Peter J. Matt

Topic: Filling Pem studs/standoffs prior to powder

We are installing stainless steel PEM studs/standoffs into an aluminum part that gets a fine texture epoxy powder coat.  The customer does not want to see the rings from the stud/standoff heads after powder.  What is the best way to accomplish this with out having to go through tons of reworks?  The customer has already advised he will reject parts with rings showing.  We have tried some fill materials like Lab Metals with no success.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jay V

Re: Filling Pem studs/standoffs prior to powder

Can you post a photo of it?  I'm not sure I know what the problem is exactly.  Are the studs being installed before or after coating?  Are they being masked?  A textured powder should help cover small surface imperfections.

If marks needs to be filled:

Tiger Drylac imports a filler that I have heard is the best of the high heat fillers.  Many will take the heat, but aren't conductive.

If it's not too deep, you could sand (feather) some of it out before coating to help cover the grooves. 

If it needs minor filling try KL primer ( http://www.powderbuythepound.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=46_89&products_id=774 ), it is cured and sanded to fill smaller imperfections before topcoating.

Jay V