Powder Coating
How does powder coating work?
Powder coating is used in the manufacture of metal products and fabrication. Powder coating is based on the principle that objects with opposite electric charges attract one another.
Particles receive a negative charge through a specialised spraying apparatus, establishing an electric field between the gun and the grounded product. The powder then adheres along field lines to the component, which is subsequently baked at 160–200°C for roughly 20 minutes. Complex metal components can be powder coated with excellent adhesion results.
The heat of the oven causes a chemical reaction to occur and the powder to cure, creating a highly durable finish. The thickness of the finish is approximately 70 microns. The resulting surface resists cracking, peeling, and demonstrates excellent abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistance.
SteriTouch
Our Healthcare range of pedal bins are powder coated using powder with an antimicrobial additive. This additive — called SteriTouch — is mixed with the powder and applied to the pedal bins during the painting process.
This additive has been tested for use in preventing the spread of MRSA and E. Coli related bugs.
Powder Coating Quality Control
Taltech Engineering sheet metal work uses quality powders supplied by recognised manufacturers and processes metal components through a modern paint system. Selection varies based on indoor or outdoor application requirements.
Gloss Level
This ensures that the components are stoved correctly to specification.
Thickness Test
This ensures that there is sufficient powder applied to meet the protection requirements.
Visual Check
Visual checks to make sure components are free from contamination and the finish is even.
Adhesion Check
This destructive test is carried out on sample plates which are processed with each batch to determine that the powder has adhered to the product properly.
Taltech Engineering sub-contract sheet metal work puts quality at the core of its business activities and is accredited to the ISO 9001 quality standard.
Why Powder Coating
1. Efficiency
Thanks to the electromagnetic charge used to hold the powder to the part, there is very little waste created in the process. In addition, your coating professional can spray as much or as little powder as needed in a single application.
2. Cost Effective
In addition to the money saved by eliminating extra drying time and steps, powder coating is cost friendly in other ways. Raw materials are purchased specific to the size and specifications of the job at hand, and material costs are lower than liquid paint.
3. Durability
In terms of the finish itself, powder coating is known for being far more durable than other paint options. During curing, the powder melts and forms long chemical chains as it gels together. The coating is resistant to scratching, flaking, and corrosion.
4. Variety
One of the best assets of this method is the ability to completely customise your colour and finish. Manufacturers formulate unique powder blends matching virtually any colour preference, with textural options including wrinkles or glitter effects.
5. Environmentally Safe
Since the powder used in powder coating is free of solvents and other chemicals, it is generally recognised as safe for use and for disposal. The process releases no known harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and produces less overall waste.
6. Overall Quality
Both the application and curing process create a quality finish unlike any other paint on the market. Since the powder melts and flows together, it creates an even surface across the entire unit — no running, dripping or sanding required.
7. Maintenance
Powder coating is extremely easy to maintain long term. No special cleaners or solvents are needed — simply wipe down with regular soapy water and rinse off.
FAQ
Yes — metals that can be powder coated include aluminium, steel, titanium, bronze and brass. The metal must have the ability to hold a charge and withstand heat.
Yes, powder coated metal cannot rust because it has been oxidised during the powder coating process. If damaged, however, small cracks can form for moisture to seep into and rust to form.
Provided there is no damage or cracks, yes it is waterproof.
Powder coating may be a solid, protective coating for metal surfaces. However, as with any surface, it's vulnerable to damage including scratches caused by improper powder filtration or oversize particles.
The powder applied in powder coating sticks to a metal surface due to the powder's rough surface. As powder is incorporated into the coat, it lies over imperfections in the metal and provides an almost flawless bonding surface.
Steel, copper, aluminium, zinc and magnesium. Expensive metals like titanium and nickel alloys are also coatable for specific purposes. Certain plastics — such as polyethylene — can also withstand powder coatings.
For a piece of metal with a thickness of a few millimetres it can take up to 1 hour. Larger pieces with thicker metal may need longer — coating time also depends on the powder used.
Metal that has been powder coated can last for years. Longevity depends on the environment — a powder coated metal sign in a car park may last longer than one used outdoors in salt air.
Yes, powder coatings can be applied successfully to hot-dip galvanised surfaces using powder coatings that contain Zinc Chromate.
Yes, it absolutely can be powder coated.