WHAT IS POWDER COATING?

ABOUT POWDER COATING Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to virtually any type of metal that can be used both by industry and consumers.  The powder used in the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is electrostatically sprayed onto the surface to be coated.  The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until the powder is heated and fused into a smooth coating in the curing oven.  The result is a uniform, durable, high quality and attractive finish.  Powder coating is the fastest growing finishing technology in North America, representing over 10% of all industrial finishing applications.     MORE DURABLE Powder coating gives consumers, businesses, and industries one of the most economical, longest lasting, and most color-durable quality finishes available on virtually any type of metal.  Powder coated surfaces are more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than other finishes.  Color selection is virtually unlimited with flat, satin, gloss, high gloss, metallic, candies, clear, iridescent, fluorescent, hammer tone, and glitter finishes available.  Colors stay bright and vibrant longer.  Texture selections range from smooth surfaces to wrinkled or matte finishes, and rough textures designed for hiding surface imperfections. PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT Powder coating is also highly protective of our environment.  While liquid finishes contain solvents which have pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOC's), powder coating contains no solvents and release negligible amounts, if any, VOC's into the atmosphere.  Therefore, there is no longer a need for finishers to buy and maintain costly pollution control equipment. SAVES MONEY Elimination of VOC's and the reduction of waste saves money and helps companies comply more easily and economically with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency.  In fact, one of the major elements in expanding the market for powder coating has been the implementation of stringent air pollution control legislation over the past thirty years.   WHERE IS POWDER COATING USED Thousands of products and parts are currently powder coated: Appliances - The appliance industry benefits from powder coating on front and side panels of ranges and refrigerators, washer tops and lids, dryer drums, air-conditioner cabinets, water heaters, dishwasher racks, and cavities of microwave ovens. Powder coating has also replaced porcelain enamel on many washer and dryer parts. Automotive - The automotive industry uses powder coating on wheels, bumpers, hubcaps, door handles, decorative trim and accent parts, truck beds, radiators, filters, and numerous engine parts. A clear powder topcoat has been developed to protect auto bodies. BMW and Volvo are using it on their new model cars, and GM, Ford, and Chrysler have formed a consortium to test this technique on their production lines. Architecture/Building - The architectural and building market powder coats aluminum extrusions used on frames for windows and doors and modular furniture. Many highways and building projects use powder coating on light poles, guardrails, signs, posts, and fencing. Everyday Products - There are innumerable everyday uses for powder coated products such as lighting fixtures, antennas, and electrical components. Farmers have powder coated tractors and farm equipment. Fitness buffs use golf clubs and golf carts, ski poles and bindings, snowmobiles, bicycles, and exercise equipment, all of which are powder coated.  Shop owners have powder coated display racks, shelves, store fixtures, and vending machines. Office workers use metal furniture, computer cabinets, mechanical pencils and pens, thumbtacks, and other desk accessories that are powder coated. Parents have powder coated baby strollers, cribs, metal toys, and wagons.  Homeowners have lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecue grills, patio furniture, garden tools, electronic components, bathroom scales, toolboxes, and fire extinguishers.   These items all benefit from a powder coated finish.