Powder Coating is the
technique of applying a
protective and attractive
finish to an item or
component, and can be used
on a wide variety of items
as it works well on many
different materials.
The powder is made of a
complex mixture of pigments,
resins and chemicals, and is
electromagnetically charged.
The
process applies dry
paint to an object, rather
than traditional liquid
paint. The powder is
electromagnetically charged,
and so will adhere to the
grounded surface.
Because wet paints must dry
in order for their final
look to become evident and
their durability to be
tested, Powder Coating
offers a viable alternative
as the outcome can be more
controlled. Powder
Coating is cured rather than
dried, and so it's not weather
and humidity dependant for
final finishing. The curing
process in the oven causes a
chemical reaction in the
powder coat which gives it
the strength and durability,
while the heat causes the
micro-granules to melt and
form a continuous coating.
Two types of powder
coatings: Thermosets and
Thermoplastics.
Thermoplastic powders will
re-melt when heated while the
Thermosetting powders will
not re-melt. During the curing process, a chemical
cross-linking reaction is
triggered at the curing
temperature and it is this
chemical reaction which
gives the powder coating
many of its desirable
properties.
A complete coating system is
available in a variety of
chemistries, colors, gloss
ranges, textures and
metallics and may include a
primer, the coating, and a
sealant/top-coat. |
