Systems and methods for protecting threads of metal pipes while coating the metal pipes with a protective coating are disclosed herein. Innovative metal couplings are used to protect the threads while a protective coating is applied to the metal pipes. The couplings are reusable and result in multiple efficiency improvements over previous methods and systems. Benefits include elimination of plastic caps and reduced waste, improved flowthrough in the powder coating process, more efficient thermo transfer in the thermal chamber, and an increase in the overall capacity of the powder coating operation.

A method of manufacturing a spline telescopic shaft includes a masking step in which, in a prescribed axial-direction region of an intermediate manufacturing product, partial tooth grooves that are equally spaced circumferentially are respectively covered by masking members that are equally spaced circumferentially; a resin coating step in which a resin layer is formed, and inner surfaces of the partial tooth grooves covered by the masking members are left as metal exposed portions that are equally spaced circumferentially; and a coating film forming step in which, in a state where the intermediate manufacturing product provided with the resin layer is centered with respect to a broach via the metal exposed portions, the intermediate manufacturing product and the broach are caused to slide relative to each other in an axial direction by press-fitting such that the resin layer is shaved to form a resin coating film.

A method of manufacturing a spline telescopic shaft includes a masking step in which, in a prescribed axial-direction region of an intermediate manufacturing product, partial tooth grooves that are equally spaced circumferentially are respectively covered by masking members that are equally spaced circumferentially; a resin coating step in which a resin layer is formed, and inner surfaces of the partial tooth grooves covered by the masking members are left as metal exposed portions that are equally spaced circumferentially; and a coating film forming step in which, in a state where the intermediate manufacturing product provided with the resin layer is centered with respect to a broach via the metal exposed portions, the intermediate manufacturing product and the broach are caused to slide relative to each other in an axial direction by press-fitting such that the resin layer is shaved to form a resin coating film.

A covering element is adapted to protect a paint-sensitive area wherein at least one opening is defined. The element includes a central stem having a distal portion intended to go through the opening, and a cap peripherally extending from a proximal portion of the central stem, for covering the area.

A covering element is adapted to protect a paint-sensitive area wherein at least one opening is defined. The element includes a central stem having a distal portion intended to go through the opening, and a cap peripherally extending from a proximal portion of the central stem, for covering the area.

This disclosure relates to improved systems and methods for applying coatings to brake rotors. The systems, methods, and techniques described in this disclosure facilitate application of both pretreatment coatings and protective coatings to brake rotors. Other embodiments are disclosed herein as well.

A vent plug and method are provide for isolating a feature of a part. The vent plug includes a plug receivable in an opening in the part to form an airtight seal between the plug and the surface of the part. A stem is receivable in a bore through the plug. The stem includes a cap and a collar. The cap has a sealing surface extending radially from an outer surface of the stem and engageable with a first surface of the plug such that sealing surface overlaps a vent hole extending through the plug. The collar extends radially from the outer surface of the stem and captures the plug between the collar and the cap.

An adhesive article for masking a portion of a substrate surface from a liquid coating applied to the surface includes a support having first and second opposed major surfaces, and a cationic or zwitterionic adhesive composition disposed on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second opposed major surfaces. The adhesive composition provides a barrier that impedes the migration of the coating past the edge of the adhesive article.

A method may be provided for manufacturing coated panels of the type including at least a substrate and a top layer with a motif. The top layer may be provided on the substrate. The method may involve providing a synthetic material layer on the substrate. A relief may be provided on the surface of the synthetic material layer provided on the substrate. The relief may include a pattern of recesses and/or projections. The relief may be obtained by providing a mask on or in the synthetic material layer. The mask may enable a selective treatment of the synthetic material layer. A material-removing treatment or a material-depositing treatment may be performed on the synthetic material layer, such that the mask at least partially determines the pattern.

A method may be provided for manufacturing coated panels of the type including at least a substrate and a top layer with a motif. The top layer may be provided on the substrate. The method may involve providing a synthetic material layer on the substrate. A relief may be provided on the surface of said synthetic material layer provided on the substrate. The relief may include a pattern of recesses. The pattern may be at least partially determined by at least one print that is applied by inkjet printing. The relief may be obtained by printing a mask directly on the synthetic material layer. After providing the mask, the synthetic material layer may be cured. The mask may provide for selective curing of the synthetic material layer, such that the synthetic material layer is not solidified or solidified at a lesser extent in correspondence of the mask. The not solidified or less solidified portions of the synthetic material layer may be removed by performing a material-removing treatment on the synthetic material layer thereby obtaining the relief. The material-removing treatment may involve removing the mask.