Powder Coating

Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials, and products that are used by both industries and consumers. The powder used for the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces, until heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish. Powder coating is the fastest-growing finishing technology

How is it done? -- Electrostatic Spray

Powder coating spray gun

The powder is applied with an electrostatic spray gun to a part that is at earth (or ground) potential.

Before the powder is sent to the gun it is fluidized:

• To separate the individual grains of powder, and to improve the electrostatic charge that can be applied to the powder
• The powder flows more easily to the gun

Because the powder particles are electrostatically charged, the powder wraps around to the back of the part, as it passes by towards the air filter system. By collecting the powder, which passes by the job, and filtering it, the efficiency of the process can be increased to 95% material usage.

The powder will remain attached to the part as long as some of the electrostatic charge remains on the powder. To obtain the final solid, tough, abrasion resistant coating, the powder coated items are placed into an oven, and heated to temperatures that range from 250 to 500 degrees F (depending on the powder).

Under the influence of heat, a thermosetting powder goes through 4 stages to full cure.

MELT, FLOW, GEL, CURE

The final coating is continuous and will vary from high gloss to flat depending on the design of the powder by the supplier.

These are our RAL colors: