NEWS

Mass finishing, in its most basic definition, is the same as individual parts finishing, using many of the same methods, just in mass quantities.  When metal is worked to form a shape, whether it be through laser cutting, waterjet procedures, stampings or any other of the numerous ways to shape metal, it usually comes out of the process with sharp edges, exhibiting oil or stains, surface scale , rust, as well as other defects.  The metal part has to then be either sanded, filed, washed, etc. to prepare it for its next stage, be it welding, coating or assembly.

This stage can be very expensive due to the individual handling and processing of the metal parts.  This is where mass finishing comes into play.  The goal of mass finishing is to deburr, edge-break, burnish, radius, descale, clean, de-flash, rust removal, polish, brighten or even harden the surface, but to do it in mass, to reduce the cost expenditure per part. 

Mass Finishing can be done in different machines, but usually involves compounds and media.  Compounds are used to remove stains and rust as well as to brighten parts or remove scale.    Media is used to remove burrs, remove scale, refine surfaces as well as buffer parts from one another.  Media can be plastic, metal or organic.

Several factors will determine which machine, media and compound is used.  Certain compounds will not work with certain metals.  The correct compounds can assist with the process required, lessening cycle times.  Improper sized media can become trapped in part weld joints or holes, where as improper shaped media can degrade faster or not reach into required areas.   Different machines work differently as well.

Vibratory: Vibratory mass finishing systems come in a few different configurations, including bowl designs, oval race-track designs, u-tubs as well as continuous flow through machines. Parts travel through the machine, media, compound and usually water wearing down the edges, scale, etc.  This process is much like how small rocks, sand and water wear down jagged rocks over time.

Centrifugal: Centrifugal finishing is also known as tumble or barrel finishing. Centrifugal machines lend themselves well to efficiency and automation. They operate at speeds over 300 revolutions per minute, with the bonus of no part-on-part contact. These machines achieve this by generating centrifugal force, which keeps the parts at the barrel’s periphery.  This process is also extremely efficient at polishing parts as the media gently wears on the outer surface.   With the correct media and compounds, mirror surfaces can be attained.  This process also can be used quite effectively on 3D part’s imperfections.

Latem Industries Limited has been mass finishing for over 40 years.  We would love an opportunity to assist you with your mass finishing requirements.

Polyamide 11 (PA 11), sometimes referred to as Nylon 11, is a non-biodegradable, polyamide bioplastic which is derived from vegetable oil. These renewable raw materials are also free of heavy pigments. This substance protects metal substrates like aluminum and steel, combating corrosion, abrasion, and impact-related damage. On top of being an overall “robust” coating, nylon 11 is also very good in regard to chemical and corrosion resistance.  It can be applied via electrostatic spray or by dipping in a fluidized bed.   Many companies choose nylon 11 powder coatings because they contribute a glossy, even finish to metal components, making these parts more visually appealing.  It is extremely durable and has an array of thermoplastic characteristics.  Marine industries relish the fact that Nylon 11 has proven very resistant to corrosion from sea water…some tests preventing corrosion for up to 20 years.  Although not as good as Teflon, it does have a low coefficient of friction and is not affected by UV deterioration.  Automotive, among other industries, also use nylon as a sound reducer against squeaks and rattles.

Due to the many benefits of Nylon 11, it is used in many industries, including:

• Automotive – due to its corrosion and scratch resistance, as well as appearance and sound reducing capabilities, it is used on clamps, brackets, connectors, brake lines, wire forms among many others
• Medical – due to its hygienic properties it is used on such items as: catheters, forceps, defib paddles
• Architectural – fences, railings, handles
• Agriculture – attachments, tools, hangers
• Marine – dock products, impellors, housings. fishing equipment
• Industrial – Wire forms, hangers, pulleys, rollers, fans
• Oil and Gas – underwater pipes and brackets
• Wire Products – shelving, dishwasher racks, bra clips

Nylon 11 offers many benefits in many industries:

• Chemical defense: Nylon coatings protect metals against chemical contamination, including ozone, salt spray, solvents, ultraviolet (UV) rays and hydrocarbons.
• Impact resistance: According to Charpy impact tests, nylon coatings demonstrate exceptional resistance at both low and room temperatures, meaning they can absorb impact energy without breaking.
• Prolonged life cycle: Nylon coatings for metal are weather-resistant, giving them a long-lasting service life.
• Hygienic surface: This coating is widely used for drinking water applications due to its hygienic properties.
• Abrasion resistance: Due to their high abrasion resistance, nylon coatings project a smooth and even surface finish.
• Mechanical durability: Nylon 11 is mechanically tough, with high burst strength across an extensive temperature range.

Because of its impact and abrasion resistance, its chemical defense as well as its hygienic properties Nylon 11 has many uses as a metal coating.  Latem Industries Limited has been applying Nylon 11 for well over 15 years with outstanding results.

Interested in more information on Nylon 11?  Contact Latem Industries Limited for any questions you may have.  We will be happy to assist. 

Mill scale is the flaky surface that forms on hot-rolled steel.  It is a by-product of manufacturing hot-rolled metal plates and sheets, occurring as the surface oxidizes during the heating, conditioning and hot-rolling processes.  It usually has a bluish-black appearance and can be flaky or powdery.  Due to its non-uniform texture and thickness, mill scale chips easily.

Why is Mill Scale Undesirable?

Mill scale can cause issues with next-stage processes.  Coatings you apply will chip off as the scale peels off.  Mill scale can also affect welding.  The scale behaves as a thermal and electrical insulator. Steel is a natural thermal and electrical conductor.  Therefore, by acting as an insulator, the scale diminishes puddle fluidity and creates arc instability.  Also, the impurities found in the scale, such as oxygen, can release into the steel.  This leads to increased porosity which will weaken the joint.

Removing Mill Scale from Iron or Stainless Steel?

Metal manufacturers know that shot blasting can strengthen, polish, and clean metal. It is also excellent at removing mill scale.  It is fast and cost-efficient.  In addition to removing the mill scale, the valleys and peaks created by the blast process increase surface area for the coating to adhere to.   We can apply a water based rust inhibitor that will protect the part from oxidization but will not impede welding. 

Latem Industries offers a diverse line of blasting equipment which includes monorail, tumble blast, conveyor and swing table to meet your blasting needs.  A variety of shot sizes also allows us to best suit your requirements.

So whether you require scale removal, shot peening, white metal cleaning, rust removal, casting deflashing, or a uniform finish, give Latem a chance to show you what we can do.

For further information on shot blasting, or to request a quote, please contact us or visit our webpage at www.Latem.com

In the mass finishing world, isotropic finishing refers to a component’s surface showing little or no imperfections such as grinding marks, burrs, peaks or valleys.  Webster’s definition reads “exhibiting properties with the same values when measured along axes in all directions.

Why is this smooth surface important?  Well, two of the main factors that affect a components lifespan are friction and wear, so by reducing these factors increases the parts life cycle and reduces cost.

There are many different methods of Isotropic Finishing.  It can be done by blasting, lapping and electropolishing.  However, the most common methods are done via vibratory and centrifugal barrel processes.  At Latem Industries Limited, we offer both vibratory finishing and centrifugal barrel equipment to achieve the required results. 

Vibratory processes involve submerging a part into a bowl or u-tub, along with media, water and compounds.  Media can consist of ceramic, steel, plastic…even walnut shells or corn cob.  The friction created by the media rubbing against the parts, along with the chemical accelerants/compounds creates a smooth surface.

Centrifugal Barrel processes use the same medias as vibratory finishing.  The difference with this machine is it uses a rapid rotation/g forces to finish the parts with a smooth surface. 

Manufacturing processes inherently creates stress risers and vibratory finishing reduces or removes them.  Vibratory finishing and centrifugal barrel equipment both provide a repeatable process that leaves the component with a non-directional, uniform finish at competitive pricing.

Many industries benefit from Isotropic finishing.  Medical/dental, automotive, OEM, aerospace, firearm, military and agricultural are but a few.  Let Latem Industries help you with your Isotropic Finishing requirements. Contact us today for more infomration.

One of the most common occurring casting defects, as well as with injection molding, is flash.

Flash, also known as casting fin or burrs, is any unwanted and excess material attached to a cast. It’s typically a thin sheet of metal that forms at the parting faces.

Causes of flash, fin and burrs

Flash on the casting surface is due to a crack or gap on the core surface. Insufficient weight on the mold or improper clamping of the flask can lead to a gap.

Flash can vary from minor to very serious. If it’s not too serious, manufacturers can remove flash by breaking it off with a hammer or pliers and filing it down to the parting line. However, this can be a costly process, involving labour and time that were not built into the piece price. 

Latem Industries Limited uses mass finishing technologies to remove flash, fin and burrs in a time effective, cost-efficient method.   Various methods are used depending on the material and geometry of the part.

Latem offers barrel finishing, tub vibrators, vibratory bowls, centrifugal finishers as well as tumble and conveyor blasting as a means to remove flashing.  This array of equipment allows us to process many different base materials as well as shapes, in our assistance with flash removal.

Zinc and aluminum cast parts usually require a soft metallic or resin bonded media, along with compounds to avoid gouging or impingement of parts.  Ceramic bonded media or metallic media are usually used on harder metal cast parts. 

Latem Industries Limited has been removing flashing for over 40 years.  Let us use our experience to assist you with your flash removal requirements.

Plastisol open molding has been used in various industries for years.  For example, it is used in the automotive industry as an alternative to over molding and encapsulation.  It is used in the marine industry for dock post covers and lures.  Equipment manufacturers use it to make specialized bushings.  Recreational industries use it to make toys, coat bicycle handles, among a variety of other things.

Plastisol dip coating is a process that allows a repeatable, reliable and economical coating to be applied over a metal part.  Thickness of the coating is determined by time and temperature, giving a vast array of coating thicknesses.  Colors can be matched, and many additives can be included, such as UV protection, texture, etc.

With plastisol open molding, a pre-designed mold is used to make an object, such as a fishing lure, toy or a grip for tools out of plastisol.  A pre-designed mold can also made and affixed to a metal piece, such as a pedal or handle. 

By coating a handle, such as a seat adjustment handle in a car, with an open mold of plastisol, it offers many advantages.  The “seen” portion of the handle, (the plastisol open mold) can be matched to the color of the car interior.  The plastisol open mold provides a softer surface than the metal, it is warmer to the touch and can also cover any rough or sharp edges.  The plastisol open mold can be textured as well for increased tactile sensitivity.  A major advantage is that it is usually more cost effective than over molding or an encapsulation process.

There are different methods of open molding plastisol.  To make handles that would slide over a tool or bicycle handle, a pre-heated mold is dipped into the plastisol.  The plastisol coats the outside of the mold and is then cured.  The plastisol is then removed from the mold, creating a plastisol image of the outer mold.  This sheath of plastisol is then slid onto the tool or bicycle handle. 

Another method is to pour plastisol into a mold, then cure the plastisol inside the mold.  The plastisol is then cured and removed from the mold.  This is the method used in making fishing lures, such as worms, and some toys. 

A further method is to incorporate an open mold with an existing metal piece.  For example, a car brake pedal is held by tooling with the function end (where it contacts the foot of the person) resting in a mold.  The mold is then filled with liquid plastisol.  The plastisol is cured, fusing the plastisol mold to the metal pedal.  The plastisol open mold is pulled out of the mold, completely fused to the metal arm of the pedal. 

Plastisol open molding can offer the following:

•     Matte/High/Low gloss
•     Color matching, including clear
•     Various thicknesses
•     Texture
•     Foam
•     Electrical insulation
•     High Temperature resistance
•     Flammability requirements
•     Hardness variations
•     UV Resistance

Contact Latem Industries Limited for your plastisol open molding needs.

Nobody wants rusty parts.  And nobody is happy when they find previously good parts are suddenly covered in rust.

Rust or corrosion is a significant issue in manufacturing facilities large and small, impacting resources and increasing operating costs. Rust is difficult to prevent and nearly impossible to anticipate on manufactured parts.

When rust occurs, leading manufacturers look to Latem Industries for metal finishing solutions. Here’s how we can help.

Understanding Rust

What is rust – the short answer?

Rusting is defined as the chemical process in which there is a formation of red or orange coat on the surface of the metals. Rusting is a part of corrosion.

Surface rust can be spotted or flaky and does not protect the underlying iron, which enables the oxide to grow. With enough time, oxygen and moisture will eventually convert an iron part entirely to rust and disintegrate it.

Removing Rust

Latem Industries offers various processes to remove rust or corrosion from processed parts.  Let’s review some of these options.

Shot blasting

Compared to performing rust removal by hand, shot-blasting is significantly faster. It can be very cost effective as well.  The rusty part must be free of any moisture or oils before shot blasting, so a pre-wash/dry may be required.  Shot blasting will remove rust and many coatings, if required, from metal parts.  However, it can damage threads, or delicate surface areas. 

Vibratory finishing

Vibratory finishing is ideal for parts and components made of softer metals that would be susceptible to distortion or stresses in a tumbling process.  Using a combination of water, media and compounds inside a vibratory bowl, the friction the parts experience removes the rust.  Once the process is complete and the rust is gone, special rust inhibitors are added to the vibratory bowl to ensure the parts and components are protected from recurring corrosion.  Again, another very cost-effective way to do many parts at once.  Part size limitations due to bowl size can be a factor.

Tumble barrel finishing

Barrel tumbling is a mass metal finishing technique that can be used to remove rust. It involves placing rusty pieces into a horizontal barrel, along with compounds and sometimes finishing media, and using centrifugal force to work a clean surface. Excellent process with smaller parts.  Media lodging can be a concern.

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic rust removal involves placing the rusted pieces into a cavitation bath.  Using special rust removal compounds, the rust is removed from the parts.  If pitting has occurred due to the rust, this pitting will not be removed in this process.  However, the ultrasonic process is excellent for threaded, frail, or delicate parts.

The best process for removing rust from mass quantities of parts is often determined by the extent of the corrosion and the geometry of the part.

Latem Industries Limited offers each of these solutions to our customers.  If you are having issues with parts, small or large, contact Latem and let us work our magic!

Mass finishing is the processing of parts in a machine, usually with a media, compound and water.  The movement of the machine causes friction between the media and the parts surfaces and edges, as well as friction between the parts themselves.  This process is used to remove burrs, sharp edges and corners as well as improving or altering surfaces.

Many different machines options are available to perform this process.  Each machine has its pros and cons.  Let’s review the most common machines.

Rotary Barrel or Tumbling Barrel    

Tumbling barrels are a common machine used in mass finishing.  Compared to other machines, they have a low initial cost, low maintenance costs as well as low operating costs.  They also are efficient in their use of media and compounds.  However, there are also some drawbacks.  They have a long process, and trained operators are essential.  Internal areas do not see the same friction as external areas.   Automation can be difficult and in-process inspection is non-existant.

U-Tub or Vibratory Tub

U-Tubs allow for much larger size options.  They normally have a shorter cycle time than barrel finishing.  In-process inspection can be performed, plus internal and external areas receive similar results.  The disadvantage of this machine is that external material handling and separation is required.

Vibratory Bowl

A vibratory bowl can be used in a continuous or batch operation, offering in-process inspection.  They are generally easier to automate and they as well produce similar results on internal and external surfaces.  Automatic separation of media and parts can be obtained.  Vibratory bowls do have some part size limitation depending on the size of the bowl.  Also, process cycles, although usually better than tumble barrels, can be long.

Centrifugal Disc

Centrifugal disc finishing’s main advantage is its ability to reduce cycle times.  Interior and exterior areas meet with similar results.  In-process inspection can be done.  These machines have high media wear rates as well as a high initial investment cost.  Also, there is part size limitations.

Centrifugal Barrel

Centrifugal Barrels are mainly used to process fragile and high precision parts.  They have a short cycle time, but often multiple cycles are required using different medias.  These barrels are excellent for small parts.  Interior and exterior finishes meet with similar results.  High mirror like finishes can be achieved using the right process.  In-process inspection is not available and they too have a high media wear rate.  Part size limitations as well as high initial investment costs are some of the issues with this type of machine.

Latem Industries Limited has all the machines listed above.  Our 40+ years of experience enable us to pick the right machine, media and compound to mass finish your parts in a cost efficient way with the turnaround time you require.          

Our story started in 1977 with a small mass finishing operation. Within a few years, Latem Industries Limited expanded their finishing services with new equipment and a new location in Waterloo. 

At the turn of the century, owner Liam Nother, put up a 45,000 sq ft building just off Hwy 401 in Cambridge to house his coatings business, a new division of Latem; Plastico Industries. And in 2012, with Latem Industries bursting at the seams in Waterloo, an additional 35,000 sq ft was finalized on the Plastico facility, and a new home created for Latem Industries.  Plastico has since been absorbed under the Latem Industries Limited name to provide a common name for our customers and suppliers.

In the beginning, our collection of equipment wasn't much. Today, we offer multiple services, backed up by an array of equipment.   We offer vibratory finishing, shot blasting, shot peening, barrel tumbling, parts washing, ultrasonic cleaning, plastisol coating, vinyl coating and nylon coating.  We have a water treatment plant that would make some small communities envious, and we employ close to a hundred full time employees.

Our production team is comprised of an impressive number of long term lead hands, machine operators and millwrights, a few whom have celebrated more than 30 years in a Latem uniform. Up front, we keep our office lean, but assertive, focused and eager, including sales, accounting, purchasing, logistics , human resources as well as engineering and quality.

Our processes are well planned, part-specific and proprietary, and they are developed in partnership between our Engineers and lead hands. As determined as we are in our pursuit of perfection when creating the right process, it is our team on the floor that truly make the difference in the final product, as we feel we have the best, most qualified team in the business.

We service many industries, including industrial, automotive, aerospace, military, agricultural, medical, recreational and furniture in addition to others.  Latem tackles all jobs, from one off prototypes to millions of pieces per year. 

Allow Latem to assist you with a project.  You will not be disappointed.

Contact us today

Plastisol coating is reliable, affordable and protective.

Plastisol coating is applied via a dip process, where a metal part is dipped into a liquid PVC coating.  The coating is quite versatile as the color can be changed, thickness can be altered, and additives can be added to assist; such as UV protection, flame retardants, textures, etc.

Details play an important step in applying plastisol.  Temperature, dwell time, pretreatment, immersion, withdrawal and tooling can all play a vital role.  Let’s take a brief look at each.

Temperature: Determining the temperature can greatly affect the part.  Preheating the part will increase adhesion.  Too much preheat will remove any previous coating on the part/piece such as e-coat or powder coat so care must be taken.  The plastisol dip must also be cured after heating.  Not enough heat will lead to under-cured parts, leaving the plastisol brittle.  Over-curing will burn the plastisol, again resulting in a faulty dip.  The temperature of the part being dipped also determines the thickness of the coating (along with dwell time).

Dwell time:  Dwell time, along with temperature will determine the thickness of the coating.

Pretreatment:  Having a clean surface will increase the adhesion of the plastisol as well as remove any chance of contaminating your plastisol when dipping parts.  Parts are commonly pretreated via wash, shotblasting, coatings such as powder or e-coat or primer. 

Immersion/Withdrawal:  A steady immersion and withdrawal speed will ensure a smooth finish.  Speed of immersion and withdrawal can also eliminate air pockets during the coating process as well as drips.

Tooling:  Tooling as well plays a vital role.  Proper tooling can assist in reducing hook/touch mark size, avoiding air pockets during coating, and increasing throughput.

Plastisol coating has numerous advantages.  By covering the metal part, it offers corrosion and chemical resistance. It can also provide thermal and electrical resistance. Plastisol coatings are used for sound reduction, as well as improving surface appearance.  Touch/feel of a part can be enhanced as well through plastisol coatings. 

Due to these benefits, plastisol is used in many industries.  Exercise equipment, electrical equipment as well as medical instruments use plastisol coatings.  So do agricultural, aerospace and automotive industries.   Furniture, toys and marine parts also take advantage of plastisol’s benefits.

Latem Industries Limited has been providing plastisol dipping and raw plastisol sales for 20 years.  Contact us and let us use our expertise to assist you in your requirements.