WHY POWDER COAT?
Because it's Stronger. Greener. Better.
WHAT IS POWDER COATING
Powder Coating is a dry finish that has become extremely sought after since its inception over 40 years ago. Powder is used in a wide array of products and makes up 15% of industrial coating. Used as a functional and decorative finishes, powders are available in as many colors imaginable, and offer a variety of textures to meet your finishing needs.
HOW IT WORKS
Powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems, combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers, and other additives.
These ingredients are melt mixed, cooled, and ground into a uniform powder similar to baking flour. A process called electrostatic spray depoÂsition (ESD) is typically used to achieve the application of the powder coating to a metal substrate. This application method uses a spray gun, which applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles, which are then attracted to the grounded part. After application of the powder coating, the parts enter a curing oven where, with the addition of heat, the coating chemically reacts to produce long molecular chains, resultÂing in high cross-link density. These molecular chains are very resistant to breakdown. This type of application is the most common method of applying powders. Powder coatings can also be applied to non-metallic substrates such as plastics and medium density fiberboard (MDF).
Sometimes a powder coating is applied using a fluidized bed application. Preheated parts are dipped in a hopper of fluidizing powder and the coating melts, and flows out on the part. Post cure may be needed depending on the mass and temperature of the part and the type of powder used. No matter which application process is utilized, powder coatings are easy to use, environmentally friendly, cost effective and tough!
HOW'S ITS DURABILITY?
Second to none, actually!
Powder coating is a high-quality finish found on thousands of products you come in contact with each day. Powder coating protects the roughest toughest machinery as well as the household items you depend on daily. It provides a more durable finish than liquid paints can offer, 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, heat and other extreme weather conditions. In turn, this reduces the risk of scratches, chipping, abraÂsions, corrosion, fading, and other wear issues.
It's tough. It looks great. And it lasts a long, long time. In addition to being durable, powder coating is an attractive choice due to environmental advantages.
THE BENEFITS?
Lets count the ways Powder Coating can benefit you.
Many issues inherent in liquid finishing are eliminated or minimized with the powder coating process. Liquid finishes contain solvents,
which have pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Powder coatings contain no solvents and releases negligible amounts of, if any, VOCs into the atmosphere. Thus, there is no longer a need for finishers to buy costly pollution control equipment, and companies can comply more easily and economically with the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Powder coating is a clean process. In fact one of the major elements in expanding the market for powder coating has been the implementation of stringent air pollution control legislation over the past 30 years. In addition, the increased efficiencies of applying a powder coating generally produce lower operating costs. For example, powder coating overspray that does not adhere to the part can be retrieved and reused. The unused powder is reclaimed by a recovery unit and returned to a feed hopper for reuse. Any powder waste that results is minimal, and can be disposed of easily, economically, and safely.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Negligible VOCs and HAPs (hazardous air pollutants) Free: Powder coatings contain no solvents and therefore emit negligible, if any, polluting VOCs into the atmosphere.
Less exhaust: Powder coating is a clean process, allowing exhaust air from the coating booth to be returned to the plant, and less oven air is exhausted to the outside. Heating and cooling costs are eliminated for make-up air and the cost for maintaining oven temperatures is minimized.
Reusable over spray: Powder over spray can be retrieved and reused.
No costly waste disposal equipment: Unused powder can be reclaimed and returned to a hopper for recirculation through the system, with negligible waste.
STRONGER
Improve Product Finish Durability: Powder coated products are more resistant to damage from impact moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet light, heat and other extreme weather conditions. This durability reduces the risk or scratches, chipping, abrasions ,corrosion, fading, and other wear issues.
GREENER
Minimize your environmental footprint: Powder coating releases less pollutants into the atmosphere, reduces exhaust air, and reduces material usage. Minimal waste is accumulated and disposal is performed easily, economically, and safely.
BETTER
Powder Coating is Tough, Environmentally Friendly, and Looks Great: Powder coating is the right choice for a high-quality, durable finish, allowing for maximized production, improved efficiencies, and simplified environmental compliance.