You’ve Seen It, But May Not Know It’s Powder Coating!

Powder Coatinghas been around for about 50 years. It was developed as a formulation for a finely ground "plastic" powder. It has been the number one finish choice of many manufacturers in a wide range of industries for many years. Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder to a wide range of materials and products that are used by various industries and consumers. The process of powder coating is done by first cleaning the part to a dry, bare metal surface. The powder used for the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment (color) and resin (protective finish), which are electrostatically charged in a spray gun and carried by low velocity air to the surface of the piece to be coated. The electrostatic charge holds the powder particles in place while the part is cured in a 350-400-degree oven. The heat of the oven causes a chemical reaction to occur and the powder to cure; creating a highly durable finish that is bonded directly to the metal.

 Why Powder Coat?

• Environmentally Friendly; virtually no emissions, solvents, nor hazardous wastes
• Saves money and helps companies comply more easily and economically with the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by the elimination of VOCs and reduction of wastes
• Unused or over sprayed powder can be disposed of easily
• Safely extends product life by providing more resistance to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than other finishes
• Resistant to corrosion, heat, impact, abrasion, fading from sunlight, and extreme weather

What can be powder coated?

Parts made from aluminum, steel, iron, brass, copper, bronze and titanium can be powder coated — all metal objects that have an electrostatic charge and can withstand 4OOF can be powder coated. Powder can be applied to intricate surfaces and still maintain a uniform finish across the entire piece. Magnesium and Aluminum Castings may experience out-gassing causing bubbles in the finish. For the out-gassing, we usually pre heat the parts. The idea is to heat the items to a temp HIGHER than what the cure temp is before we coat them. That way, while we apply the powder and send them in to cure, they are actually cooling from around 425F to 390F, which will have the effect of pulling the coating in to the parts rather than have the gasses pushing out.  For 30 years, powder coating has been the finish of choice for a superior, more colorful, longer lasting and more durable finish.