The powder coat process is a metal finishing process that can replace traditional wet painting when superior performance is required.  

The powder coat process was pioneered in the 1950’s and has developed into a common and preferred process for the manufacturing industry and certain specialty groups (such as automotive, racing, and sporting goods).  The powder coat process includes proper metal pretreatment, powder application, and high temperature powder curing. 

Proper metal pretreatment may include abrasive/mechanical or chemical cleaning, and the production of a surface finish optimized for coating.  Best results are obtained when any rust or existing coatings are removed.  The powder coat process is best suited to all-metal parts, weldments, and assemblies.  Plastic, rubber, wood, ceramic, glass, fabric, and similar non-metallics are typically not coated.  Similarly, soldered parts may not withstand the curing temperature.

Before powder application, parts are hung on portable racks.  Hanging the parts ensures that the powder coat can be applied uniformly with no further handling or disturbances.  Powder is applied in a clean containment booth to prevent contamination with dust or powders of other colors.  Parts are electrically grounded, and the dry powder is then sprayed using a system which electrically charges the powder particles.  The charged powder is attracted by, and attaches to the parts.

After parts are coated with dry powder, the parts (on their racks) are moved into a curing oven.  As the coated parts heat up, the powder gels and flows to produce the characteristic smooth powder coat finish.  As decorative powder coatings reach their maximum curing temperature, a chemical reaction called cross-linking takes place.  At this point the parts can be removed from the oven, cooled in ambient air, and be immediately put in service.

For more general information, we recommend the following websites.

Powder Coating Institute - http://www.powdercoating.org/home.htm

Powder Coating Magazine - http://www.pcoating.com/Content/Default.aspx

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