The Components That Make Up Powder Coating
If you’ve ever looked for a way to finish your products that improves both their appearance and durability, then you may have heard of powder coating. When you choose powder coating, you can add a protective layer to your products that looks great and helps them last for years to come.
While more and more businesses are turning to powder coating to improve the quality of their products, few people understand the ins and outs of the process, including the ingredients that allow the powder to adhere to surfaces and form an outer coating. Here are a few facts about powder coating components that can help you better understand how this process works to improve your products.
Ingredients of Powder Coating
When observing the powder coating process, it’s common to assume that the powder is made from a single ingredient. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, the dry powder used in powder coating is made from several components, each of which is crucial in giving the dry powder the amazing characteristics it’s known for.
Resin is the base ingredient of the powder, and comes in two types, epoxy or polyester, which will determine the finish of the coating. The dry powder also contains several additives that work to create the color, finish, and strength of the final coat. Post additives are also used to help create an even layer and avoid clumping of the powder. Tint pigments help create the final color of the coat after heating, and curing agents are the components that allow the powder to melt and then bond while baking. Finally, extenders are used to achieve a glossy finish.
Mixing these components is a delicate process, as the ratio will have a direct impact on the final quality and appearance of your coat. Therefore it’s crucial that you only schedule powder coating services from qualified professionals.
Powder Coating Categories
Now that you know about the ingredients that can be used to create the powder in powder coating, it’s time to take a look at the categories of powders you can use. Generally, there are two categories of powder that you could choose: thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. The type of powder you select will rest entirely on your individual needs.
A thermostatic coating will become soft every time that it’s heated, allowing you to alter your coating after its original application. If your goal in choosing powder coating is strength and longevity, then you should choose thermoset polymers, which cannot be changed after the curing process has been completed.
Learn More about Powder Coating Components
Powder coating is one of the best ways to finish your products, and as you can now see, there’s a lot more to this process than meets the eye. If you’re thinking about using powder coating and need help choosing the right powder coating components, then you need to get advice from the knowledgeable professionals at AR Powder Coating.
Our technicians fully understand the process of powder coating, including the ingredients necessary to create durable, attractive coating. Whether you need to schedule services or simply want to know more about the process, we can help. Contact AR Powder Coating today to get information about our services and to request a consultation.
