The Adhesive Toll Coating Difference: Get the Details
What sets adhesives apart from coatings? What about adhesive toll coating—how does the toll process make a difference?
You could spend hours researching these topics… or you could let Conversion Technologies International find the answers for you! Read ahead to find out what makes adhesive coatings—and toll manufacturing—unique.
What is the difference between adhesive and coating?
Chemically speaking, adhesives and coatings have a lot in common. If you compared the ingredients for both side by side, you’d find a lot of the same polymers and resins. Both products must bind to a surface, and both products can apply similarly. In certain cases, a product can function as an “adhesive coating”.
Functionally speaking, the basic difference between a coating and an adhesive is that a coating’s primary purpose is to protect or change the appearance of a surface. A coating may need to withstand corrosion—for example, many coatings can withstand extreme heat and cold. Take a protective plastic film coating, for example. This coating keeps the product involved from collapsing under damage. Furthermore, some coatings create an aesthetic difference. Think of reflective coatings, or matte coatings.
Adhesives have a somewhat more obvious function. These solutions allow us to bind products together. You can consider these products “agents”, transforming one product into another. While different adhesives are meant for different types of binding, they all have a few things in common.
What is a toll coater?
That adhesive toll coating process you were wondering about? A toll coater takes care of that. “Toll coating” is really just one of many different procedures that you can order through third party manufacturers. You’ll find two main types of third party manufacturers: contract manufacturing and toll manufacturing.
Contract manufacturing involves signing a contract that ensures the third party handles the entire manufacturing process. This means from beginning to end, you can be hands-off, while the manufacturer not only executes the procedures, but procures the ingredients. While some third party manufacturers work with their clients on development and prototyping, others take care of virtually everything.
Toll manufacturing similarly ensures you get the product you need—but in this case, you’ll procure the raw materials. Why do some business owners prefer toll manufacturing? Because it gives you a bit more control. If you have a preferred provider—due to pricing or quality or both—you can still obtain the materials necessary on your own.
Yes, we know it can be a bit difficult to imagine working with a third party manufacturer if you haven’t done so before. But remember—working with a third party doesn’t mean relinquishing involvement. When working with a responsible third party, like CTI, you’ll have all your questions answered. And beyond that, you’ll know exactly what you need to do to get the results you need.
Why should I choose adhesive toll coating services?
The benefits of choosing toll coating services, rather than handling your coating needs in-house, are numerous. Whether you need a 10’ wide coating or a 50’ wide coating, these perks remain the same. They include:
- Cost-effectiveness. One of the main benefits of third party manufacturing is cost efficiency. Rather than having to spend money on new permanent employees, training, and facilities and equipment, you’ll simply spend money on outsourcing. You’re getting everything you need while paying for less.
- When you’re not the expert, you can handle coating services—but adhesive toll coating providers can do so more consistently. Any small variation in a product can result in money and time lost. If you want the most consistent results possible, you should work with a third party manufacturer.
- When a third party expert jumps into action, we already have the process laid out in advance. There isn’t as much trial and error—you’ll get the results faster.
- If you need multiple services handled in one place, a third party is exactly what you should look for. Companies like CTI can cover everything from industrial laminating to hot melt coating. You don’t have to look for new facilities or hop from manufacturer to manufacturer. A good third party has the toll coating equipment and materials you need, all in one place. It makes the processes much easier.
Why is coating adhesion important?
Coating adhesion is important because it’s quite literally the glue that keeps a product working. If you’re referring quite literally to adhesive coating, components can’t bind together properly without the right amount of adhesive power. If you’re considering adhesive quality of a coating in general—a coating can’t function properly if it doesn’t adhere to a surface properly. The corrosion protection, aesthetic qualities, and other aspects of a coating don’t matter if the product doesn’t adhere.
If you’re uncertain about the adhesiveness of a coating, you may first want to start by consulting with an experienced toll manufacturing coating services provider. Rather than searching for answers, you can go straight to the source. At CTI, we’re ready to help you from the early planning stages onward. You don’t have to troubleshoot on your own.
Here’s how to start off on a strong foot: Call CTI at 419-924-5566 or contact us here. Get your questions answered—and see if you can start the process now.