint is atomized into fine droplets using compressed air, which - when applied correctly - creates an even and high-quality surface.
A major advantage of wet painting is that it is easy to touch up: Minor damage can be easily repaired with a brush or roller without having to replace the entire coating.
The disadvantages, however, are the comparatively low resistance to abrasion and scratches, the long drying time and the environmental impact of the solvents used.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Less expensive than powder coating | Less resistant to abrasion and scratches |
| Easy to touch up - minor damage can be easily repaired | Environmental impact due to solvents |
| Offers good corrosion resistance depending on the paint composition | Longer drying times |
Powder coating
The first steps of powder coating are similar to wet painting: First, the components are cleaned and degreased to ensure optimum adhesion. An electrostatically charged powder coating is then sprayed onto the surface.
In contrast to wet painting, the powder is then baked at temperatures of 160 to 200 °C
Powder coating offers several advantages over wet painting. It is more resistant to corrosion and scratches. It also requires no solvents, which makes it more environmentally friendly.
However, it is difficult to touch up powder coatings, as repairs often lead to visible color deviations. The coating can also be damaged by strong mechanical impacts, such as knocks or bumps.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High resistance to corrosion, scratches and weathering | Sensitive to mechanical damage - for example from knocks |
| More environmentally friendly than wet painting - no solvents | Difficult to touch up - repairs often lead to visible color deviations |
CDC coating (cathodic dip coating)
Cathodic dip coating (CDC) is an electrochemical coating process in which the cleaned components are immersed in a paint bath. The positively charged paint particles migrate to the negatively charged components and are deposited there. Excess paint is then removed and the components are heated in an oven at 160 to 200 °C.
A major advantage of CDC coating is that even cavities can be reliably protected against corrosion. The process is also particularly suitable for mass production as it can be easily automated.
The disadvantages are the comparatively low coating thickness and the limited choice of colors. This is why cathodic dip coating is often only used as a primer and combined with other processes such as wet painting or powder coating.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High corrosion resistance | Less abrasion-resistant than powder coating |
| More environmentally friendly than conventional wet painting | Limited color selection |
Hot-dip galvanizing (dip galvanizing)
Hot-dip galvanizing is similar to CDC coating, but uses a 450 °C zinc bath instead of a paint bath. The zinc diffuses into the material and forms a stable, impact-resistant bond. This process is particularly suitable for lift tables used outdoors, as it offers the best corrosion protection.
A disadvantage is the comparatively high cost, both for the actual coating process and for the preparation of the components. In addition, the strong heat exposure during the dipping bath can lead to component distortion, which must be corrected afterwards. As this process does not enable direct coloring, it can be combined with powder coating to meet visual requirements.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Excellent corrosion protection - ideal for outdoor use | Less visually appealing - rough and uneven surface |
| Self-healing properties - protects against small scratches due to zinc oxide formation | Can flake off due to mechanical stress |
| Long service life | Reworking difficult |
Stainless steel
In addition to the coating processes mentioned, the use of stainless steel can also be an alternative. If the correct material is selected, stainless steel offers particularly high resistance to corrosion and chemicals. It is therefore preferred for use in hygienically sensitive areas such as the food and pharmaceutical industries.
However, stainless steel is also associated with higher material and processing costs, which means that it is only economical in special cases - especially when other corrosion protection methods are not sufficient. A stainless steel scissor lift table, for example, can be up to four times more expensive than a comparable model made of powder-coated construction steel.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Highest resistance to corrosion and chemicals | High acquisition costs and expensive processing |
| Ideal for hygienically sensitive areas - preferably in the food and pharmaceutical industries | Not always required if there is no extreme stress |
| High-quality appearance |
Conclusion: The right corrosion protection for every application
The choice of optimum corrosion protection depends largely on the area of application of the scissor lift table or goods lift:
- Standard industrial use: A complete powder coating ensures robust corrosion protection.
- Outdoor use: For components that are exposed to the weather (e.g. platform and base frame), hot-dip galvanizing offers the most reliable protection.
- Food and hygiene sector: Stainless steel is the best choice for components that come into contact with food or sensitive environments.
Thanks to the various protection methods, we can offer a customized and efficient solution for every area of application.
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