Customer Challenge:
Electric paint is a type of paint that uses conductive metal fillers in a polymer system. These products boost surface conductivity and provide a cheaper option to other methods of repairing electrical contacts.
Often used to shield radio waves, electric paint also creates and repairs electric traces that have worn. Specifically, copper traces and contacts can corrode and become damaged from repeated physical contact. Instead of scrapping the circuit, apply electric paint over the damaged areas of contacts and restore conductivity.
A membrane switch is an example of an electrical contact that can breakdown after a while. Musical instruments such as organs and electric drums use a membrane switch. Over time, the switches tend to wear and fail from the stress of constant compression. The applied paint restores conductivity to the contact cheaply and acts as barrier to prevent further wear.
An MG customer needed to find an electrically conductive coating that met strict measures. The coating had to stick to metal, resist corrosion, and withstand repeated contact from the hi-hat pedal.
Key Customer Requirements
- High electrical conductivity
- Smooth finish that can be machined after application
- Corrosion resistance film
- Mechanically tough, able to withstand millions of compressions during product’s life cycle
Solution
MG Chemicals’ 842UR is a 1-part, electrically conductive coating that adheres to a wide variety of substrates. It uses a special silver flake with a high surface area to thickness ratio (known as an aspect ratio). The high aspect ratio ensures the cured film is tough, smooth and applies thin (about 8 microns).
The electric paint is easy to apply to small surfaces such as a membrane switch. Once cured, the film is highly conductive, tough and resists corrosion. The conductive silver paint ensures current flow during contact with the switch, restoring function to the circuit.
The customer applied a thin film to the contact surface of the switch to create a smooth, conductive film. After curing, the paint provides a path for the current to flow, ensuring continued use of the circuit. With the electric paint, there was no need for costly, time-consuming solutions, such as nickel or gold plating.
Conclusion
Electric paint is an easy way to repair worn electrical contacts. These coatings provide a conductive, durable surface, which ensures the long-term reliability of the circuit. They are also a quick and cheap repair compared to replacing the circuit.
Membrane switches – a type of electric contact – become worn over time and need repair. Electric paint like the 842UR creates a thin film with sufficient stretch to withstand constant, repeated compressive force. Further, the 842UR is highly conductive ensuring proper current flow through the contact.
