Metal Powder Coating Techniques for Beginners to Know
Although metal powder coating is a fairly new process, it is increasingly being adopted for a host of reasons. Powder coating can protect almost any type of metal from harsh environments, thereby making it durable. Notably, the finish is scratch-resistant and corrosion-resistant. If a metal product is meant for industrial applications that might degrade the finish, then you can talk to a metal coating professional to adjust the coating's thickness. Moreover, powder-coated metal surfaces are easy to clean without losing their aesthetics. Since powder coating requires specialised equipment and a specific environment, you should always work with an experienced professional to get a longer lifespan out of the finished products. Here are metal powder coating processes for beginners to know.
Pretreatment -- Before applying a powder coat to a metal surface, it is essential to rid the base metal of any dirt and impurities, such as rust, oil and dirt. Pretreatment allows for the creation of a surface that is resistant to corrosion and enhances the adhesion of a powder coating.
Methods of Applying Powder Coating -- Two standard methods are used to apply a powder coating to a metal surface: spray gun and fluidised bed. In the spray gun technique, the metal being coated is grounded to help attract electrically-charged particles. Therefore, a spray gun propels a powder coating that is uniformly absorbed by a metal surface to form a bond. Unlike conventional spraying, powder coating spraying is superior in terms of resistance to aging, adhesion, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and cost-effectiveness. In the fluidised bed method, metal is heated and then dipped into a powder coating material. Finally, the coated material might be cured depending on the coating substance or base metal.
Curing -- When a metal surface is powder-coated, it must be placed in an industrial oven with specific heating requirements, depending on the type of metal, in a process called curing. The oven heats the coat to allow a series of chemical reactions that enable a powder coat to be durable and rigid. As the powder cools, the finish will start by taking a gel-like consistency before room temperature is reached. When the surface achieves room temperature, the powder coating will be fully cured. Curing implies that the powder has completely attached to a metal surface and will not melt when subjected to different conditions. Curing helps a powder-coated surface to be used in different environments and in a range of applications without additional treatment. Consult a powder coating expert about the curing duration and temperature range for a specific metal type.
To learn more, contact a powder coating company.
