Powder coating is the process of applying powdered materials to metal parts to produce a finish that provides a highly resistant coating, similar to the finish on automobile bodies. Powder coating is applied using electrostatic or mechanical spraying equipment. Powder coating provides a hard, durable surface with great scratch resistance, low gloss, and low color change. In some cases, it can be used as a stand-alone finish. For other applications, it is commonly applied to a finished product to improve properties or aesthetics.
Powder coating can be applied to most metals, plastics, and wood. It can also be applied to many types of fabric and leather. Powder coating has been in use for over 100 years, but its popularity has grown significantly over the past two decades. The market for powder coatings has grown from $2.3 billion in 1995 to $3.9 billion in 2005, according to IHS Global Insight, a market research firm. There are many reasons that powder coatings are becoming more popular than ever before. One reason is that they can be used for interior and exterior applications. The most common applications for powder coatings include auto body, home improvement, outdoor signage, boat and marine, transportation equipment, and furniture.
By 2005, it was estimated that powder coating represented 15% of the total coatings market, with a compound annual growth rate of 5%. Powder coating has become a very popular alternative to conventional painting processes because of its low cost, high production rates, minimal waste, and ability to be used on many different substrates. Powder coating is also the preferred method for applying coatings to automotive components.
To paint or to powder coat?
Powder coating equipment is usually the better choice when painting a metal surface such as sheet metal or pipe. It is much easier to apply and clean, and it provides more protection for the painted surface. Powder coatings also allow the user to add pigments that change the color of the coating.
The type of powder used can be chosen based on the application, environment, and cost. Types of Powder Coatings There are two types of powder coatings: waterborne and solvent-borne. Waterborne coatings contain water as a binder and solvent. Solvent-based coatings contain solvents as the binder.
What’s the best finish for your metal fabrication?
It depends on the finish you are looking for, the material you are using, and the time frame you have. In general, you will use two different finishes for the same type of metal. For metal that has to be finished or painted, you will use a chemical called etching or a mechanical coating called electroplating. For metal that does not have to be finished or painted, you will use an anodizing or anodize-only process.
Why is it important to know which finish to use?
Chemical finishes are generally much more durable than mechanical finishes. They can withstand heavy wear, but they can only be used on flat surfaces. Mechanical finishes are generally much less expensive than chemical finishes. They can be used on many different shapes and designs and are much easier to apply than chemical finishes. The most important thing to know is that the application of a finish will affect the performance of the metal. A chemical finish will change the color of the metal, which will affect how it looks.
