APO GmbH Massenkleinteilbeschichtung

INDUSTRIAL COATING OF SMALL PARTS

The coating of small to very small components in large quantities, which can be processed as bulk materials, is the focus of APO mass coating of small parts.

Thanks to our many years of experience and flexibility, we are now one of the leading suppliers for industrial coating of small parts in Germany. With state-of-the-art machines, highly qualified employees and fully automated processes, we already achieve a capacity of almost one billion coated parts per year and ensure the highest possible process reliability.

How we operate

PROCESSES

All coatings, whether coloured lacquers, decorative lacquers or bonded coatings, are sprayed onto the parts in individual batches in very fine layers using a drum process.

Pre-cleaning adapted to the respective component and subsequent plasma cleaning and activation processes ensure uniform coating application and optimum adhesion of the coating to the components. In doing so, we focus heavily on the low-pressure plasma system specially developed and patented by APO.

We offer our PWIS-free cleaning for small parts to ensure the safe use of your components in coating systems and coating processes, independently from our coating services. We are specialists and know how to deal with substances that impair paint wetting.

The APO PWIS-free cleaning processes with patented plasma technology achieve a sustainable cleaning effect. In addition to metals, they are particularly suitable for plastics and elastomers and ensure that your products are PWIS-compliant.

PORTFOLIO

COLOURED AND DECORATIVE COATINGS

They are primarily used for visual enhancement and identification. A wide variety of colours or effects, such as gloss, matt or metallic effects, can be achieved. Colour matching to other materials is also possible. We coat the widest variety of materials. Metals and plastics, whether thermoplastic or elastomer, are among our options. For elastic substrates, we naturally use elastic coatings.

 

PTFE COATINGS, BONDED COATINGS AND MORE

PTFE coatings, bonded coatings, technical plastic coatings and PFAS-free coatings are primarily used to achieve defined functional component properties. Such functional coatings optimise, protect and improve the surfaces of the products. Coatings to reduce friction, for example, facilitate subsequent assembly processes, reduce assembly forces or optimise dynamic friction properties and thus reduce component wear. They also minimise stick-slip effects and can therefore prevent noise development in many applications. Special coatings for metal parts also offer corrosion protection. Coloured bonded coatings also identify a component and prevent components from being confused during assembly. For elastic substrates, i.e. elastomers, we naturally use elastic coatings.

 

For (interim) storage of coated elastomer parts, please observe our storage instructions.

PWIS-FREE CLEANING

Our PWIS-free cleaning with wet chemical processes and patented plasma technology guarantees optimum technical cleanliness, tailored to your components and requirements, for the safe use of your components in paint shops or similarly sensitive production areas.

The cleaned components fulfil the most varied requirements for PWIS conformity in accordance with VDMA 24364 or other specifications for testing for paint wetting impairment substances.

Find out more about paint wetting and our PWIS-free cleaning here.

APPLICATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

Efficient colour and coating solutions for mass-produced small parts play an important role in a wide range of industrial sectors. Thanks to our highly efficient production planning and manufacturing processes, we are able to ensure seamless integration of the coating into our customers’ value chain – both for standard coatings and for specialised services.

You can find application examples and solutions in our technical reports and news:

  • Successful coating of silicones (German version)
    Silicones can be used in many different ways. However, due to their material structure, silicone parts have a high coefficient of friction and their surfaces are usually quite sticky, making them difficult to assemble. This makes them difficult or unreliable to coat with bonded coatings. A newly designed process including the special functional coating APO-W3 has now created an effective remedy for this problem.
  • Friction-optimised silicones for future e-mobility (German version)
    Seals and other rubber parts usually have to fulfil different requirements for use in electric vehicles. Ease of movement, low friction and a long service life are paramount here. Silicones are often the material of choice here. However, these have drawbacks due to their tendency to stick. With the APO-W3 coating, APO has created an effective solution to prepare silicone seals and silicone components for the e-mobile future.
  • Coloured functional coatings for small parts in accordance with FDA regulations (German version)
    With the new FDA-compliant colours, APO has expanded its coating portfolio for food, drinking water and pharmaceutical applications. This means that small parts can now also be colour-coded for applications where FDA conformity is required.
  • Effortless installation in electrical engineering (German version)
    Bonded coatings are widely used in industry to improve the handling and assembly of plastic components. These high-performance coatings are used wherever lubrication with oil or grease is not permitted. However, the advantages of permanent dry lubrication are still little utilised, especially in connection technology.
EFFECT COATING
  • Stationery products
  • Toys
  • Cosmetics accessories/packaging
COLOUR COATING
  • Haberdashery products
  • Cosmetics accessories/packaging
  • Construction fittings
  • Sealing components
FUNCTIONAL COATING/BONDED COATINGS
  • Automotive components
  • Sealing components
  • Damping elements
PWIS-FREE CLEANING
  • Components for the automotive industry
  • Components for coating systems
  • Components for the electronics industry