Hello


What paint finish most closely resembles smooth LDPE? (Low Density PolyEthylene)


Background:
I have 3D printed some prototypes for a plastic consumer product using 3D Printing using SLS of Nylon 12 material (Fine Polyamide PA 2200). Apparently sintered Nylon "sucks up" paint surprisingly well. However I need a paint whose finish has the mechanical properties of smooth LDPE. In particular I need a paint finish that is mechanically slippery with a similarly low coefficient of friction sot hat it will behave reasonably well just like LDPE. Colour white if possible.


Any suggestions?


J

 

What is the normal force that would be applied? Do you think a paint would hold up to continuous friction? Probably not unless the force is very very small.

 

Very roughly, the forces would be say 1 to 2 Newtons, spread out over 2 square cms, with two surfaces of length 5cm rubbing past t each other. It's for a prototype which would need to survive maybe 500-1000 cycles.

 

I had no experience in plastics, but looking from the outside in, the harder the paint finish, I would expect the least resistance to tare / bind up. Therefore I might suggest a 2k paint. If the printed component is quite poruss, you could use high build primer to give good barrier, rub down with 600grit and then apply either a 2k top coat (diamond white) or a base coat for colour then 2k lacquer for toughness .
ta for now.