Powder Coatings
Reduce your energy costs with our Powder Coating paint solutions
Why Powder Coatings?
Powder Coatings are a blend of resins, curing agent and pigments, which are melt-mixed (extruded) and pulverized into finely divided particles. They are totally solvent free.
Typically applied to metal products by electrostatic spray, the coated item is then heated and the powder melts into a smooth, continuous encapsulating film. When thermosetting resins are used, the coating changes chemically (crosslinking) during cure resulting in a decorative / functional finish with superior performance characteristics.
Powder technology is growing as a preferred coating alternative due to the significant benefits of its features:
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Enviromental | |
| VOC emissions reduced to near Zero. | One step compliance, virtual 100% solids. |
| No sludge or solvent disposal. | Significant reduction in disposal costs. |
| Virtually 100% material usage, over spray can be reclaimed. | Typically lower applied material costs. |
| Reduced health, fire, safety hazards. | Cleaner plant operations, reduced costs. |
| Performance & Quality | |
| Tougher, more durable coating. | Eliminates extra packaging & handling. |
| More imperious film---higher cross link density of powder chemistries offer porosity. | Excellent corrosion & humidity resistance. |
| Color Gloss consistency---improved product & batch to batch uniformity. | Eliminates on-site mixing, reduced labor cost. |
| Productivity | |
| Ease of application-faster deposition, single pass coating, simplifies training procedures. | Increased productivity. |
| Fewer rejects- no drips, runs or sags; allows easier re-spray procedures before curing. | Lower reject costs, More productivity. |
| Reduced clean – up & Maintenance can be vacuumed off. | Reduced labor, clean up cost. |
Powder Classifications
There are two basic classifications of powder coating materials. They are "thermoplastic" and "thermoset" powders.
Thermoplastic powders are generally applied to a surface that has been preheated to a temperature significantly higher than the melting point of the powder. It melts and flow when heat is applied but continue to have the same chemical composition when they solidify on cooling. Nylon powder coating materials are the most commonly used thermoplastic powders. Thermoplastic coatings are known for their wear and chemical resistance.
Thermoset powders are 100% solvent less and are generally applied by means of electrostatic spray equipment that provides each powder particle with a small electric charge, which in turn stick to the earthed substrate. Thermoset powder coating systems offer broad formulation flexibility. They are very durable and are widely used.