Powder Coating Research Paper

Many of the metal and plastic products we use are colored. We know that metal doesn't have vibrant hues and is typically silvery, grey or a deep red. To get it to achieve something along the lines of yellow or blue, a process called powder coating is applied.

Liquid paint is another way to get metal to look colorful. And while it is effective to a degree and depending on what the parts are to be used for, its industrial advantages are just no match against powder coating. In the manufacturing sector, quick production is a necessity because monetary returns must flow at a constant rate. Powder coating allows this because it's generally a one-coat process unlike paint which may require two or more coats so is time-consuming.

Types of powder
coating

Powder coating consists of several types of processes and paint. Thermoplastic and thermoset powders are a couple and both need heat in order to cure. A strict environment is also required to ensure that the protective film forms uniformly. Unlike liquid paint which can be applied very thinly, powder coating can't so maintaining uniformity can sometimes be a challenge.

Thermoplastic powder (and the process of thermoplastic) and thermoset powder (thermosetting process) are the 'ingredients' used to coat metals and plastics. Thermoplastic is generally applied without electrostatic charge and is instead heated till it melts and adheres to the substrate. The powder can be melted repeatedly and reused which increases its eco-friendly factor.

With thermosets, chemical changes occur during the curing process which prevents the polymer from being re-melted and reused. Despite not being so environmentally friendly, they do last longer as the coating doesn't fade as easily.

While thermoplastic and thermoset powders are the two main types, epoxy-based powder and polyester resin are also used.
With epoxy, home appliances are the typical beneficiaries because the powder doesn't stand up well to outdoor applications. As for polyester resin, a large number of outdoor and indoor applications undergo its coating process because UV-resistance and corrosion protection are guaranteed.

Top benefits of powder-coated materials

Coated products, especially those used in outdoor applications, are particularly prone to suffering from diminished quality as a result of chemicals, UV light, dust, heat etc. As powder coating makes use of several types of coating agents, each differing in properties and characteristics, it's easy to find one which matches requirements perfectly.

As mentioned, liquid paint does last but not as long as powder-coated products. Most industrial components rely on the process because of the mechanical and chemical resistance they offer such as corrosion protection and all-round weatherability.

One of the more attractive features of powder coating is the ability for the process to be applied not only to metals but plastics and MDFs as well. The results look and function well, don't cost an arm and a leg, and assure
longevity.

Powder coating is a more detailed process than painting. For DIYers, it's not really possible to go it alone unless you have the means and the equipment. However, it's much wiser to part with a little more money and use professionally powder-coated products than painted ones. In applications where flexibility is necessary and excellent adhesion is a priority, paint will not be able to offer much. Powder coating can, though, so it's a preferred means of adding protective layers to certain materials.