Powder coat
Powder coating is a dry finishing process in which a free-floating powder is applied electrostatically to a surface before heat is applied to create a protective, durable, and aesthetic coating.
Powder coat has been a popular finish for aluminium products for many years. Providing a smooth uniform colour that hides any extrusion lines. The coating is more resilient than wet paint lasting up to 20 years and is resistant to fading, corrosion and scratches.
The powder coating process
The powder is a polymer resin made from pigments, curing agents and other additives that have been melt mixed together and ground to a fine powder form. It is essentially paint without the solvent. The powder is applied to the part (e.g., aluminium) using a spray gun which applies an electrostatic charge called electrostatic spray deposition. The charged powder is attracted to the grounded metal and applies an even
A powder coat being applied using a spray gun with electrostatic spray deposition
coating. The metal then enters a curing oven in which the heat causes the coating to form long molecular chains which are resistant to breakdown resulting in a highly durable finish.
The coating thickness will generally be between 40 and 100 microns, thicker than anodising which is usually between 5 and 25 microns.
Powder coatings can also be applied to other materials such as plastic and MDF using UV light instead of heat to finalise the process.
Powder coats are available in almost unlimited colours (RAL) in addition to various textures and even with anti-bacterial properties.
The colours can generally be in matt or gloss of varying degrees and textures from smooth to rough.
If the colour required is not available the powder coat can be custom made to colour match.
Get in touch to find out more about powder coating for your aluminium.
