Non-stick coatings for moving components in the packaging industry: preventing machinery downtime and optimise productivity

With automatic machines for industrial labelling, even a small change in adherence levels can lead to interruption of processes. Guide rollers, which are in direct contact with the silicone-coated paper used as backing for adhesive labels, must provide reliable, continuous and repeatable operation. Otherwise, labels can stick to rollers, wrapping around them and blocking the machine cycle. This is precisely the type of problem behind a project handled by Argos Surface Technologies for an important company operating in the packaging and automatic-labelling industry.

The goal? To create a non-stick coating that eliminates the risk of labels sticking and consequent machinery downtime, whilst also improving the durability of components.

Technical requirements: high-resistance, non-stick coatings with grip control

The customer approached Argos ST Group with a request for a non-stick surface treatment specially designed for rollers in contact with silicone-coated paper. There were two key objectives: to avoid labels sticking to rollers and blocking the line, requiring unscheduled maintenance, and to guarantee correct grip control of the adhesive element during application.

These combined requirements were anything but simple, with the need for a treatment offering exceptional non-stick properties, appropriate grip control and resistance to mechanical wear due to constant rubbing.

The solution: a composite multi-layered coating guaranteeing high performance

In the packaging industry, where adhesives, glues, silicone-coated paper and technical films are constantly used, the combination of non-stick properties and grip control represents a key factor in process maintenance.

The coatings developed by Argos ST for this industry provide:

• resistance to wear due to constant contact with sticky materials
• selective non-stick properties, avoiding label or adhesive residues
• durability and easy cleaning
• compatibility with rotating mechanical components or machinery in continuous motion.

To resolve the problem identified by the customer, the Argos ST technical team developed a custom solution, combining a composite multi-layered coating using two complementary technologies: a layer of tungsten carbide and a silicone-based polymer coating.

1. Tungsten carbide applied via thermal spraying

The initial functional layer is composed of a layer of tungsten-carbide metal applied via thermal spraying. This type of treatment guarantees:

• very high surface hardness
• optimal resistance to abrasion  and rubbing
• outstanding adhesion to metal substrate
• thermal and chemical stability even in demanding operating conditions.

2. Silicone-based polymer coating with non-stick properties

A silicone-based polymer coating was then applied to the initial layer, designed to provide:

• a surface with excellent non-stick properties
• chemical resistance to glues, adhesives and release agents
• a minimal friction coefficient
• Optimal compatibility with silicone-coated paper materials.

The combination of these two layers enabled the creation of a mechanically robust coating that also offers non-stick properties, capable of guaranteeing durability and reliability under any operating conditions.

The result: less machinery downtime and greater efficiency

Thanks to the use of this composite treatment, the customer saw a 20% reduction in machinery downtime due to blockage of guide rollers, with a direct impact on productivity and operational efficiency. This reduction has offered several clear benefits: Less unscheduled maintenance actions, less use of release agents, more regular operation of the line and quicker performance of production cycles.

Although not an absolute innovation in chemical and technical terms, this project demonstrates an outstanding ability to integrate expertise, applications experience and adaptation to the specific case.

A technical partner first and foremost

In addition to the high quality of the solution identified, the customer recognised the fast response and order handling as stand-out features of Argos ST’s services. The project was managed quickly with a precise technical and commercial approach, promoting ongoing dialogue and full access to the Argos ST team.

This approach reflects the Group’s philosophy: to work closely with customers and develop solutions that are implementable, scalable and coherent with production needs. Solutions are not “catalogue” treatments, but developed based on the functional characteristics required for the specific component and industrial environment in question.

Where there is a concrete risk of machinery downtime and margins of error are slim, the right treatment can really make all the difference.