Powder Coating Process And Its Many Facets

Myriads of paints and coatings are available in the market today. Each of them can be used for various purposes. Each of these paints with their specific characteristics provides a different finish to the surface of the material. Instead of spraying liquid paints on metal surfaces powder coating can be used. It is in fact a very good method that was introduced in the year 1945. The finishing and also the variety of materials used in it makes all the difference. The part to be coated is first sprayed with free-flowing particles which are electrostatically made to stick to the material surface and then cured to provide an excellent finish.

Benefits of Choosing Powder Coating

Well, there are numerous reasons which are to be taken into account before deciding on which process to use for painting or coating a specific part. Powder coating is a process which is chosen by many part manufacturers solely for its advantages. Some of these advantages are listed below:1. Surface finish - The finishing is of top quality and thus it is more resistant to chipping, corrosion and scratching. It is well ahead of other paints in regard to surface finishes. It is also durable and above all attractive. 2. Lesser pollution – Pollution is a major issue of concern in the present era and the best part of using powder coating is that there are very less chances of it polluting the environment. In fact, almost no amounts of volatile organic compounds are released during the process. Its wastages are also very minimal as it can be reclaimed and even reused. As no amount of VOC is released, there is no special need for waste disposal systems. 3. Efficiency - More than 90 per cent of the powder can be utilised without much wastage if proper recovery methods are used. Unlike liquid coatings, powder coating has a better surface texture which does not gives any kind of uneven finishes. The items can be coated faster and more effectively in a powder coating line. The process can also be automated as there is not much manual work required to coat the parts.

Types of powders used in coatings

The different types of coatings can be differentiated into 2 broad categories of thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. In addition to it, there are other types of powders that are in business over the years. Some of the few materials commonly used for coating the articles are lised below:1. Polyester – It is used for coating wooden or thin metal articles which used for decorative and simple items like furniture or fences. 2. Polyeurathane – Owing to its very good corrosive resistance and low chemical action, it is also used in items that are exposed to the atmosphere and open air. 3. Metallic - Metallic powder is added to the epoxy or polyester before coating asthey have more strength and durability and also provide for a very shiny and attractive appearance. This type of powder coating is used for a variety of purposes owing to its superior and supreme properties.

There are various processes of powder coating which involves the preparation of the material that is to be coated just before the beginning of the process. This powder is then applied as coating over the item  and then sprayed over the item using different methods which depends on the thickness of the film required. Then the item is cured for 10-15 minutes before cooling. Some of these materials may be coated with metal extrusions, glass, ceramic and aluminum. Office and household items are generally coated and covering using this process as powder coating is durable and above all less expensive.