CATEGORY: Technology
#01. How it works
Powder coating is a popular industrial finish that can be used to coat a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. It provides a strong finish that can last for years without deteriorating majority of other finishes. Powder coating typically works by applying the dry powder onto an item using an electric charge. This charge keeps the powder coat as tight as possible to the exterior. Once applied, the powder coating is then melted and bonded to the metal surface by heat and pressure, creating a durable finish.
The powder itself will contain resin and pigments for coloring, as well as other potential additives that help to reach the desired levels of thickness, hardness or shine. The process used to make the powder coating stick to the surface starts by pushing the powder through a spray gun with compressed air. The tip of the spray gun is equipped with an electrode that will provide an electrostatic charge to the powder, allowing for the particles to stick closer to the surface than they would if applied using a traditional method. This charge will keep the coatings tightly bound to the exterior of the item once sprayed on. Next the part will be placed in the curing oven. Once there, the powder coating will melt and combine as the temperature reaches a heat point between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat point may vary depending on the specific form of coatings used. The length of the curing process is between 10-20 minutes and will depend.
#02. TECHNOLOGY PROCESS
Powder coated parts are used extensively in both the automotive and appliance industry. Powder coatings can resist corrosion and rust, providing a longer life for the product. Parts that are powder coated can also be more easily cleaned than those with a standard finish. It is a useful finish for products that will be exposed to a harsh outdoor environment. The added resistance to rust and corrosion that is provided by powder coatings allow the surfaces of steel beams, appliances, outdoor furniture, and similarly exposed material to stay clean and protected for much longer. There is a wide range of reasons as to why using powder coating may be the right option for the material you are looking to cover.
#03. powerful solutions
- Epoxy. Epoxies present what may be the best combination of hardness and corrosion resistance among all powder paints. Epoxies will also adhere to metal very easily, especially if the metal has been pretreated and is completely clear of dust and debris.
- Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid. The polyesters in this hybrid will bring down the durability of the epoxy. However the addition of polyesters allows for a wider variety of cosmetic looks. When these forms of powder are combined, the hybrid product become much more suitable for indoor appliances and other household items
- Urethane. Urethanes are similar to polyesters in their chemical makeup, but Urethanes manager to offer better exterior durability as well as good chemical and corrosion resistance. They are typically more expensive than the other powder coatings.
