Powder coating is a dry finishing process that has recently become increasingly popular. Roberson Machine Company uses powder coatings for high-quality, durable finishes, allowing for maximized production, enhanced efficiencies, and simplified environmental compliance. We have been using them, along with other finishings, in our value added services for over 20 years as protective and decorative finishes, as they come in an array of colors and textures for essentially any material.
To find out more about powder coatings and to get a free quote on your next project, call us right away at 573-646-3996 or contact us online.
How Does Powder Coating Work?
Powder coatings are based primarily on polymer resin systems, combined with pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers, curatives, and other additives. These ingredients are all mixed and melted, then cooled and ground into a uniform powder similar to baking flour.
Powder coating uses a process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) to adhere the powder to the surface. Because the parts must undergo curing – where temperatures run above 400 degrees – the substrate must also be heat-resistant.
How Powder Coating Sticks to Surfaces
Surfaces that use electrostatic applications have the metal components grounded. While the powder itself is inert, it gains an electrostatic charge as it is applied via a spray gun. The guns have an electrode fitting that adds an electrical charge to the powder particles. The particles stick when sprayed onto a grounded surface and become solidified into a dense coating during a curing process that melts and sets the finish.
How Powder Coating Protects Surfaces From Corrosion
The Roberon Machine Company durable powder coating provides a thick surface over your part, resisting damage from impact and scratches. As opposed to paint, powder coating typically doesn’t require touch ups from chipping or fading, providing long-lasting color for applications in harsh climates.
What Materials Can Be Powder Coated?
Powder coating is a high-quality finish used on thousands of parts and products in our shop daily. The coating protects the toughest machinery out there, as well as many household items. It provides a more durable finish than liquid paints, while still producing an attractive finish. Powder coated components are more resistant to chips, scratches, cracks, fading, and other deformities as a result of chemicals, impact, moisture, ultraviolet light, and other extreme weather conditions.
The Roberson Machine Company powder coating can last up to 40 years, depending on the preparation, type of coating used, materials, and treatment process. Give us a call today at 573-646-3996 or reach out to us online.
The general rule is anything that can hold an electrostatic charge and withstand the heat of a curing oven is a candidate for powder coating. Aluminum is one of the most powder coated materials, along with various types of steel – including stainless, galvanized, and most steel alloys. Wood and plastic, except for high-temperature kinds like polysulfone plastics, are not candidates seeing as most have melting points well below 400.
What Are the Different Types of Powder Coating?
Powder coating finishes include anti-graffiti glosses that prevent inks and other paints from sticking to it, as well as heat resistant styles that protect products frequently exposed to severe temperatures. They are available in the following four basic types, each offering different characteristics. The type that’s best for your project varies depending on the materials and the application.
- Epoxy: Is used for the best corrosion protection.
- Hybrid: Commonly offers the best chemical and solvent resistance.
- Polyester: Is used for the highest exterior stability and performance.
- Polyurethane: Offers flexibility and hardness, well suited for moving parts.
Learn more about our wide range of powder coating textures and colors. Call us now at 573-646-3996 or connect with us online.
Everything You Need to Know About Powder Coating | Roberson Machine Company
Roberson Machine Company provides powder coating and other finishing services as a one-stop shop, meaning that there is no need to contract with multiple manufacturers for your next project. We are your single-source machining company, doing it all in our centrally located shop ideally situated for fast delivery times and access to major markets.
Powder coating is tough, it looks great, it lasts a long time, and has minimal environmental impact. Call us today for a free quote at 573-646-3996 or contact us online.
