Looking beyond the price per litre: what does coating really cost?
The price per litre tells only part of the story when comparing coating systems. The idea for Selmers’ Coating Efficiency Scan started with a question from customers: what does a coating line actually cost to run each year?
To answer that question, Selmers developed models for the operating costs of both water-based and UV LED coating lines. When the figures were compared, one factor stood out: coating consumption. “That was the point where we saw how much difference the coating costs can make,” says sales engineer and UV-LED expert Nick Vet. “The price per litre may be higher for UV coating, but that does not tell you how much coating you actually use over a year.”
More than the price of the coating
The difference becomes clearer when you look at how much coating is actually used over the course of a year.
“With water-based coating, you lose part of the material through evaporation and you also have overspray, which can’t be easily reclaimed without adding solvent,” Nick explains. “With UV LED coating, the material only cures when it is exposed to UV light. That means coating that is not applied to the product remains liquid and can be collected and reused much more easily.”
As a result, a coating that looks more expensive per litre can still lead to lower coating consumption and lower annual operating costs.
From calculation to Coating Efficiency Scan
That insight led Selmers to develop the Coating Efficiency Scan. The online scan gives companies a first indication of how much coating they use annually, what that costs and how this could compare with a UV LED coating process. By combining that with an indicative investment for a UV LED line, the scan can also provide a first estimate of the potential return on investment.
Nick deliberately describes it as a starting point rather than a finished business case. “The first calculation is really a quick overview,” he says. “You enter a few basic figures and get an indication of what the difference could be. If the result looks interesting, we can then work out the actual case in detail.”
That second step is important, because every production line is different. Actual coating consumption, line speed, operating hours, product dimensions and the existing process all influence the outcome.
Not every application is the same
UV LED coating is not the right solution for every application. The shape of the product, for example, can determine whether the process is suitable. “There are applications where I simply tell a customer that UV is not the right solution,” says Nick. “It depends on what they want to coat.”
That is why the Coating Efficiency Scan is a starting point. If the initial results look promising, Selmers can take a closer look at the specific application and work out the business case in more detail.
Curious about your own coating costs?
Use the Coating Efficiency Scan to get a first indication for your production line.
At Selmers, we specialize in advanced industrial machinery and automation for coating and handling pipes and tubes. With over 50 years of experience, we have grown into a trustworthy supplier of numerous automated solutions. Collaboration is key to creating real magic. Interested in optimizing performance and reducing risks?
