Powder coating is a method to paint metallic materials, but the process is much different from traditional methods. Powder coating involves using a colored powder and spraying it on metal surfaces, having an electrical charge. The powder sticks to the metal’s surface with the help of the charge and is baked after spraying is done.
This blog will shed light on the advantages of powder coating and why it’s a great investment.
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Powder Coating & Its Benefits
Highly Durable
One feature that makes powder coating highly beneficial is its durability. Powder-coated metals are extremely resistant to wear and tear no matter how they are used. There are many Innovative powder coating solutions in the present that are resistant to chipping, scratching, wearing, and fading, giving the products an unmatched finish. This way, the coated part maintains its quality even when exposed to sunlight and harsh environments.
Powder coating is a great alternative to paint as it doesn’t fade easily, and the coating delays the fading process, maintaining the integrity of the material for long periods. The appearance of metals can be protected for years using UV-resistant powder coating. It is also corrosion-resistant, shielding the metal from damage. If you wish to safeguard metal parts exposed to air and moisture, powder coating is the way to go.
Environmentally Friendly
The earth is under a pressing threat from pollution, where the manufacturing industry plays a key role. The need for pollution control is greater now more than ever due to emerging legal and social issues associated with ecological awareness.
Manufacturers are urged to file for permits and practice strict environmental regulations to limit the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted into the atmosphere.
In such a scenario, powder coating is a great alternative to other pollution control materials. It also ensures maximum compliance with environmental regulations and SOPs.
Unlike paint and other liquid coatings, powder coating can maintain coating suspension without solvents. Harmful VOCs are present in these solvents, which adversely impact the environment. Using powder coating reduces carbon dioxide emissions and also negates the requirement of priming before painting.
Easy Maintenance
One of the best features of powder coating is that it requires minimum maintenance. These coatings are corrosion-resistant, protecting the metal from damage. Additionally, they do not have any risks or damages for cleaning agents. Mostly, surfaces with powder coating only require occasional cleaning with detergent water to remove dirt, keeping the surface functional for a long time.
Longevity
Since these parts are easy to maintain over extended periods, they remain effective for prolonged periods. The material is durable, so the appearance is not compromised over a long time. Powder coating entails thermal bonding, ensuring the material maintains its longevity regardless of operations.
However, this doesn’t mean the parts won’t get dirty. Dust and dirt will accumulate over time as the parts are used, but it will not affect their performance.
Usually, dirt prevents the part from performing its job, and people think that it cannot perform well. If your part has been powder coated properly, it will work effectively after a quick clean. You need to ensure standard maintenance as required without damaging the part with harsh chemicals or unnecessary scrubbing.
Cost and Time Efficient
Powder coating can save you a lot of time and money. The process of powder coating takes considerably less time compared to other coating techniques.
Consequently, the manual labor is also much less, and you don’t have to wait for hours for it to dry. Simply put, the process is efficient and can happen all at once.
Once the part is completely coated, it is simultaneously cured and instantly ready to use. Manufacturers can handle multiple parts in a short period due to the quick application while reducing labor costs.
The process requires minimum equipment, lowering overall production costs and offering maximum efficiency. Powder bases also have a longer shelf life allowing you to store them for future use.
Efficient Material Utilization
Powder coating applications make good use of almost all coating materials. You can easily collect the undamaged and uncontaminated powder overspray to recycle for future use.
On the contrary, liquid coatings are not material-efficient, and the overspray material is lost and wasted. The absence of solvents also ensures no material is lost in the atmosphere, allowing a material utilization rate of more than 95%.
Fast Curing and Drying
The curing, processing, and drying time of powder coatings is much lesser than liquid coatings. The maximum time powder coatings take to fully cure is an average of ten minutes. Once it cools down, you can easily handle it for use.
Liquid coatings take several hours to dry without heat. Even with the heat, they take at least 45-60 minutes to cure for assembly operations. After assembling, the parts must be left to dry overnight before being packed. With powder coatings, fewer components need to be assembled, packaged, or shipped, which cuts down on manufacturing time.
Due to their lack of solvents or VOCs, the components also require less air exchange in the spray booth and curing oven. In the workshop, it is safe to recycle, filter, and exhaust the air. This feature reduces energy use as well as total curing and drying expenses.
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Versatility
Powder coatings are incredibly adaptable, making them simple to use on a variety of metal and non-metal surfaces with a range of thicknesses, textures, finishes, and colors. Other coating techniques might not be able to provide the desired outcomes.
Compared to liquid coatings, it is possible to produce powder coatings in considerably larger thicknesses without leaking, running, or drooping. The coatings mostly include solid coating material, so the ratio of liquid coating material is smaller. As a result, a coating or specified thickness can be produced with fewer powder passes.
Bottom Line
Having said that, the benefits of powder coatings are far greater than conventional paint coatings in all areas. Powder coatings improve quality, have multiple finishing options, require less finishing time, and are good for the environment. If you need more clarity to determine whether or not powder coatings are a viable choice for your projects, get in touch with an expert for more information.
