A favourite finishing technique once metal fabrication is complete is painting, but this by no means makes it the best option. A more efficient solution to enhancing the appearance of your fabricated items is powder coating. This finish comprises thermoplastic polymers that can be applied to a host of metallic surfaces including cast iron, steel, tin, aluminium and so on.
First, the polymers are applied electrostatically. The polymers are then exposed to high heat to melt the powder and create a binding layer on the surface of the metal. The resultant finish creates a hard coating hard comes with an assortment of benefits. This article outlines a few of the advantages that powder coating lends to fabrication processes.
Powder coating is ecologically safer than painting
One of the most apparent advantages that powder coating has over regular paint is that it poses less of an environmental hazard. You may think that since the powder coating is made up of polymers that it will be detrimental to the environment but in truth, it is much safer when compared to the compounds that are found in paint.
Firstly, paint requires an array of solvents to keep it in liquid form, and these solvents emit chemicals into the environment once released into the air. Secondly, paint contains volatile organic compounds that are also harmful to humans as well as the environment. Lastly, a significant amount of leftover paint that makes its way into landfills, which further contributes to the degradation of the environment. Powder coating does not contain any of these harmful chemicals plus its mode of application also ensures minimal wastage.
Powder coating provides a more quality finish than paint
Painting may be a conventional way to finish surfaces, but there is always the risk that the result can be disastrous. From bubbling to uneven layering, your finished products could have their appearance significantly compromised if the paint job is not as accurately performed as possible. While the process of powder coating may be more intensive than painting, you can always be guaranteed of a higher quality finish.
The spraying of the powder coating ensures an even layer on your products. Secondly, the curing also makes sure that the layer of powder coating is affixed evenly without any bumps or embellishments on the surface of your objects. When you elect to integrate powder coating in your fabrication process, you are guaranteed that you will not have to contend with running or dripping, which is commonplace with traditional paint.
