News | June 28, 2000

Paint Cratering

Source: Filter Specialists, Inc.
The Problem

Silicone and other petrochemical based products cause serious cratering problems in automotive paints.

The FSI Response

At FSI, we have been very concerned about this serious problem for a long time. Through many years of experience with the automotive industry, we anticipated the seriousness of the problem and worked towards the filtration solution. The quality control procedures we have adopted virtually eliminate the possibility of paint contamination occurring due to our filter bags. Here are the positive steps we are taking to insure that you continue receiving consistent, contaminant-free FSI products:

100% testing in our lab of all thread used in our sewing operation, with a spectrophotometer, for the presence of silicone and other petrochemical products.

Regular testing of filter bag felt and seams, in our lab, with a spectrophotometer, for the presence of silicone and other petrochemical products
On demand laboratory testing of filter bags, under strictly controlled conditions, using automotive paint company standard test panels and procedures and actual automotive E-Coat Paint. Test procedure measures the occurrence of fish eye and/or cratering defects on the test panel due to the filter bag.

As needed testing of all equipment lubricating oils, under strictly controlled laboratory conditions, using automotive paint company standard test panels and procedures and actual automotive E-Coat paint. The test procedure measures the degree to which the oil sample is compatible with automotive E-Coat paints based or the number of fish eyes and/or craters that appear on the sample test panel.

All of our filter bag manufacturing equipment use special lubricants that are free of any petrochemical and silicone ingredients and are certified by the manufacturer to be 100% compatible with automotive E-Coat paints.

Active ongoing employee awareness program is in place cautioning against the use of certain products which may contain silicone (e.g., some hand lotions, hair sprays and soaps or certain aerosol lubricants). All supervisors are trained to be critical of their operations and guard against the introduction of any products containing silicone.

Substantial resources are dedicated to insuring that our customers receive consistent, contaminant-free FSI products:

  • Large quality control staff

  • Fully equipped laboratory

  • Experienced technical service staff