Why Powder Coat?

Powder coating is the fastest-growing finishing technology in North America. It’s growth can be largely attributed to the following features:

Excellence of Finish

Today’s consumers expect more. They want products that are durable, attractive and long-lasting. When they learn that powder coating protects and preserves like no other, it’s the finish they want from manufacturers.

Powder coatings offer a range of both extreme and decorative performance properties. Compared to other finishes, powder coated surfaces provide greater resistance against chipping, scratching, fading and corrosion. Colour selections are virtually unlimited. High and low gloss, metallic and clear finishes are readily available. Textures can also include various options, such as smooth surfaces, wrinkled or matte finishes and rougher textures designed to hide surface imperfections.

Environmental Protection

Powder coatings are much more environmentally friendly. While liquid finishes contain solvents that have pollutants, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), powder coatings have no solvents and therefore release negligible amounts, if any, VOCs into the atmosphere. Costly waste containment and disposal are not required. Plus, overspray or unused powder is reclaimed and re-used, virtually eliminating the waste commonly found in liquid finishing processes.

Efficiency

With powder coating, there are none of the runs, drips or sags found with liquid finishes. Drying or flash-off time is not required, so the powder coating production lines move more efficiently than standard paint lines. Parts can also be coated using automatic processes that ultimately deliver significantly lower reject rates. With the use of appropriate application equipment, materials and recovery methods, a 95% - 98% powder utilization efficiency is readily achievable.

Economies of Scale

In addition to its efficiency, cost savings are possible because of the simplified line process that powder coating offers. Parts can be racked closer together on the conveyor and pass more quickly through the production line, allowing for lower per unit costs. These production efficiencies are economically beneficial to both the painter and the customer.

Energy Savings

The exhaust required in powder coating ovens is lower and therefore helps reduce energy consumption. While ovens that cure solvent-based coatings must heat and exhaust huge volumes of air to protect against potentially explosive fumes, the exhaust volume of a powder coating oven is lower and more manageable. The air can even be recycled back into the plant.

Reference: The Powder Coating Institute