Arcvolt SO 430 Backsheet, Frame and Rail Coating
A durable exterior coating for module backsheets, frames, mounting rails and junction-box housings, built on fluoropolymer chemistry for the twenty-five year outdoor design life normally set for a module. It is supplied as a PVDF coil version and an FEVE spray version, pigmented to a common colour and gloss standard so a sprayed frame and a coil-coated rail can be matched.
Grade Arcvolt SO 430 | Range Energy and Electronics Coatings | Technology Fluoropolymer: PVDF dispersion for coil, FEVE binder for spray
Technical Data Sheet
Arcvolt SO 430
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A durable exterior coating for module backsheets, frames, mounting rails and junction-box housings, built on fluoropolymer chemistry for the twenty-five year outdoor design life normally set for a module. It carries higher build, higher ultraviolet and hydrolysis resistance and better colour and gloss retention than SO 210, together with the insulation and damp heat performance expected of a module-level part. The coil version is a PVDF dispersion that coalesces only at coil peak metal temperature, so it cannot be used on an assembled part; the spray version uses an FEVE fluoropolymer binder that cures at a temperature a fabricated frame can take, and the two are pigmented to a common colour and gloss standard so a sprayed frame and a coil-coated rail can be matched.
2. Features
- PVDF coil version and FEVE spray version matched to a common colour and gloss standard
- Ultraviolet, hydrolysis and damp heat resistance for module-level exterior parts
- Coil version cured at 230 to 250 degrees C peak metal temperature; spray version at 80 to 120 degrees C or at ambient
- Cut edges and holes made after coating are sealed, or post-coated stock is specified
3. Recommended uses
Aluminium module frames, mounting rails, hot-dip galvanised mounting steel, backsheet film and junction-box housings on photovoltaic modules and their mounting structures.
Substrates. Aluminium frame extrusion, coil-coated aluminium and galvanised steel, PET and polyamide backsheet film by roll coating, hot-dip galvanised mounting steel, polymer junction-box housings.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Fluoropolymer: PVDF dispersion for coil, FEVE binder for spray | Formulation |
| Dry film thickness, coil version | 20 to 30 microns over a 5 micron primer | ISO 2808 |
| Dry film thickness, spray version | 30 to 60 microns | ISO 2808 |
| Colour and gloss | Coil and spray versions pigmented to a common colour and gloss standard | ISO 2813 for gloss; customer or supplier protocol for colour |
| Accelerated weathering | 2000 to 4000 h xenon-arc exposure with the gloss and colour change limits agreed for the project | ISO 16474-2 |
| Neutral salt spray | 500 to 1000 h, with degradation rated to ISO 4628 against the limits agreed for the project | ISO 9227 |
| Damp heat, steady state | 1000 to 2000 h at 85 degrees C and 85 per cent relative humidity, with pass criteria agreed for the project | IEC 60068-2-78 |
| Adhesion, cross-cut | Classification 0 to 1 on the specified pre-treatment | ISO 2409 |
| Cure window, coil version | Peak metal temperature 230 to 250 degrees C with a 25 to 45 second oven dwell | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Cure window, spray version | 20 to 30 minutes at 80 to 120 degrees C; ambient cure also available | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Coil version | Coil coating at 20 to 30 microns dry over a 5 micron primer, peak metal temperature 230 to 250 degrees C with a 25 to 45 second oven dwell |
| Spray version | Spray at 30 to 60 microns dry, cured 20 to 30 minutes at 80 to 120 degrees C, or ambient cure |
| Mixing, spray version | Prepare as directed on the label, including any hardener, the mix ratio and the pot life for the batch supplied. Pot life shortens as temperature rises. |
| Backsheet film | PET and polyamide backsheet film is roll coated with the lower-temperature FEVE version and cured within the temperature limit of the film. The PVDF coil version is not used on film, because its 230 to 250 degrees C peak metal temperature is beyond what PET and polyamide film can take. |
| Surface preparation | Clean and degreased, with the pre-treatment specified for the substrate; coil version over the specified primer |
| Version selection | The PVDF coil version coalesces only at coil peak metal temperature and cannot be used on an assembled part; fabricated frames take the FEVE spray version |
| Fabrication after coating | Seal cut edges, punched holes and drilled fixing points made after coating, or specify the part as post-coated stock |
Process. Coil coating at 20 to 30 microns dry over a 5 micron primer, peak metal temperature 230 to 250 degrees C with a 25 to 45 second oven dwell, or spray at 30 to 60 microns dry with 20 to 30 minutes at 80 to 120 degrees C for the FEVE version, ambient cure also available. Cut edges, punched holes and drilled fixing points made after coating must be sealed or the part specified as post-coated stock.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed containers in a cool, dry, covered area, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.