What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a dry finishing process that has become extremely popular since its introduction in North America over in the 1960s. More and more companies specify powder coatings for a high-quality, durable finish, allowing for maximized production, improved efficiencies, and simplified environmental compliance. Used as functional (protective) and decorative finishes, powder coatings are available in an almost limitless range of colors and textures, and technological advancements have resulted in excellent performance properties.
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How Powder Coating Works
Powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems, combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers, and other additives. These ingredients are mixed and ground into a uniform powder similar to baking flour. Preparation for powder coating requires the part be either blasted with a media such as sand or garnet or washed in a detergent etching solution to clean the part and ensure that the powder will adhere and perform at peek quality. Powder coating is applied by a process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD). This application method uses a spray gun, which applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles, which are then attracted to the grounded metal substrate. Once powder coated the part receives a quality of coverage check, then the part enters a curing oven where, with the addition of heat, the coating chemically reacts to produce long molecular chains, resulting in high cross-link density. These molecular chains are very resistant to breakdown. With the right prep work on the part, powder coating is environmentally friendly, cost effective, and tough! |
Durability of Powder Coating
Today powder coating is commonly used in place of paint for high-quality finishes on thousands of products you encounter each day. Powder coating protects commercial products, industrial machinery, as well as indoor and outdoor household items. Powder coating provides a more durable finish than liquid paints can offer, more color and texture options, all while still providing an attractive finish. Powder coated products are more resistant to diminished coating quality as a result of impact, moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet light, and other extreme weather conditions. In turn, this reduces the risk of scratches, chipping, abrasions, corrosion, fading, and other wear issues. Powder coating is tough. It looks great. And it lasts a very long time. In addition to being durable, powder coating is an attractive choice due to environmental health advantages. |
Environmental Impacts
A healthier Planet -Unlike many liquid paints, powder coatings offer a smaller carbon footprint which reduces the adverse effects on the environment. Reduced carbon footprint – Liquid paints generate hazardous waste that must be disposed of properly and often at a high cost. Powder coatings are recyclable and generate zero hazardous waste.
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