Powder Coating refers to a type of finish that is tough and of high quality and can be used on different materials with a significant resistance to corrosion, chipping and fading compared to ordinary liquid paints. Most of the time, this technology needs no such solvents or melts but instead it employs the use of dry powder which is charged and attached to the surface and then heated to fuse it to the surface in order to provide a very strong coat. The application of powder coating processes can be seen in the automotive, architectural, electrical, and furniture industries proving that it is effective in the Surface Treatment of metals and other materials.

The Technology of Powder Coating Process

There are three main steps in the powder coating procedures: preparation of the surface, application of powder and application of powder on to the prepared surface, and finally heat curing This is done to prepare the surface to be coated and to remove any impurities to allow for the smooth adhesion of the powder. In this stage, the powder, which is normally a combination of resin and pigment, is sprayed through the use of a spray gun. With the application of this charge, the powder temporarily attaches onto the surface thereby covering that surface evenly. The final process involves heating the coated object in an oven Typical curing is to heat the object with a coating for some time at a specified temperature to ensure that the powder is melted and hence adheres permanently onto the surface giving a smooth coating.

Types of Powder Coating

There are two main types of powder coating: thermoplastic and thermoset. Thermoplastic powders are capable of being melted after curing, and molded into shape again, whilst thermoset powders will cure into a chemical structure that cannot be remolded. The latter is more common, as it provides a stronger, more durable finish.

Advantages of Powder Coating

Durability: The Life of powdered coatings is lengthy, and they are impervious to abrasion, impact, and climatic variations making them perfect for exterior surfaces.

Environmentally friendly: Painters do not use solvents and do not emit other volatile organic compounds in powder coating which brings less negative implications to the environment compared to the liquid alternative.

Cost-effective: Since the powder application is done in bulk and wastage due to overspray is minimized as the powder can be captured and reused, there is no unnecessary expenditure due to overspray. Besides, there is usually less number of coats of powder required to achieve the desired aesthetic and that also shortens completion time and cost of materials.

Aesthetic Flexibility: Widely applied in certain industries, powder coating presents an array of great aesthetics in different colours and textures and in a range of finishes from high gloss to flat, thus meeting specific customer needs in product marketing.

Corrosion Resistance: The protective coating applied via powder coating is very effective against corrosion due to the hydrophobic quality of powders thus items used in moisture or chemicals or harsh conditions are powder coated.

Powder coating is the more efficient form of application compared to paints, with several advantages like increased longevity, reduction of solvent emission and cost effectiveness . With its range of applications, it’s no wonder that powder coating is favored in industries in need of permanent quality surface handling. Whether in manufacture of cars, construction, or consumer products, powder coating is the best way to protect and enhance your product.