After the basic manufacturing process of metal products is complete, a professional finish is required. It is done either through spray painting or powder coating. Powder coating is the most effective way of finishing your products for both protection and decoration.
The common questions most people ask are, ‘‘what are powder coatings,” and “why get a powder coating?’’ Powder coating utilizes a special form of powder that contains resign and fine pigment particles such as Red Lake C and Lithol Rubine. The powder is electrostatically sprayed on the surface of the metal products until it adheres and then completely fuses with the metal. This is done in a curing oven under high industrial temperatures. The result is a smooth finish, which makes the metal product more attractive besides serving as a protective coating.
Industries That Utilize Powder Coating for Finishing Their Products
In North America, professional powder coating has been used for long and it accounts for about 10% of industrial finishing applications. Most of the appliances you use in your households such as refrigerators, dryers, and washers are most likely powder coated. Industries that manufacture utility products for our daily use heavily rely on powder coating. These are items such as bicycles, office cabinets, pencils, display racks, and electrical fittings.
Additionally, powder coating is used in the building industry for window frames and door frames. Highway construction projects also utilize powder coating for road signs, guardrails, light poles, road posts, and fences. Most manufacturing industries that produce everyday-use products utilize powder coating to finish their products.
If the question on your mind is, why get a powder coating? The following benefits of powder coating will give you a conclusive answer.
1. Powder Coating Lasts Longer and Has More Color Choices
Compared to liquid coating, powder coating is more durable and protective against chipping, scratches, rusting, fading, and wear and tear. This is because the process of powder coating is more effective and the components that make the powder are of a higher quality. Additionally, you can select from an unlimited range of colors, to get a specific color of powder coating. You can choose from among the many colors available, such as glossy, candies, fluorescent, and high-gloss, hammer toned, glitter, flat, clear, iridescent, or wrinkle. No matter the type of product that you powder-coat, the coating will stay brighter and more vibrant as opposed to other finishes. Powder coat also allows you to choose the type of texture for your finish. You can choose a smooth finish, wrinkled, or rough finish.
2. Powder coating is environmental-friendly
Another reason on why get a powder coating is that it is 100% solid and does not require solvents that are major pollutants of volatile organic compounds, commonly referred to as VOCs. Unlike the liquid coatings that utilize large amounts of solvents, powder coatings are solvent-free and, therefore, do not contribute to the pollution of the environment. This also reduces the cost of finishing because manufacturers do not have to invest in pollution-control equipment which is costly to purchase and maintain. With manufacturing industries shouldering the biggest blame for environmental pollution, powder coatings help finishers maintain sustainable and safe production, minus the negative effects on the environment.
3. Powder Coating Saves Consumers Money While Giving Them More Value
In the long run, the fact that powder coating is more durable and more affordable will factor in the final price of a powder-coated product. As a result, the final price will be more affordable and sales will increase. Today, consumers are more aware of the choices they make while purchasing a product. The modern consumer will evaluate if your product is powder-coated, compare and contrast benefits before settling on it.
There you have it, these three benefits answer the question, why get a powder coating? There are many options and ways to utilize powder coating. That is why it is best to seek expert knowledge from finishing companies in your location that do professional powder coating.