Powder coating is not just a good way to give metal fabricated items a flawless, professional look, most metal fabrication companies have long implemented this tried-and-true method due to the numerous benefits that powder coating can provide over painting. Read on to learn why powder coating beats painting metal hands down.
Although there are many different finishing options within the metal fabrication industry, powder coating is relatively new. Prior to this technology, nearly all metal was painted - but it was found that paint did not bond very well to metal fabricated items, and you could only put so much paint on a product before it reached maximum thickness.
In the 1940s and 1950s powder coating was developed as an alternative to painting metal. The equipment used for this technology provides a much more uniform coating on metal than paint does, with a thicker coat that is highly durable and resistant to cracking, peeling, scratching, and rusting. The overspray can be recycled, which reduces the amount of paint wasted (as well as hazardous waste) and cuts down on expenses.
How Does Powder Coating Work? The process consists of two steps: applying a coat of powder material to an item and then curing the powder. Applying the powder can be done using an electrostatic gun that sprays the powder, or a less common method involves dipping the items in a fluidized bed. Curing the items involves heating up the items in a gas-fired convection bake oven until the powder melts and forms a smooth film. Most powder must be cured at 400 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, however new technology designed will allow powders to cure at 300 to 325 degrees, which can provide some significant energy savings. After curing, the products are then cooled off and you are set with an incredibly flawless, yet rugged, finish on your metal items.
Powder is available in a variety of resin bases such as epoxies, hybrids, polyesters, urethanes and acrylics. In addition to a wide range of resin bases, the powder is also available in a variety of textures and gloss levels. You can choose from smooth, textures, veins, wrinkles, hammertones, and peels. From old world styles to modern and contemporary looks, the custom coating you want is most likely available.
While powder coating can be used on a wide range of materials, it is a favorite for metal fabrication. If you own a metal item such as a metal filing cabinet or metal shelving, it's highly likely that they were powder coated rather than painted. And for good reason powder is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and it offers a longer-lasting durable finish. Resources: http://www.propowdersupply.com http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Powder-Coating-Beats-PaintingMetal&id=7741692
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