When people think of diving, they usually picture the underwater world. It is far less well known that the term also refers to a versatile process for manufacturing plastic parts and coating components. Holger Becker, Operations Manager at HAMCO, has been working with this manufacturing technology for around 30 years. In episode 160 of the SKZ podcast „KUNSTSTOFF: nachgefragt“, he talks about his practical experience, specific challenges and surprising applications.
Experience led to entrepreneurship
After completing his apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic, Holger Becker moved into the toolmaking department of a plastics processing company. It was there that he became aware of the dip-coating process and eventually moved into the dip-coating workshop. Here, he was able to combine his existing technical knowledge with the practical demands of dipping and coating, and went on to become a key member of the department.
His experience later formed the basis for his move into self-employment. With his own company, he specialised in the manufacture of dip-coated plastic parts and the coating of components. When he joined HAMCO with his company, he brought this practical knowledge with him. Today, Holger Becker is the site manager at the Oberhonnefeld site.
When experience makes all the difference
What may seem simple at first glance actually requires a high degree of technical understanding and experience in practice. This is because, in the dip-coating process, numerous factors influence the result – from the behaviour of the PVC plastisol and temperature control to the geometry of the dip-coating tools and the components to be coated.
In the SKZ podcast, Holger Becker provides insights into these interrelationships and explains what is required to master the process reliably. His many years of experience are a prime example of the manufacturing expertise that HAMCO has built up in the field of dipping and coating.
One process, surprising applications
In the podcast, Holger Becker illustrates just how varied the potential applications of the immersion process can be, using two examples.
Every DIY enthusiast is probably familiar with water pump pliers. What many people don’t know is that their handles can be fitted with separately dipped PVC handle sleeves, which are then glued on. Alternatively, the pliers’ handles can be coated directly with PVC. With suitable surface preparation and the use of a bonding agent (primer), this can create a virtually indestructible bond between metal and plastic.
An example from the field of medical technology is far more specialised: the manufacture of intestinal tubes with a complex geometry. Here, it is not only the shaping that matters, but also a PVC plastisol whose properties are tailored to the specific requirements of the application.
Both examples illustrate just how much the requirements for the immersion process can vary depending on the application.
Holger Becker on the SKZ podcast
What possibilities does the dip-moulding process offer, what are its limitations, and why is it worth considering this manufacturing technique when looking for a suitable plastics solution? Holger Becker discusses these points and shares further insights from his many years of practical experience in episode 160 of the SKZ podcast „KUNSTSTOFF: nachgefragt“.
Have a listen!
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Further information on diving procedures
Would you like to find out more about the technical principles and possible applications? You’ll find further information on our knowledge and services pages.
The PVC dipping process – Principles and specific features of the manufacturing process.
Soft PVC diving equipment – Standard designs and bespoke plastic components.
PVC coatings – Protective and functional coatings for technical components, etc.
