Surface finishing is a critical phase during the manufacturing process of industrial metal products. Technology advancements in the dry powder application continue to drive the rapid expansion of the metal coating industry. According to Business Wire, the global powder coating market was worth $24.2 billion in 2019.
Powder coating plays a vital role in the decoration and protection of industrial finishes. It requires precision and keenly thought-out processes to achieve the desired finish. However, failure to conduct due diligence can lead to costly mistakes and imperfect finishes.
Not all powder coating products are equal. There are different grades of powder dyes in the market that designers can choose from, depending on the chemical formulation and technology used. Here are three common pitfalls to avoid during the dry coat selection and application processes.
1. Focus on Color, Not Performance
Powder coats are excellent candidates for a glossy, texturized, or matte finish for any industrial product. However, some manufacturers and designers wrongfully focus too much on the product’s color and texture and end up ignoring product performance.
The chemical formulations of different powder coats avail specific properties such as UV, corrosion, pH, and abrasion resistance. Confirming the product’s performance properties, not just its hue, enables you to create a product that will last for the long term.
Understanding the product’s end-use application makes it easier to choose powder coatings with the right properties needed. If the color specified cannot weather environmental conditions, you may run the risk of having products that fade and chalk in the long term.
2. Familiarize Yourself With Industrial Standards
The versatility in powder coating applications makes it suitable for almost all industrial applications. Many project managers will mistakenly presume that all powder coats will provide an optimum performance irrespective of the manufacture’s technology.
Each manufacturer provides a different powder coat specification standard for their products. Ensure that you have a candid discussion with your manufacturer about the various specification options available before placing an order.
Look at the different finish classes. A powder coat specification standard sheet can give you a generalized idea of your options, comparing the end product to measurable standards. The manufacturer should provide an outline of allowable defects over a certain surface area and define the size of the defects.
3. Determine Scope of Use
Different powder coating products will achieve varied outcomes for different environments. Most product managers fail to specify whether the end product will be used indoors or outdoors. Failure to determine the scope of use leads to costly recoating as a result of cracking, fading, or peeling.
Liaise with the powder coat supplier to ascertain the most suitable formulations or internal or external use. Powder coatings are considered as 100% solids. However, they do not require solvents in formulations as liquid coatings do.
Certain formulations are best used for internal or external use. Be specific on which standards are applicable to align to the scope of use of the end product.
Powder coating provides an excellent alternative to liquid coating for most industrial applications. It is vital to understand the industrial standards, focus on end-product performance, and to be clear about the project objectives. For more information on powder coating in Richmond, CA, contact Professional Finishing.