 What
is 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 in Australia
representing over 10% of all industrial finishing
applications.
What are it's advantages?
More Durable
Powder coating gives consumers, businesses, and industry one of
the most economical, longest-lasting, and most colour-durable
quality finishes available. Powder coated surfaces are more
resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than other
finishes. Colour selection is virtually unlimited with high and low
gloss, metallic, and clear finishes available. And colours stay
bright and vibrant longer. Texture selections range from smooth
surfaces to a wrinkled or matte finish, and rough textures designed
for hiding surface imperfections.
Protects the Environment
Powder coating is also highly protective of our environment.
While liquid finishes contain solvents which have pollutants known
as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), powder coating contains no
solvents and releases negligible amounts, if any, of VOCs into the
atmosphere. Thus, there is no longer a need for finishers to buy
costly pollution control equipment. In addition, most powder coating
overspray that does not adhere to the part can be retrieved and
reused, virtually eliminating the waste commonly found in liquid
finishing processes.
Saves Money
Elimination of VOCs and reduction of wastes saves money and helps
companies comply more easily with Government environmental
legislation. In fact, one of the major elements in expanding the
market for powder coating has been the implementation over the past
30 years of stringent air pollution control legislation.
Where is Powder Coating Used?
Thousands of products and parts are currently powder coated:
Appliances
The appliance industry benefits from powder coating on front and
side panels of ranges and refrigerators, washer tops and lids, dryer
drums, air-conditioner cabinets, water heaters, dishwasher racks,
and cavities of microwave ovens. Powder coating has also replaced
porcelain enamel on many washer and dryer parts.
Automotive
The automotive industry uses powder coating on wheels, bumpers,
hubcaps, door handles, decorative trim and accent parts, truck beds,
radiators, filters, and numerous engine parts. A clean powder
topcoat has been developed to protect auto bodies. BMW and Volvo are
using it on their new model cars, and GM, Ford, and Chrysler have
formed a consortium to test this technique on their production
lines.
Architecture/Building
The architectural and building market powder coats aluminium
extrusions used on frames for windows and doors and modular
furniture. Many highway and building projects use powder coating on
light poles, guard rails, signs, posts, and fencing.
Everyday Products
There are also innumerable everyday uses for powder coated
products such as lighting fixtures, antennas, and electrical
components. Farmers have powder coated tractors and farm equipment.
Fitness buffs use golf clubs and golf carts, ski poles and bindings,
snowmobiles, bicycles, and exercise equipment that are powder
coated. Shop owners have powder coated display racks, shelves, store
fixtures, and vending machines. Office workers use metal furniture,
computer cabinets, mechanical pencils and pens, thumbtacks, and
other desk accessories that are powder coated. Parents have powder
coated baby strollers, cribs, metal toys, and wagons. And home
owners have lawn mowers, barbecue grills, patio furniture, garden
tools, electronic components, bathroom scales, tool boxes, and fire
extinguishers which benefit from a powder coated finish.
Powder coatings are now used on thousands of parts and products,
and ongoing technological breakthroughs are expanding the list every
day. Here are some of the powder coated products you see all around
you: -
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