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Need No Mar Coating for Steel

April 15, 2013

Q. Hello,
I am currently using a closed cell foam to protect a portable data tablet from a steel clamp plate. The problem is that, naturally over time, the pad flattens reducing clamping effectiveness. Clamp is approximately 5 In. by 2 In.

I am looking for a polymer (?) coating with the following specs:

Low cost
Durable
Minimal compression set under 7 Lbf clamping load
Black / Gray / Brown? Color
No mar on plastics

Thanks very much for your help everyone!
I really appreciate it.

Jim Belling
- Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA

A. Jim,
That's a pretty tall hill to climb but I suppose you could try a sample piece with several coats of a spray-on high solids mixture of polyurethane and acrylic. The mixture would constitute a vinyl coating. Good luck.

Blake Kneedler
Feather Hollow Eng. - Stockton, California
July 13, 2013

July 15, 2013

A. Perhaps hard silicone will do, have you tried it?
Guillermo (Bill) Marrufo, Mexico

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico

August 29, 2013

Guys,
Thanks very much for your suggestions.
I really appreciate it!

Jim Belling
- Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA

August 30, 2013

A. If your surface is flat, you might look into using a thick UHMW E tape. It is really tough. By going to the source of tape, or a re-slitter, you can get it in nearly any width.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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