Do Shipping Containers Need Polyurea Coating Fabrication?

Polyurea Coating Fabrication for Shipping Containers: Is It Needed?

Key Takeaways

• Polyurea coating is a durable, weatherproof, and highly resilient material ideal for shipping containers.
• It has quick cure times, high tensile strength, and excellent elongation properties.
• Polyurea coating is perfect for extreme weather conditions and environments requiring high corrosion resistance.
• Conexwest can help fulfill all your shipping container fabrication needs, polyurea coating included.

What Is A Polyurea Coating

Polyurea coatings are advanced elastomeric materials formed through the reaction of isocyanates and amines, resulting in a highly durable, flexible, and seamless protective layer. 

In shipping and logistics, it's useful for coating shipping containers to protect them from harsh environmental conditions and physical damage.

Polyurea coating can reach strengths of up to 6000 psi (40 MPa) tensile and over 500% elongation, so it can withstand substantial stress and stretch without breaking.  

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When You Need A Polyurea Coating

Polyurea coating is strong and waterproof

1. Protection Against Corrosion: Shipping containers are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including moisture and salt water, which can lead to rust and corrosion. Polyurea coatings provide a strong barrier against them to significantly extend the lifespan of the container's steel structure.
2. Waterproofing: Containers used for transporting sensitive goods, especially liquids or perishables, require excellent waterproofing. Polyurea creates a watertight seal that prevents water infiltration and protects the cargo from moisture damage.
3. Abrasion and Impact Resistance: Polyurea coatings are highly resistant to abrasion so they can protect shipping containers from scratches and dents.
4. Chemical Resistance: For containers transporting hazardous or corrosive materials. polyurea coating protects from potential spills that could lead to degradation of the metal.
5. UV Protection: For containers exposed to direct sunlight, especially in tropical or sunny climates, polyurea coatings (particularly aliphatic versions) provide UV stability and prevent fading and degradation of the container's exterior.
6. Fast Application and Curing: The quick curing time of polyurea makes it an ideal choice for shipping operations that require minimal downtime.  

When You Do Not Need A Polyurea Coating

1. Short-Term Use: If a shipping container is intended for short-term use or storage, basic protective measures might suffice.
2. Low-Risk Environments: Containers stored indoors or in controlled environments where they are not exposed to moisture, chemicals, or physical damage may not require the additional protection that polyurea provides.
3. Cost Considerations: The upfront cost of applying a polyurea coating might be prohibitive, especially if the container does not face significant risks. Alternatives that provide basic protection at a lower cost can be considered.
4. Existing Protective Measures: If a container is already equipped with effective protective coatings or treatments that adequately address its environmental exposure, adding a polyurea coating may be redundant.

Advantages Of Using Polyurea Coating Over Other Types

1. Superior Durability and Impact Resistance: Polyurea coatings help maintain the structural integrity of the container over time and reduce the likelihood of damage compared to other coatings that may crack or chip under stress.
2. Rapid Curing Time: Unlike traditional coatings that may take hours or even days to cure, polyurea can be set in minutes so there’s minimal downtime.
3. Flexibility and Temperature Resistance: Polyurea maintains its flexibility even under extreme temperature fluctuations so it can expand and contract with the substrate without cracking or peeling.
4. Reduced Maintenance Needs: By preventing corrosion, water damage, and wear, polyurea can help keep shipping containers in service longer without the need for extensive upkeep.
5. Eco-Friendly Option: Many polyurea formulations are designed to be environmentally friendly as they produce low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application. 

How Conexwest Can Help With Shipping Container Fabrication

Conexwest’s storage solutions include the purchase, rental, and fabrication of shipping containers.

At Conexwest, we specialize in shipping container fabrication - offering a variety of contentiers for rent and sale. 

Why Choose Our Fabrication Services

1. Customization Options: You can add features such as windows, vents, partitions, shelving systems, and even customized paint.
2. Quality Assurance: Our team undergoes continuous training to stay updated on the latest container trends and technologies and provide top-quality service.
3. Transparent Pricing and Warranty: We believe in providing upfront and transparent pricing, and we provide a warranty coverage period of 10 years for new ISO shipping containers and 5 years for used cargo-worthy containers, including the customizations made.
4. Delivery Services: We provide on-demand storage unit delivery and emergency transportation services.

If you are ready, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to get a free quote for your project.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of surfaces can polyurea be applied to?

Polyurea coatings can be applied to a variety of substrates, including:

1. Metal: Steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, etc.
2. Concrete: New or existing concrete surfaces
3. Wood: Plywood, lumber, etc.
4. Fiberglass: Boats, tanks, etc.
5. Geotextiles: Liners, membranes, etc.

How is polyurea applied?

Polyurea is typically applied using specialized high-pressure and heated spray equipment. The two components (isocyanate and resin) are kept separate until they reach the spray gun, where they are mixed and immediately applied to the surface. 

Is polyurea coating environmentally friendly?

Polyurea coating is considered environmentally friendly because it does not contain volatile organic compounds and has a low environmental impact. Its durability alsp reduces the need for frequent reapplications to minimize waste and resource consumption.

What is the difference between aromatic and aliphatic polyurea?

• Aromatic Polyurea: Generally more cost-effective, but lacks UV stability, which leads to potential discoloration when exposed to sunlight.
• Aliphatic Polyurea: More expensive due to its resistance to UV light and color stability. 

What services does Conexwest provide?

We sell new and used shipping containers in various sizes - and we customzie containers by adding windows, doors, insulation, and electrical systems to create functional spaces for offices, workshops, or storage. For those who need temporary storage solutions, we have leasing options.