Powder coatings are increasing in use. The proper application of a powder coating provides protection against environmental changes and mechanical stress. Finishing companies in Grand Rapids MI, stress that without this protective layer over the metal substrate, the end-use component/application will suffer a variety of harmful conditions including:
Blisters
Chips
Corrosion
Cracks
Delamination
Rust
The result can be total product failure.
This is one major reason why this method continues to increase usage. A further factor is the ongoing development of better technology improving the coating’s adherence.
Evolving Technology
Technology and powder coatings are inextricably linked. From the initial consideration of what coating to apply, finishers must ponder how to balance the qualities to achieve a particular end-use with those that will prevent coating failure. This is true whether a finisher in a Grand Rapids MI shop is considering the application of thermosets or thermoplastics. The formulation of either powder coating type must meet both goals. This requires an understanding of the properties of the components of the coating mixture as well as a complete comprehension of how it will react to two specific elements of the process:
1. The surface of the substrate metal (or possibly other material)
2. The intended environment – including weather and other elemental conditions, of the finished component
Recent technology is working on ways to accomplish this. Research is specifically targeting the epoxy coatings. Incorporating reactive liquid polymers into solid epoxy adducts can improve the ability of the coating to adhere to steel. At the same time, it increases moisture resistance for such items as steel pipes that use a free-base epoxy coating.
Powder Coating
Finishing shops use powder coatings in decorative and/or functional applications. When selecting a powder coating for the climate of Grand Rapids MI, a finisher must consider a variety of factors. Turning to the latest technology can provide a solution for some potential problems such as adhesion.
