Powder coating is a type of coating and finishes on a surface applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. Electrostatic charge is used to apply powder coating and cured under heat afterward; this is slightly different from the conventional liquid paint, delivered through an evaporating solvent. In powder coating services, to achieve the powder coating uniformly and evenly on a surface, we use a process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD). In electrostatic spray deposition as an application method, we use a spray gun that applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles. These particles are then attracted to the grounded part. After the application method for powder coating, the powder coating services also includes another process called the curing process. Here, the coated part, item, or equipment is placed in a special oven. Normally, most powder coatings’ particle size range is between 2 and 50 μ (Microns). The curing process has specific requirements; for example, the powder particles, which have a melting temperature of 150 °C and a softening temperature of around 80 °C, should undergo the curing process at around 200 °C.
Additionally, the curing process should go on for a minimum of 10 minutes to 15 minutes. It is interesting to note that the exact times and temperatures for the curing process are not the same for all powder coating particles; it is dependent on the thickness of the equipment. Large complex equipment like farming equipment may take longer and require higher temperatures than other basic equipment.
What Can Be Powder Coated?
Powder coating services can be offered to a very wide range of materials; wood, metal, glass, and even plastic; besides, this coating method is very adaptable. Examples of materials that can undergo the powder coating services include steel alloys, mild steel, galvanized and electroplated steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. The perks of employing powder coating services for your equipment include the fact that powder coating is very resistant. Not just to chemical corrosion alone, it is resistant to peeling, cracking, chipping, rust and abrasion. It is also very durable; it applies evenly on surfaces; you would not have one section of your equipment wearing out because it was hard to reach the powder coating area. Powder-coated equipment also retains gloss and color. This coating process has very good UV stability, and when compared to other paint techniques, it is more environmentally friendly. All these are qualities and features that make up a piece of good and long-lasting equipment that is sure to save you from constant repairs and replacements.
What Is the Powder Coating Process
How does the powder coating process take place? An electrostatic gun shoots dry powder onto a surface, which could be metallic, glass, or even wood. Since the process involves electrostatic charges, the powder has a negative charge from the gun, with an opposite charge from the surface to be coated; there is a fast attraction that results in even application of the coating on the surface. Thicknesses vary for each piece of equipment, and once you attain the desired thickness, the coated equipment is placed in an oven to cure and the powder gels when heated. The curing process forms thermal bonds between the particles, which create a hard, smooth surface finish.