Powder coating

Powder Coating: Environmentally Friendly Protection with a Durable Finish

Powder coating works by applying a finely ground polymer powder, usually thermosetting or thermoplastic, to a metal surface. This powder is electrostatically charged, causing it to adhere evenly to the surface. The coated part is then placed in a furnace, where the powder melts, flows and chemically bonds with the substrate, creating a smooth, continuous film. In thermosetting powders, the heat causes a chemical cross-linking reaction, which cures the powder into a solid, durable layer. Thermoplastic powders melt and form a film without cross-linking, making them re-meltable and easily recyclable. This process offers a thicker and stronger film than liquid paint and is free of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to solvent-based coatings.

Treatment options

There are two main types of powder coatings: thermosetting and thermoplastic. Thermosetting powder coatings are the most common because of their durability and resistance to chemicals and heat. These coatings cure by chemical cross-linking, forming a tough, irreversible layer, ideal for applications in harsh environments. Thermoplastic powder coatings do not undergo cross-linking. They can be remelted and offer excellent toughness, making them suitable for applications requiring flexibility, such as electrical insulation or pipe coatings. Each type has its own characteristics in terms of hardness, thickness and flexibility, allowing customers to choose the best option for their specific application.

Material compatibility

Powder coating works extremely well on metal substrates such as aluminum, steel and iron. For optimal adhesion and corrosion resistance, surfaces must be properly pre-treated, often by processes such as sandblasting, phosphating or chromating. Although metals are most commonly used for powder coating, technological advances have made it possible to apply powder coatings to nonmetallic substrates, such as certain plastics and composites, provided they can withstand curing temperatures.

Performance Benefits

Powder coating offers a range of performance advantages that make it superior to many traditional coatings. It significantly improves surface durability and provides robust protection against wear, corrosion and chemical exposure. Under similar conditions, powder coating lasts up to three times longer than liquid coatings. In addition, excellent UV resistance allows powder coatings to retain color and gloss much longer, making them ideal for outdoor applications. Research, such as salt spray testing, shows that powder-coated surfaces can withstand more than 1,000 hours of exposure without significant degradation. This performance ensures long-term protection and reduces the need for maintenance or post-treatments, ultimately saving costs.

Applications and Industries

Powder coating is used in many industries because of its versatility and performance. In the automotive sector, it is used for vehicle frames, rims and undercarriage components, providing both aesthetic and functional protection. In aerospace, powder coatings are valued for their corrosion resistance and low weight, ideal for aircraft components. Industrial machinery benefits from its durability and resistance to harsh working conditions, while infrastructure projects often use powder coatings for exterior structures such as fencing and railings, ensuring long-term resistance to environmental wear.

Customization and Process Optimization

One of the biggest advantages of powder coating is the ability to customize the finish to meet specific project requirements. We offer a wide range of thickness options, allowing us to match the durability and appearance of the coating to the intended application. Customers can also choose from a variety of surface finishes, from smooth, glossy finishes to matte or rough textures, depending on the desired aesthetic. Color customization is also a strength of powder coating, with a virtually unlimited palette of RAL colors, including special effects such as metallic or fluorescent finishes. In addition, our process is optimized for efficiency and consistency, ensuring even coverage, even with complex geometries.