HYDRO DIPPING ACTIVATOR

Hydro Dipping Activator

Overview

Hydro dipping – the artistic process of applying graphics to almost any 3D surface, including glass, metal, plastic, hardwood, and many more – is gaining popularity. It is easy, durable, and cost-effective. Hence, it is not surprising to see the surge in demand for hydro dipping services.

You sure would have seen amazing patterns and designs on home products, motorcycles, sporting accessories, phones, firearms, musical instruments, and even cars, among other objects. Haven’t you? The odds are that they got their amazing and immaculate look due to hydro dipping.

One essential element of hydro dipping is the activator used in it. Let’s delve deep into it to better understand hydro dipping.

What is a Hydro Dipping Activator?

Activator is the key element in the hydro dipping process. It is a chemical so integral to the process of hydro dipping that it acts as a key difference between successful and unsuccessful dips. The activator is applied to the film to make it dissolve and turn the film ink into liquid. This allows the film to stick to the product.

The quality of the activator is critical as the effectiveness and efficiency of the process hinges to it. Thus, choose wisely!

When and How to Use Hydro Dip Activator?

Activator is used in the fourth step in the list of processes of hydro dipping, right after applying the film.

Just as the film has finished hydrated, the activator can be used. Once the activator is applied, the film dissolves, and the ink is liquefied.

Now the actual point to ponder over is that how to use this activator? Here are some steps that you can follow:

1. Dip the film in water.
2. Make sure the temperature is suitable for the process.
3. Apply one thin layer of activator on the film.

This is it! Now just grab on the product on which you want to apply the design and dip it in at an angle of 45 degrees.

Exercise Precaution

Although the process seems quite easy, yet you need to be careful while applying the activator as over and under activity can cause hindrance in the overall procedure. In other words, you need to spray the right amount of activator with a fine mist and a fan patterned spray.

In addition to this, you need to be extra cautious when it comes to dipping metallic films. Once you place the film in water, you need to apply a thin layer of activator as quickly as possible.

Be careful of these, and you’ll not run into any problems.

 Advantages of Activators

 Hydro dip activators offer a range of benefits. Following are five of them:

1. Significantly improve the quality of images
2. Enhance the colors of images
3. Make the whole process of hydro dipping quick and easy
4. Soften the painted film
5. Help the objects stick to the film

Composition of Activator

The activator is made by a simple combination of different chemical products. The composition might change from brand to brand. However, it commonly includes the following chemicals in these percentages:

• Xylene – 42%
• Isobutanol – 5%
• Butyl – 17%
• Methyl acetate – 28%
• MEK – 8%

Is it Safe to Make at Home?

People frequently ask: Can hydro dipping activator be made at home? Will it be safe?

Well, everything can be made at home with a few ingredients; however, whenever you are dealing with chemicals, it becomes a bit dangerous.

Thus, if you are thinking about making activator at your home, then take precautionary measures such as wearing gloves and masks. Along with this, avoid contact with eyes and do not inhale the chemicals.

How to Choose the Right Activator?

It must be confusing to choose an activator for your task. Here are some key points that will help you decide correctly:

Temperature

There are different types of activator depending on temperature. It ranges from slow, medium to fast.

If you are planning on working at a temperature of 90 degrees, then you should go for a slow activator. It will work best at 80-95 degrees temperature.

If your temperature range is 65-80 degrees, then you should prefer switching on to a medium activator.

Likewise, if you are planning on working at a temperature below 65 degrees, then a fast activator will be your best shot.

Reducer

If you are using a reducer along with the activator, then you should make sure that both complement each other because the efficiency of your activator will now be depending on it.

If you are using a slow reducer, then pair it along with a slow activator. Similarly, if you are using a medium reducer, then the best activator for it would be a medium one. Just like that, if you are making use of a fast reducer, then grab on a fast activator.

Make sure you pair them rightly!

Get The Best

Hydro dipping is here to stay. It is widely used to transform the object of all kinds and make them look not only different but also appealing. Safe to say, using a good quality activator is a must. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the most suitable hydro dipping activator and begin dipping.

Team up with Assemco

The pioneers of Hydro dipping in Australia, Assemco – ultimate outsourcing solution to all your business needs – has revolutionized the art of hydro dipping.

Our certified, professional, and experienced hydro dipping specialists coupled with top of the line technologies, equipment, and techniques ensure that your hydro dipping project is effectively and efficiently done.

We understand how crucial a hydro dip activator is to improve color retention, boost image quality, and ink stretching. This is precisely why we carefully select the activator according to the film being used to ensure optimal results.

Our state of the art hydro dip activator is formulated for specific ink types and films. Be it came hydrographic films, skull films, carbon films, wood grain films, designer films, or any other kind of film, we have just the right type of activator.

To discuss your hydro dipping project, contact us today.