Connecticut Coating & Material / Sand Blasting Professionals
185 Nutmeg Road South South Windsor, CT 06074
860.882.0762
860.882.0762
Powder coating is a safe, dry finishing process used to create a protective finish that is used on metals and aluminum products, automobile and motorcycle parts. This process is used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. The powder coating process is a safe and economical process to protect from rust and chemical resistance. It is a durable, rust-free, chip resistant, and long lasting finish. Powder coating is a type of dry coating that looks like paint but is applied as a free flowing dry powder. It is the safe alternative to the chromium plating process which is considered hazardous and requires permits and expensive precautionary Ct Powder Coatingmeasures.
The powder coating product is made up of finely ground particles of pigment and resin which makes it low in toxicity and have low flammability. Powder coat is applied using a special electrostatic spray gun. The particles are charged with static electricity and are then sprayed on to metal surfaces that have been electrically grounded. This makes the particles adhere to the surfaces thus creating a magnetic attraction. The metal items are then heated to 350 – 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The powder coating melts and adheres to the surface creating a uniform film and then is cooled to form a very durable finish. This process eliminates the problem of run or drip marks on the finished product.
With the growing need to reduce pollution, powder coating is an ideal process and a safe alternative to the chromium plating processes. Since powder coating uses no solvents it is a much safer process to the environment. It is virtually pollution free. The powder coating process has little impact on the environment since the process emits zero or near zero volatile organic compounds (VOC). The spray booths are easily maintained and cleaned without the use of harmful solvents or paint washes.
Since there are no solvents used in the powder coating system and the coating process does not emit the kinds of vapors and fumes that liquid paint does, there is the reduced need for contamination clothing.
There are cost and safety advantages to using powder coating. The complete powder coating process is easier to meet federal and state regulations. Since the exhaust from the powder coating ovens is lower and more manageable then exhaust from solvent-based coating, this reduces the energy used to complete the powder coating process and the need for expensive air pollution control equipment The exhaust from solvent-based coating processes is potentially explosive and requires a more expensive air control system.
Powder coatings can produce a much thicker coating. A .001" - .003" average thickness can be obtained in one powder application. The wet, solvent spray could take two to three coats to attain this thickness. The addition application increases the processing time and the expense to obtain the necessary finish. With the use of a powder recovery system the overspray can also be collected and reused. So it is possible to recycle nearly 100% of the powder coating.
Using the powder coating process, the parts are fully cured when they leave the oven. The total processing time is much shorter, keeping the cost to a minimum and increase the turn-around time to the customer.
Powder coating started out as a finish for metal. Now powder coating is an increasingly popular finish for many of our every day products because it is solvent free. Powder coating gives consumers, businesses and industry and economical, long lasting and durable finish. The appliance industry powder coats such items as dryer drums, water heater jackets and oven components. The automotive industry coats springs, bumpers, wheel, louvers, frames and some of these manufactures are now using powder for primer and final body finish. Some of the every day uses for powder coating are: lighting fixtures, antennas, electrical components, filing cabinets, wagons, barbecue grills, patio furniture, metal railings, park benches and garden tools.
Snowmobiles, bicycle frames, ski poles, golf clubs, exercise equipment and baby strollers are also examples of where powder coating is used. Advancements have developed with the powder coating process and have lead to the ability to cure the finish at lower temperatures which make it possible to coat ceramics, plastics and wood.
Powder coating can be decorative as well as protective. The coating colors are almost unlimited with high gloss, loss gloss, metallic and clear finishes available. Special effects are also available like: glitter, antiquing, veining, holographic, metallic and rough pebble finishes.
Click Here to read about Powder Coating Cast Iron Radiators.
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The price for Powder Coating varies between projects and is determined by the type and size of the project. Click Here to download a pdf of our Powder Coating Prices. Contact Competitive Edge Coatings in CT to get a price for your Powder Coating project.