Paint is a traditional way that has various systems and qualities. Nowadays, powder coating is a more advanced process of paint application. Powder coating is a dry coating process that has become immensely popular since it was invented in North America around 1945 by Daniel Gustin. It is applied by an electrostatic process in dry powder form. There is a variety of colors and textures of powder coating. We will discuss the powder coating, types of powder coating, and its advantages in the article. You can also check the TomBurn site for more information.
What is powder coating?
There are many processes of paint application. Powder coating is one of the most popular and most common types of paint application systems. In this paint application process, the coating is mainly applied by an electrostatic system. “A free-flowing of dry powder” is used in the coating process. After applying it is cured by high temperatures or with UV (ultraviolet) light. Powder coating is generally used for the coating of metals like drum hardware, household appliances, automobiles, and bicycle frames. The powder that is used in the coating process may be a thermoset or a thermoplastic molecule that can provide a great finish and make the surface tougher and harder than other conventional or liquid paint.
Types of powder coating
There are two types of powder coating,
- Thermosets and
- Thermoplastics.
In the powder coating process, thermoset materials are used for their quality that makes the surface layer both durable and decorative. The molecular weight of thermoset powder is lower than that of thermoplastic materials. Thermosets are solid resins that melt when heated and can crosslink with one another to form higher molecular compounds. Once cured, a thermoset coating cannot be melted back into a liquid form from further heating. Thermoset cannot be reformed and recycled. It can be applied only via the ESD method. Thermosets are much cheaper compared to thermoplastics.
Thermoplastic coatings are thicker and more durable than thermoset coatings. The thickness of thermoplastic layers makes them more flexible. Thermoplastic can melt at high temperatures. It can be reformed and recycled. It can be applied via both ESD and fluidized bed methods. For this reason, they can be used for a plethora of things from metal, auto parts, and even refrigerators.
Advantages of powder coating
There are various advantages of powder coating, including-
- Durability – Once cured, powder coating provides an attractive and protective finish that is tougher and harder than conventional or liquid paint. The chemical bonds of powder coating give a superior coating that makes it resistant to scratches, chips, and abrasions. It also makes it suitable for both machinery and everyday metal items.
- Environmental Impact – The powder coating system can be remelted, reformed, and recycled or reused. It means there is little waste. The powder coating process happens in a sealed environment, so there is no risk of environmental pollution.
- Cost-Effectiveness – powder coating is a cost-effective process. The coating cost is much lower than other different types of paint application processes.
Powder coating can be used as functional or protective and decorative finishes as it has a reduced environmental impact, improved durability, and a higher quality appearance.
