Powder Coating

What are the basics of powder coating?

 

Powder coating is a type of surface finishing that can be used to improve several different kinds of materials. The most common material is metal. Powder coating has a few different possible uses. The main function of powder coating is to strengthen the material it is being applied to. A secondary use is to add a decorative finish to your material. There are a wide variety of textures and colors available through powder coating.

 

What types of products benefit from the use of powder coating?

 

Powder coating is used on a number of common materials and products. For example, a coating is often applied to components of household appliances during the production process. Various types of hardware, machine parts, and parts of musical instruments are also coated to improve performance and longevity. In fact, when you use almost any mode of transportation, including automobiles, motorcycles, and even bicycles, then you are benefiting from the effects of powder coating. A wide variety of products, whether it includes metal, plastic, fiberboard, or pieces made of another material, are strengthened or decorated during the manufacturing process through surface finishing.

 

Can powder coating improve the durability of a material?

 

While powder coating has a variety of functions, one of the primary functions is improving the durability of the material or surface it is being applied to. The durability added to a material through this type of surface finishing enhances the overall strength of the final product. While some manufacturers opt for a liquid paint finish, those that choose powder coating create more long-lasting products that are able to better withstand consistent use, as well as general wear and tear. Additionally, this type of finish is highly effective at withstanding damage from outside elements. These outside elements can include naturally occurring issues like damage from moisture or sun exposure, as well as extreme weather conditions when outdoors, or they can be environmental issues like exposure to certain chemicals. Products, components, and other materials that are enhanced through powder coating are able to more effectively resist fading, corrosion, and other kinds of surface damage. 

 

What are the aesthetic benefits to this process?

 

When comparing the various types of surface finishes, powder coating comes out ahead on durability and aesthetic appeal of the final product. Unlike liquid finishes, this coating does not drip away from the surface, which is more likely to leave behind an uneven texture. In addition to a more uniform finish, powder coating can be used to create decorative textures and a wide variety of colors, including color blends. When different colors are blended together, the final result is a truly distinct appearance. The special effects available through powder coating make it a particularly popular option for any consumer-facing product, such as bicycles or playground equipment. Other surface finishes cannot compare.

 

Are there any safety concerns with industrial powder coating?

 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations around the various processes involved in surface finishing, specifically when solvents or certain types of chemicals are used. When it comes to powder coating, however, solvents are not a part of the process at all. Plus, unlike other types of surface finishes, chemicals are generally not released into the air as part of the process, which makes it much easier to adhere to environmental and safety standards and regulations. If chemicals are released, it is only trace amounts that fall within the safe range as designated by the EPA. 

 

What if time is a factor in the production of a final product?

 

For most manufacturing processes, the amount of time a product takes to create is always a factor. The more efficient the system and the faster the work is done, the more successful the business model. However, quality should never have to be sacrificed for speediness. This makes industrial powder coating an even more attractive option. It cures faster than other types of coating while remaining one of the most durable options for surface finishing. If time is a significant factor in the production of a final product, then powder coating is an excellent choice.

 

What if the overall appearance of a liquid coating is preferable for the final product?

 

Deciding if it is better to powder coat or paint a finish is something to consider, but even if you decide to powder coat the material for non-aesthetic reasons, you may still prefer the overall look of a paint finish. For some materials, appearance is not very important, such as machine or appliance components that are not consumer-facing. But with many other types of products, appearance matters. Even with all of its drawbacks, there is no denying that a liquid coating provides an attractive finish. However, powder coating can look just like a paint finish or perhaps even better. While mimicking the general aesthetic of liquid coatings, the final result will be a nice finish that can also be much thicker than other types of finishes. Plus, because it does not run or sag in any areas, the surface is smooth and clean, ensuring consumer-facing products are appealing and marketable. 

 

How is a surface prepared for powder coating?

 

For certain types of materials, a lot of preparation might be required before any finish can be applied. If the surface has any residue or leftover substance, this needs to be thoroughly removed before a finish can be applied. Substances like dirt, grease, oil, or welding scale are common in certain types of manufacturing processes, and they can sometimes be difficult to completely remove. Depending on the substance, a chemical treatment may be needed. Other techniques for preparing a surface include sandblasting, abrasive blasting, or shot blasting. 

 

Is the process of powder coating convenient?

 

At Platinum Powder Coating, we ensure the process is as convenient as possible for all of our customers. That is why we provide pick up and delivery services and have a stellar team ready to answer any of your questions. Our goal is to make the experience as hassle-free for our customers as possible. We prepare the service using sandblasting and complete the powder coating process quickly and efficiently for an affordable price.