The last three decades have seen dramatic shifts in silicone coating systems—from solvent-based to solventless, UV-curable, and water-based innovations.
In the early 90s, thermal-cured solvent coatings were the gold standard. Reliable, yes—but with high VOC emissions and energy consumption. Fast forward to the present, and we have:
– 100% solids solventless systems for high-speed, low-emission lines
– UV-cured coatings enabling precise control and fast throughput
– Emulsion-based systems improving safety and reducing costs
– And even after 3 decades, solvent based systems, which have been deemed dead for at least 25 years, still see new line investments today.
Each system has its strengths. And more importantly, each has limitations depending on the substrate, adhesive, and end-use.
The smartest production lines don’t chase trends. They assess fit:
– from coat weight and how it influences release force,
– to migration and how this is a no go for electronics and medical applications,
– to production speed and cure profile for in-line labeling applications
– to choosing the right substrate to gain good long term anchorage
Understanding how these systems evolved helps us understand where they work best—and where they don’t.