Table of Contents
- What is Powder Coating?
- Main Benefits of Powder Coating
- Industrial Uses of Powder Coating Equipment
- The Powder Coating Process: A Complete Breakdown
- Choosing the Right Powder Coating System for Industrial Applications
- Find Quality Powder Coating Equipment at Bolair Today
Powder coating is a versatile finishing process that’s used to make surfaces more wear-resistant and visually appealing. It has a multitude of use cases, with the industrial sector being one of the main applications. Many industrial companies who actively utilize protective coating systems will find that powder coating technology offers a high-performance finish that adds lasting value to a product or surface.
Below, we’ll go over the various benefits that powder-coated finishes provide, what industries they’re primarily used in, and how you can determine the right piece of powder coating equipment for your application.
What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a type of surface finishing process that applies a dry polymer powder via an electrostatic charge, which is then cured under heat. The result is a durable outer coating that is many times more resilient than standard paints.
The powder coating process begins with the hopper or box, which is filled with the dry resin materials. From there, compressed air mobilizes the particles and transports them to the powder coating gun. As the powder moves through the barrel, it becomes electrostatically charged. As the powder exits the gun, it becomes attracted to a negatively grounded product surface. Once sufficiently coated, the product is moved into a curing oven, where the final coating is solidified.
The powder that’s used comes in many different forms, such as polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, and other polymers. It can be applied to a variety of mediums, such as structural components, consumer products, parts, and automotive surfaces.
Main Benefits of Powder Coating
There are many benefits of powder coating that set it apart from other protective finishing materials like paint and liquid epoxy. Understanding the various advantages that powder coating provides is essential for an industrial company to determine if this type of finishing equipment is right for them
Surface Durability
Above all else, the main benefit of powder coating is its durability. Thermal bonding chemically adheres the powder materials directly to the surface, significantly enhancing its ability to withstand adverse weather, chips, and color fading.
Visual Appeal and Aesthetics
Powder coating creates a unique look that’s immediately recognizable. It often creates a “grainy” texture that can be physically felt. In many ways, this creates a more rugged appearance, which can be very desirable in certain applications.
Environmental Impact and Pollution
One of the most overlooked benefits of powder coating is its environmental friendliness. Unlike other spray methods, powder coating does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, making the spraying environment much safer for yourself and your spray technicians.
Cost-Effective Coating
Although the initial cost of powder coating systems may be higher than standard spray painting machines, the long-term cost-effectiveness is an advantage. There is less material waste during application, and powder coated finishes last significantly longer, reducing the need for touch-ups and recoating.
Industrial Uses of Powder Coating Equipment
Countless industries can utilize powder coating in their finishing process. From smaller consumer products to structural supports on bridges, the use cases are extensive. View the table below to see the applications of powder coating in various industries.
Industry | Examples |
Construction |
|
Automotive Manufacturing |
|
Aerospace |
|
Industrial Equipment |
|
The Powder Coating Process: A Complete Breakdown
Above, we gave a brief overview of how the powder coating process works. While these basic principles apply, the complete picture is more complex.
Before any powder coating application begins, it’s crucial that the surface that’s being sprayed is properly prepared. This includes removing dirt, dust, and grease, as these can interfere with the coating and curing processes. A cleaning solution, pressure washer, or acid bath can also be used to prep the surface.
To begin the application process, a spray technician depresses the trigger of the spray gun. This activates the air compressor, which releases air and mobilizes the fine powdered particles out of their reservoir and into the gun.
As the powder flows through the barrel of the spray gun, it becomes electrostatically charged via a coil, typically at 50-100 kV. The surface is negatively grounded via a wire. As the charged particles exit the spray gun, they are immediately attracted to the surface. This creates a very even coat that is also self-leveling.
Once a sufficient coat has been applied, the entire product is moved into a curing oven. Here, the powder is turned into a flexible, solid material that provides the exceptional durability that spray technicians are after.
Various Types of Equipment Used
Most powder coating operations use manual machines that are controlled by an individual. Some of the components involved include the hopper or reservoir, air compressor, powder spray gun, electrostatic charging system, and a paint booth.
In some cases, a system is automated, such as with the Gema OptiFlex Automatic A1. This type of device can be used with robotic spray arms and conveyor belts for maximum production efficiency.
Choosing the Right Powder Coating System for Industrial Applications
Determining which system is right for your industrial powder coating application can be a challenge. It’s important to avoid common pitfalls like purchasing equipment that’s underpowered or incompatible with the material you need. Before purchasing anything, consider various factors like:
- Your Desired Material and Finish Quality
- The Size of the Surfaces You’re Coating
- Production Levels
- Automatic or Manual Operation
- Budget
Find Quality Powder Coating Equipment at Bolair Today
Powder coating is a robust type of protective coating that can provide impressive benefits to a wide range of industries. If enhancing aesthetics in industry applications and increasing surface durability matter most, a powder coating system is a great investment to make.
At Bolair Fluid Handling Systems, we take the guesswork out of the powder coating buying process. We’re experts in this field and are highly knowledgeable about the technical capacities of our equipment. Browse our complete inventory today, and don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more.
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