Since its introduction to North America in the early 1960s, commercial powder coating has become a popular option for applying protective and decorative finishes to a range of products and materials. Representing over 15% of the total industrial finishing market, powder coatings can be applied to metals, as well as plastics, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and other non-metallic substrates. They are also available in a nearly limitless range of colors and textures.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about commercial powder coating, including common application methods and why more and more companies choose powder coating services to provide a high-quality, durable finish.
Powder Coating Process
Powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems and are often combined with the following:
- Curatives
- Flow modifiers
- Leveling agents
- Pigments
- Other additives
The chosen ingredients are mixed, ground, melted, and cooled into a powder, which is applied to a metal substrate via a spray gun. This process, known as electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), creates an electrostatic charge that attracts the powder particles to the grounded part. The parts are then placed inside a heated curing oven, with the resulting chemical reaction producing a long molecular chain. This chain creates a high cross-link density, which is highly resistant to breakdown.
Benefits of Powder Coating
Powder coatings offer a high-quality finish that is both durable and attractive. The sustainable technique is more cost-effective than liquid coatings and is virtually pollution-free, with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some other benefits of commercial powder coating include:
- Durability. Commercial powder coating provides a robust barrier against rust and corrosion. It can also resist scratching, fading, chipping, and corrosion, making it ideal for parts that require protection from extreme weather and other factors.
- Longevity. In addition to being durable, powder-coated parts are also long-lasting. For metal parts exposed to direct sunlight or other environmental factors, ultraviolet (UV) resistant powder coatings can protect the appearance of products, lasting decades with proper application and maintenance.
- Adaptability. Several types of powder coating can be used to meet application-specific needs, including epoxy, polyester, various fluoropolymers, urethanes, and more. Depending on your needs, matte finishes and wrinkle coats can hide surface defects or imperfections like spot welds, nicks, and scratches.
- Time and money savings. Commercial powder coating offers various cost-saving benefits. The process is quicker than other painting techniques and does not need time to dry, requiring significantly less manual labor to apply. Additionally, the entire process happens simultaneously, making it fast and affordable for covering a large volume of parts and surfaces.
Commercial Powder Coating Applications
Powder coating meets the unique needs of applications across a broad range of industries, such as agricultural and construction equipment, appliances, consumer and industrial products, and other industries that require durable finishes for products.
Thermoplastic Coatings
Thermoplastic coatings’ durable finish can prove beneficial in a wide variety of functional products and parts, such as:
- Dishwasher racks
- Light poles
- Pipes
- Playground furniture
Thermoset Powder Coatings
Thermoset powder coatings can also be used to meet the demand of various applications, including but not limited to the following:
- Facades
- Fencing
- Furniture
- Lawn and garden products
- Mowers
- Shovels
Contact the Experts at Plas-Tech for Commercial Powder Coating Services
Plas-Tech Coatings is a highly regarded powder coating shop that caters to small and large-volume commercial and industrial consumers. We are the only NADCAP-accredited industrial applicator of Teflon™ coatings, and we are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified to ensure the utmost quality and performance of our products.
We offer precise applications for various types of coatings and have great respect for the art and science of coating applications, allowing us to provide our customers with the following:
- Dependable delivery
- Precise techniques
- Superior knowledge
- Consistent quality control
We take immense pride in every project we oversee, striving to deliver results that meet or exceed our customers’ expectations. Technological advancements have enhanced the performance of powder coatings since our beginnings in 1978, enabling us to employ the dry finishing process for a wide variety of commercial applications.
Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities and see how powder coating can match the unique requirements of your next application.