Powder_Coating

What is that on those metal car parts' That is what is called powder coat. It is specially made to work on metal items. Powder coating companies need to be specially certified to do this type of work. Usually the most recognized certification is ISO9001-2000 witch a company needs to get before starting to finish the parts for their customers. Therefore, what is powder coating' I will tell you but before we get there, I need to give you the history of powder coating. “The history of powder coating begins in the late 1940s and early 1950’s, at a time in which organic polymers were still being spray coated in a powder form onto metallic bases. Dr. Erwin Gemmer, a German scientist, then developed the fluidized-bed process for the processing of thermosetting powder coatings and registered an appropriate process patent in May 1953. Between 1958 and 1965, literally all powder coatings, generally only functional applications with a film thickness of 150 µm to 500 µm, were processed by means of fluidized-bed application. Electric insulation, corrosion and abrasion resistance were in the foreground. The coating materials in those days were comprised of nylon 11, CAB, polyethylene, plasticized PVC, polyester and chlorinated polyether, among others, and at the same time, thermosetting epoxides. Like dishwasher baskets (PVC), for heat insulation (epoxide), for boat accessories (nylon) and metal furniture (PVC, CAB). It was the Bosch Company that developed the basic type of epoxy resin powder in their search for a suitable electric insulation material.” (The history of lacquers and colors) Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin". The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as "whiteware," aluminum extrusions, and automobile and bicycle parts. Newer technologies allow other materials, such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard); to be powder coated using different methods. There must be some advantages and disadvantages. Well there are these advantages. Powder coatings can produce much thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging. Powder coating overspray can be recycled and thus it is possible to achieve nearly 100% use of the coating. Powder coating production lines use special oil that does not wash off with water or catch on fire when heated. Capital equipment and operating costs for a powder line are generally less than for conventional liquid lines. Powder coated items generally have fewer appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces and vertically coated surfaces than liquid coated items. A wide range of specialty effects is easily accomplished which would be impossible to achieve with other coating processes. For a type of specialty, affect like a two-tone the painter first paints the top of the part and then carefully paints from the bottom up to the point right below the first color. While it is relatively easy to apply thick coatings, which have smooth, texture-free surfaces, it is not as easy to apply smooth thin films. As the film thickness is reduced, the film becomes more and more orange peeled in texture due to the particle size and glass transition temperature of the powder. “It takes a little practice, but the goal is to produce a coating with a film thickness of 1.5 to 3 mills. (.0015” to .003”) The easiest way to do this is to hang the part on an “S” hook while spraying. Avoid getting the gun too close to the part, because you can generate a spark that can ignite the powder. Most powders are coarse enough that ignition is un-likely, but it can happen. If I have parts with many recessed areas to be painted, I pre-heat the part and put it in the spray booth while it is still hot. The recessed areas tend to be shielded from the static charge (Faraday Cage effect). I start spraying the recessed areas with the high voltage turned off. This allows me to get in close and the powder will stick to the hot metal. After getting the recessed areas, I switch the high voltage on and do the rest of the part” (Carlson, G) “Materials must be clean and free of any contaminants or oils. At Pro Powder, our Powder Coating uses a 5 stage cleaning and wash system with phosphate surface preparation and a clean rinse. Our process removes any oil deposits, dirt, and grime and ensures a good mechanical bond. We ask that you remove any materials that cannot withstand 400 degree Fahrenheit temperature, such as rubber or bearings.” (Jones, B) “ISO 9001:2000 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization first needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements, and Aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable regulatory requirements. All requirements of this International Standard are generic and are intended to be applicable to all organizations, regardless of type, size, and product provided. Where any requirement(s) of this International Standard cannot be applied due to the nature of an organization and its product, this can be considered for exclusion. Where exclusions are made, claims of conformity to this International Standard are not acceptable unless these exclusions are limited to requirements within clause 7, and such exclusions do not affect the organization's ability, or responsibility, to provide product that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements.” (ICS) The easiest way and probably, the most effective in my opinion to remove powder coat is by burning it off with a burn off oven that is heated at over 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, do I recommend people using powder coat for casters on chairs. Well to be honest just ask Shepard Caster Co. Is powder coat used in the auto industry' Yes, it is used in gas levers by Dura automotive. Outdoor furniture can also be powder coated, and so can any type of metal be powder coated.