Often one of the last choices in the method used to fabricate or manufacture component parts is choosing a surface finish.
Why Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a commonly used technique to apply a surface finish with key advantages over other traditional methods of surface finish, like painting, or plating. Components that are powder coated will show superior resistance to abrasion and scratch resistance. Suitable for use in challenging environments, unlike paint or plating, The coating will not chip off, or crack if the component is subject to bending forces during use. The coating will maintain its integrity and flex with the component as it bends or twists
How is Powder Coating Applied?
The coating is applied by applying the powder coat to form an even layer on the material to be coated, then heated to fuse the particles together, forming a tough, homogeneous coating. The component then cools and the coating is ready for use. The even coat is achieved using an electrostatic process, the component to be coated is sprayed with the coating powder that carries a static electric charge, this charge attracts the powder to the item being coated, evenly depositing it on its surface. Other methods are also used to apply the even coating, these include a fluidised bed of aerated powder, into which the component to be coated is dipped to be coated, then heated to fuse the coating.
Dishwasher racks coated using the fluidised bed methodEnvironmental ConsiderationsThis process is usually much more environmentally friendly than paint, as the coating sets on cooling, rather than an evaporating solvent. There are no VOC pollutants released during the process. This not only helps the environment, but keeps the cost of making the process safe for ourselves, and our planet, much simpler. Lower production costs can be achieved against other processes.
The process is faster than paint, as the old adage goes, no one likes waiting for paint to dry, this is never more true when that drying time interrupts a production process. If you are after a durable, attractive coating, that works well as part of a production process, powder coating often proves to be the best solution.
If you’re looking for a company that can help with this then Tomburn are a great choice!
*Collaborative Post
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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