(available for only $39 for CCAI members, $49 for non-members)
Finishing Industry Calendar of Events
Custom
Powder Coaters I Directory
Powder
Coating Supplier Buyers Guide/Directory
Powder coating consultants
Powder Coaters Corner
Finishing Industry Trade Publications
Visit the Q&A Forum
Cleaning
Processes
defects
Defects Library
infrared
oven
Powder
Selection
Powder coating over galvanizing
Racking
powder spray
booth
The Purpose of Paint Arrestors
Safe Powder Coating Guidelines
spray
gun
substrates
tape
Testing Methods
types
of powder
Thermoplastic Powders
Thermosetting Powders
Troubleshooting
UV powder coatings
Wood & MDF-Powder coating
Contact us
|
|
What
Is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is the process of coating a surface in which a powder material
is applied using an electrostatic or compressed air method, or sometimes
a fluidized bed.
The applied powder is then heated (cured) in an oven to its melting point,
after which it flows to form a smooth film which dries to a firm, durable
finish very resistent to scratches, cracking, peeling, UV rays and rust.
The
entire powder coating process involves several steps. Very
generally:
-
The substrate must be fully cleaned to avoid defects
in the finish
and rejects by the customer resulting in lost income and time.
-
a pretreatment step (an important step not done by all coaters) during
which the product is treated with a pretreatment chemical or conversion
coating, usually phosphate
or zinc based,
to further protect it and improve the surface for powder adherence;
- rinse,
rinse, rinse..dry completely then
- Rack
the items. Now we're ready to coat.
- Select
your coating.
Choosing the right coating for your application and end use of the
item is very important. A variety of powder
formulations
exists to choose from depending on the type item you will be coating.
- finally,
FULLY cure the powder in the oven, usually convection
cure ovens
generally at 375-400 deg. F, 15-20 minutes (varies), in an infrared
oven,
or a combination of both.
-
Failing to preheat and cure the part properly can result in several
kinds of defects such as outgassing.
No
matter how carefully we have performed the above steps, defects, such
as adhesion
problems,
are likely to occasionally occur.
Troubleshooting
problems becomes very important to avoid many defects, rejects and lost
time and income.
"...thanks for the
plethora of information you have made available to amateurs like myself. This makes getting started a whole lot easier!" Mike B., Charleroi, PA
Contact Liz
256-837-1490
Site
map
|
|
Advantages
of Powder Coating
Because
of the advanced method with which powder coatings are applied, all types
of powder coating provide a durable,
uniform and
attractive finish.
All powder coatings are decorative and protective, and different formulations
of powder coatings are available to provide extra protection from ultra-violet
rays, corrosion, abrasion, and chemicals. Some types are even approved
for use by the FDA in food grade applications.
What's
more, they provide good
electrical insulation properties
and can also have special characteristics like electrostatic discharge.
Powder Coating: The
Coating of Choice
Powder
coating
has become the coating of choice for consumer goods from lawn mowers,
bicycles, and lawn furniture and office furniture, to kitchen appliances
and automobiles. Powder coatings are available in an amazing variety
of decorative colors and textures to stretch the limits of the most imaginative
designer; the application options are virtually endless.
Powder
coating is now the fastest-growing
finishing technology
in North America, representing over 15% of all industrial finishing applications.
POWDER
COATING TRAINING CLASS
from
Powder-X Coating Systems
We
offer 2 day hands-on training classes for the small job shop
coater or for those looking to open your own shop. Includes
classroom, hands-on, marketing, job costing, and more.
If
You're a Success...We're a Success |
QUALITY of Powder Coating
The
unique method with which powder coating is applied results in superior
consistency and uniformity
of the finish without sags, drips, runs, or bubbles. The finish an extremely
tough, durable coating which enhances the value of any consumer product
to which it is applied.
In
general, the performance properties - impact resistance, flexibility,
and corrosion resistance of powder
coating are better than with liquid paints.
Powder
coated parts resist
cracking, peeling,
and marring during handling and normal service use. In many cases, merchandise
is specifically advertised as "Powder Coated" because of the quality image
it projects.
ECONOMICS of Powder Coating
The powder coating process wastes
less energy
than liquid painting. Taking automation and oven efficiency into
account, powder coating requires up to 50% less energy
in the total system compared to solvent based systems. With respect
to energy savings, labor costs, rework costs, material usage, waste disposal,
and overall line efficiency, it's no wonder powder coating is the fasted
growing finishing technology.
The
advantage to manufacturers and to the consumer is a coated part with a
superior quality finish at a reasonable cost.
ENVIRONMENTAL Benefits of Powder Coating
Unlike many liquid paints, powder coatings are compliant
with environmental regulations.
Liquid
paints often contain solvents, which can contribute to air pollution and,
in some cases, ozone depletion. Powder
does not contain any solvents
and releases negligible amounts of VOCs into the atmosphere, resulting
in no air pollution.
Most
powder coating overspray that does not adhere to the part can be retrieved
and reused, significantly
reducing waste.
Wet
painting processes can generate sludge, which must be disposed of into
hazardous waste landfills. Properly formulated powder coatings generate
no such hazardous waste.
In
summary, powder coating is overall the better choice for any finishing
project.
More Powder coating how-to information
|