Powder coating is applied as a dry powder, unlike liquid paint. Powder coating is typically applied with a powder coating machine and then cured with heat. The powder is comprised of a thermoset polymer or a thermoplastic. Daniel Gustin invented the powder coating process in 1945.
Advantages of Powder Coating
Powder coating creates a hard finish that is more rugged than a paint finish. Powder coating is primarily used on metals, such as household appliances, as well as automobile and bicycle parts. However, newer techniques allow other materials, such as medium-density fiberboard, to be powder coated using a different type of powder coating machine.
Since powder coating does not use a liquid as a carrier, it produces a thicker finish than paint. Likewise, there is no running or sagging paint to worry about, and powder coating produces a very uniform appearance. Finally, several different powder colors can be applied before heat curing, allowing for unique color blending and special bleed effects. Another major advantage of powder coating is that the overspray can be swept up, recycled, and used again.
Disadvantages to Powder Coating
While it is easy to apply a thick coating with powder that cures to a smooth finish, it’s not as easy to achieve a smooth, thin coating. If the powder coating is too thin, it will have an orange peel texture. This is due to the particle size as well as the glass transition temperature used to cure the powder. However, many manufacturers like a little orange peel on the finished product since it can hide defects in the metal. Orange peel is also less likely to show fingerprints.
Since 1967, Airblast AFC has manufactured and installed powder coating machines throughout North America. If you are interested in powder coating for your business, visit Airblast AFC at Sitename today.
