How the Powder Coating Process Works

How the Powder Coating Process Works

How the Powder Coating Process Works

Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder.

The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form.

The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a “skin”. The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer.

It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.

Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as household appliances, aluminum extrusions and automobile.

Newer technologies allow other materials, such as MDF (medium-density fibreboard), to be powder coated using different methods.  From Wikipedia.org.

Organic coating treatment includes powder coating, fluorocarbon coating, and grain processing. 

Powder coated aluminum profile is one kind of popular aluminum extrusion surface treatment in the market.

Powder coating is the process of spraying electrostatically charged paint (in powder form) onto your extrusions.

Unlike liquid paint, powder coating doesn’t require a solvent.

So it’s VERY important that the surface of every extrusion is properly pre-treated.

1) Pre-treat the Aluminum Surface

The pre-treatment process involves removing dust, grease, and any other foreign particles. That way, the technician can ensure good adhesion and the powder coat won’t flake.

2) Apply Powder to the Extrusions

The technician sprays the powder through an electrostatic spray gun. The positive charge makes the powder bond with an electrically-grounded extrusion.

3) Heat Aluminum Profiles in the Curing Oven

The technician puts the extrusions into a large curing oven. The oven bakes the extrusions until you have a uniformly-melted coating.

4) Cool the Extrusions

After the extrusions are baked, the technician removes them so they can cool off. Once cool, you’ll have a smooth, hardened coating.