Versatile, colorful, highly resistant, and cost-effective, plastisol finds a home across countless industries, and the automotive realm is no exception. From addressing BSR (buzz, squeak, rattle) concerns to aiding safety and comfort for OEM and aftermarket parts and components, plastisol has much to offer.

What Is Plastisol?

When polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is combined with plasticizing compounds, the result is a soft, flexible, rubbery material that's suitable for hot dip, cold dip, slush molding, and spray coating application techniques. Providing electrical insulation, abrasion and corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, sound and vibration deadening, and offering an excellent grip, plastisol is highly versatile. Formulations can be made to meet any number of industry and safety standards, as well as meeting color, texture, finish, and other requirements. 

Automotive Applications of Plastisol

From various stages in the manufacturing process to providing consumer safety, comfort, and convenience, plastisol plays many roles in the automotive industry. Primary roles include:

• Minimizing or eliminating buzz, squeak, rattle (BSR) issues by limiting noise, vibration, friction, rubbing, and deadening impacts
• Preventing unwanted contact among electrical components, and between electrical components and other vehicle parts
• Protecting workers, owners, and mechanics from exposure to electrical components
• Reducing friction and wear on wiring and other connectors 
• Sealing against moisture, dust, debris, and other contaminants
• Protection from environmental exposure to chemicals, corrosives, and other hazards
• Enhancing safety and comfort by improving grip for handles and related parts

Among the countless automotive components and parts frequently coated with plastisol are:

• Clips, clamps, and retainers
• Handles, hood latches and battery holders
• Aftermarket steering wheels
• Filters and mats
• Covers and plugs
• Caps and stoppers for protection during shipping and other manufacturing processes
• Wire baskets, coated to protect parts during manufacturing

At Precision Dip Coating, we have decades of experience with plastisol and many other plastics. Contact us today to take advantage of our expertise with coatings for automotive uses and dozens of other industries.