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ABOUT POWDER COATING
Powder coating is an advanced method
of applying a decorative and protective finish to virtually
any type of metal that can be used both by industry and consumers.
The powder used in the process is a mixture of finely ground
particles of pigment and resin, which is electrostatically
sprayed onto the surface to be coated. The charged powder
particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until
the powder is heated and fused into a smooth coating in the
curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high quality
and attractive finish. Powder coating is the fastest growing
finishing technology in North America, representing over 10%
of all industrial finishing applications.
MORE DURABLE
Powder coating gives consumers,
businesses, and industries one of the most economical, longest
lasting, and most color-durable quality finishes available
on virtually any type of metal. Powder coated surfaces are
more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing
than other finishes. Color selection is virtually unlimited
with flat, satin, gloss, high gloss, metallic, candies, clear,
iridescent, fluorescent, wrinkle, hammer tone, and glitter
finishes available. Colors stay bright and vibrant longer.
Texture selections range from smooth surfaces to wrinkled
or matte finishes, and rough textures designed for hiding
surface imperfections.
PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT
Powder coating is also highly protective
of our environment. While liquid finishes contain solvents
which have pollutants known as volatile organic compounds
(VOC's), powder coating contains no solvents and release negligible
amounts, if any, VOC's into the atmosphere. Therefore, there
is no longer a need for finishers to buy and maintain costly
pollution control equipment.
SAVES MONEY
Elimination of VOC's and the reduction
of waste saves money and helps companies comply more easily
and economically with the regulations of the U.S. Department
of Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, one of the major
elements in expanding the market for powder coating has been
the implementation of stringent air pollution control legislation
over the past thirty years.
WHERE IS POWDER COATING USED
Thousands of products and parts
are currently powder coated:
Appliances - The appliance
industry benefits from powder coating on front and side panels
of ranges and refrigerators, washer tops and lids, dryer drums,
air-conditioner cabinets, water heaters, dishwasher racks,
and cavities of microwave ovens. Powder coating has also replaced
porcelain enamel on many washer and dryer parts.
Automotive - The automotive industry uses
powder coating on wheels, bumpers, hubcaps, door handles,
decorative trim and accent parts, truck beds, radiators, filters,
and numerous engine parts. A clear powder topcoat has been
developed to protect auto bodies. BMW and Volvo are using
it on their new model cars, and GM, Ford, and Chrysler have
formed a consortium to test this technique on their production
lines.
Architecture/Building - The architectural
and building market uses powder coating on aluminum extrusions
used on frames for windows and doors and modular furniture.
Many highways and building projects use powder coating on
light poles, guardrails, signs, posts, and fencing.
Everyday Products - There are innumerable
everyday uses for powder coating such as lighting fixtures,
antennas, and electrical components. Farmers have powder coated
tractors and farm equipment. Fitness buffs use golf clubs
and golf carts, ski poles and bindings, snowmobiles, bicycles,
and exercise equipment, all of which are powder coated. Shop
owners have powder coated display racks, shelves, store fixtures,
and vending machines. Office workers use metal furniture,
computer cabinets, mechanical pencils and pens, thumbtacks,
and other desk accessories that are powder coated. Parents
have powder coated baby strollers, cribs, metal toys, and
wagons. Homeowners have lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecue
grills, patio furniture, garden tools, electronic components,
bathroom scales, toolboxes, and fire extinguishers. These
items all benefit from a powder coated finish.
Non-Metal Products
- While powder coating started as an alternative to finishing
metal products only, the development of powder that can be
cured at lower temperatures has allowed powder coating to
expand to non-metal surfaces such as ceramics and some wood
and plastic applications. Powder coating on wood is growing
by leaps and bounds. Manufacturers of home-office furniture,
kitchen cabinets, children's furniture, and outdoor grill
tables are discovering that powder coating makes these "hard
use" products retain their new look much longer.
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