The joints of colored cable trays are a weak link in the corrosion protection system. Because they require assembly through bolts and snap-fit connections, the original colored coating can easily break, exposing the substrate. Without targeted anti-corrosion treatment, moisture, salt, dust, and chemicals in the environment will gradually erode the exposed substrate, causing rust or corrosion, thereby shortening the overall service life of the colored cable tray. Therefore, a comprehensive corrosion protection process is required, from pre-treatment to subsequent protection. First, the substrate must be cleaned and pre-treated before splicing. Wipe the splicing surfaces of the colored cable tray with a specialized solvent to remove oil, dust, and the oxide layer formed during transportation. If there are burrs or minor scratches on the splicing surfaces, gently sand them with fine sandpaper until the surface is smooth. This prevents burrs from scratching the subsequent sealing material or causing uneven coating coverage. During this step, special attention must be paid to protecting the coating on the non-spliced areas of the colored cable tray to prevent accidental damage during sanding. Ensure that only the clean substrate is exposed on the splicing surface, laying the foundation for subsequent corrosion protection.
Sealing the joints is crucial for preventing the intrusion of corrosive media. An anti-corrosion sealant with excellent compatibility with the colored cable tray substrate and color coating must be selected. The sealant must possess excellent adhesion and elasticity, ensuring a tight fit within the joints while also adapting to thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations to prevent cracking. During installation, the sealant must be evenly applied to the joints, ensuring that the sealant completely covers the edges, leaving no air bubbles or gaps. Particular attention should be paid to sealing the gaps around the bolt holes to prevent moisture from penetrating through them. If the colored cable tray is used outdoors or in humid environments, an additional layer of anti-corrosion tape can be wrapped around the sealant to further enhance the seal and provide a double layer of protection, preventing rain or moisture from directly contacting the joints.
Any areas of color coating that inevitably become damaged during the splicing process require localized repair to ensure the integrity of the anti-corrosion system. Before repairing, the damaged area must be cleaned again to remove any remaining impurities. Then, use a repair paint of the same brand and system as the original coating on the colored cable tray. Mismatched paint types can lead to poor adhesion and significant color discrepancies, compromising both the anti-corrosion effectiveness and the overall aesthetics of the colored cable tray. During repair, apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to fully cure before applying the next. This ensures the coating thickness matches the original coating and seamlessly blends with surrounding coatings. This prevents localized corrosion resistance degradation caused by uneven coating thickness and ensures that the corrosion resistance of the joint is on par with that of the main colored cable tray.
The mechanical joints of the colored cable tray, such as bolts and nuts, also require separate anti-corrosion treatment. These components penetrate the joint surface and, if unprotected, can easily become corrosion entry points. Use bolt assemblies with pre-coated anti-corrosion coatings. Alternatively, after installation, apply a special anti-corrosion grease to the bolt heads, nuts, and cable tray contact surfaces to create a protective film that isolates air and moisture. Furthermore, installing age-resistant rubber gaskets or metal washers between the bolts and the colored cable tray not only enhances the sealing effect but also reduces mechanical vibration damage to the sealing layer at the joints. This prevents bolt loosening and gap expansion after long-term use, further ensuring the corrosion resistance of the joints.
For different usage scenarios, the anti-corrosion treatment of the colored cable tray joints needs to be adapted. If used outdoors, in addition to basic sealing and coating repair, rain guards or waterproof covers can be installed on the outside of the joints to guide rainwater away and prevent long-term accumulation near the joint gaps. If used in chemical workshops or other environments with corrosive gases or liquids, sealants and repair coatings with stronger chemical resistance, such as specialized adhesives with acid and alkali resistance, should be used to prevent chemical media from eroding the sealing layer and base material, ensuring that the colored cable tray joints maintain excellent corrosion resistance even in harsh environments.
Regular inspection and maintenance after splicing the colored cable trays is also crucial to extending their corrosion life. Regularly inspect joints for cracking or peeling sealant, bulging or fading of the repair coating, and signs of rust on the bolts. Any problems should be addressed promptly. For example, if the sealant cracks, remove any remaining sealant and refill. If the coating bulges, scrape off the damaged coating and reapply. This ensures that anti-corrosion measures at the joints remain effective, preventing minor issues from escalating into widespread corrosion and affecting the normal use of the colored cable tray.
Anti-corrosion treatment of colored cable tray joints requires a comprehensive approach: pretreatment - sealing - coating repair - connection protection - scenario adaptation - and regular maintenance. Each step should be tailored to the material characteristics, coating type, and operating environment of the colored cable tray. This multi-faceted protection blocks the intrusion of corrosive media, preventing lifespan shortening due to exposed substrates while maintaining the visual integrity of the colored cable tray, ensuring it meets functional requirements while maintaining aesthetics and durability over the long term.
