Powder coating is one of the most popular and most common types of paint application process. It’s widely embraced for its durable finishes in metal applications. Powder coating is, in general, 2 to 10 times thicker than their paint counterparts.
Companies that deal with metal finishes can choose to use a paint or powder coating to cover their products. Both options have their own sets of pros and cons, so whichever one they end up settling for depends on their preferences. However, powder coating is often the preferred choice for many who consider powder coating vs. paint.
What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a particle-based product that’s applied via electrostatic delivery. It is mainly used to cover metal products, and the substance is applied via the use of a spray gun before being exposed to specific heat levels afterward. This heat allows the coating to properly bond with the metal and develop an outer layer commonly known as the skin.
Powder coating is divided into two main categories based on their manufacturing process, namely, thermosets and thermoplastics. The thermoset category uses a cross-linker to develop the polymerization process and consists of additional chemicals in its formula. The thermoplastic class does not involve any other chemical formulas in its makeup.
How is Powder Coating Used?
The procedure of powder coating takes place in three stages, consisting of pretreatment, application, and curing. Many products such as ones found on Trimantec have a protective powder coating.
Pretreatment
Pretreatment involves the initial preparation of the surface of the object about to be coated, ensuring elements such as dirt are cleaned. This cleaning involves the use of a variety of chemicals, depending on the particular item an individual is dealing with. In cases where metal is concerned, more aggressive tactics can be implemented during this stage such as sandblasting or shot blasting with the use of abrasives.
Application
Once the surface involved has been appropriately cleaned an individual can then apply the powder coating. This is done via a spray gun that implements the use of electrostatic energy and gives the powder a positive electron charge. This is then sprayed towards the surface area, which is placed within a grounded base.
The type of nozzle that is applied during this procedure will determine the results enjoyed by an individual. Issues such as the shape of the item being sprayed and the consistency of the coating being applied can also affect the type of nozzle implemented.
Curing
This is the last stage of the process and is usually applied with the use of a thermoset powder coating. The painted item is exposed to high heat levels which then causes the powder to melt and flow across the body of the subject. Once this takes place the powder coating also develops an extended covering that is hard to the touch. These articles are exposed to heat levels reaching up to 200 °C, and the process lasts about ten minutes.
The fact that powder coating is stored in a dry capacity also makes it less of a health hazard to individuals using it as they do not produce any harmful fumes.