If you’ve been keeping up with our blog, and know a thing or two about powder coating, than you should have a brief understanding of the myriad of benefits powder coating can provide your manufacturing equipment and tools.
From protection against things like corrosion and rust, to the uniformed and impressive aesthetics once your equipment has been coated — powder coating has a lot to offer. However, there’s one benefit to powder coating that many often overlook, and that’s UV-resistance.
Why is UV-Resistance Important?
When you have equipment and tools that spend time outdoors, or anywhere that gets direct sunlight, the UV-rays that are emitted from the sun can damage these pieces over time.
It’s common knowledge, but metal equipment that’s left in the sun for too long can start to oxidize and fade. These pieces then look old and worn out as a result. If you need an example of this, just think of if you were to leave your car outside in the hot sun for months on end. Before you know it, the paint would fade and become damaged on the spots — such as the hood, roof, and trunk — where the sun was hitting it the most.
This problem is especially prevalent in metal equipment that is finished in traditional coating methods, such as wet paint. Certain types of powder coating, on the other hand, provides complete UV-resistance.
What is Polyester Powder Coating?
Remember when I said ‘certain types’ of powder coatings offer UV protection? I was referring to polyester — which is the most commonly used powder when it comes to powder coating.
There are two main types of polyester powders that are generally used. These are:
- TGIC (tri glycidyl isoyanurate)
- Non-TGIC (AKA TGIC-free or Primid)
Both types of polyesters offer 1-3 years of UV-resistance, so they are preferred for all indoor and some outdoor manufacturing equipment. They also provide incredible flexibility, mechanical resistance, and impact resistance.
What Are The Other Types of Powder Coating?
In addition to polyesters, there are many different types of powder coatings out there, each one providing different benefits. These include:
- Epoxies
- Polyesters
- Urethane
- Fluoropolymers
…and more. The powder you choose to go with will depend on the equipment you’re powder coating itself and what your individual needs are.
Where Can I Get UV-Resistant Powder Coating in Indianapolis?
If you have large (or small) manufacturing equipment that you want to be protected from the sun’s harmful rays, then give Rush Powder Coatings a call today at (866) 981-2771!