12 December 2024 - Antislip

Solutions in different sectors

Anti-slip is usually linked to safety. After all, this functionality is very crucial for many products. Finipur has specialized in applying high-quality anti-slip coatings for decades. As a textile finishing company, we apply this to a wide range of materials and these can be both flexible materials and non flexible materials (panels). As a result, our solutions ultimately end up in a variety of end products in different sectors. In this article we discuss what anti-slip coatings are, how they work and how they apply in various industries.

What are anti-slip coatings?

Anti-slip coatings are special layers that are applied to materials to increase the grip of these materials or of an end product and to limit the risk of slipping or sliding. The anti-slip effect can be achieved in different ways.

A back coating with SBR or styrene-butadiene rubber: This is a synthetic latex coating that reduces fraying and slipping. On the one hand, this makes it easier for the customer to cut, handle or cut the material afterwards and on the other hand, it increases the strength of the fabric. The SBR latex is applied flat and evenly to the back of the material during the back coating process.
Acrylics: An acrylic coating is a high-quality, durable and water-based solution that is distinguished by its scratch and wear resistance. Thanks to the fast drying time and minimal odor, this coating is ideal for indoor applications.
Natural rubber coating: In its natural form (NR) it comes directly from the latex sap of rubber trees. It is used because of its high resistance to wear and high anti-slip property
Polyurethane or PU coating: a polyurethane layer applied to the surface of a substrate to make it slip-resistant
EVA: EVA is an abbreviation and stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. It is a flexible and soft type of raw material that contains the same properties as an elastomer and is characterized by, among other things, its anti-slip property.

These coatings are often used on textiles, fabrics and other flexible materials exposed to slippery or challenging conditions. The properties of these coatings vary depending on the application, but the focus is always on:

Sustainability: Long lasting effect, even with intensive use.
Safety: Reduction of accidents due to slipping or sliding
Flexibility: Adaptable to different materials and shapes.
Washability: In certain applications (think of bath mats), the washability of the end product is important

Different application methods

Surface coating: The coating is applied evenly and distributed over the entire surface of the substrate to be treated.

Spray coating: In this process of spray coating, by using spray nozzles, the coating is evenly distributed over the surface

Dot coating: With this technology, the surface is partially coated, more specifically only certain dots or points.

Line coating: With this coating application, the coating is not evenly distributed over the entire surface, but lines or strips are coated. This allows for cost savings as less coating is applied here

Hot melt coating: Hot melt coating is a technique in which a layer is applied to a substrate by first heating the hot melt (glue) to its melting point. The material is then cooled, causing it to harden and form a solid layer.

Web coating, film coating, net coating: An anti-slip property can be achieved by applying certain films or foils. These films are then applied to the material that needs to be made anti-slip using various laminating techniques.

Applications in various sectors

1. Floor coverings

An anti-slip coating is an invisible or barely visible layer that is applied to the underside of a carpet or other types of floor covering. This layer increases the grip on the surface, significantly reducing the risk of slipping. This offers the ideal solution to make the house safer.

2. Sports and recreation

From judo mats and yoga mats to sportswear: our coatings provide more grip and safety during sports and exercise. This is especially important in sports where flexibility and support are crucial.

3. Transport, aircraft and logistics

In the transport sector, anti-slip coatings can be applied to loading mats or protective covers to ensure that goods remain firmly in place during transport.

4. Industrial applications and construction applications

In construction and other heavy industries, anti-slip coatings increase the safety of materials and tools, which helps prevent workplace accidents.

5. Consumer products

Think of non-slip mats, shoes, and accessories such as phone cases that are often equipped with coatings to prevent slipping.