Powder Coating

Powder coating is the process of coating a surface in which a powder material is applied using an electrostatic or compressed air method. The applied powder is then heated until it melts, after which it 'flows' to form a smooth film. This dries to a firm, durable finish. It is very resistant to scratches, cracking, peeling, UV rays and rust. Powder coatings are a cost saving alternative to liquid paints with respect to energy savings, labour costs, re-work costs, material usage, waste disposal, and overall line efficiency. The advantage to manufacturers and the consumers is a coated part with a superior quality finish at a reasonable cost.

The entire powder coating process involves several steps:

• A blasting, stripping and/or solvent cleaning step to ensure the substrate is free of any oils, dirt, rust, mill scale, etc;
• A pre-treatment step (an important step not done by all coaters) during which the product is treated with a pretreatment chemical or conversion coating, usually phosphate or zinc based, to further protect it and improve the surface for powder adherence.
• 'Cooking or Baking' the product in the oven, generally at 180C, for 15-20 minutes in a pre-heated oven.