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POWDERCOATING THE FINISH OF THE FUTURE Powdercoating was developed in response to the environmental problems associated with the solvent based coatings. Federal and state regulations will essentially prohibit the use of solvent borne paints in the near future. The cost of meeting these regulations, the increasing cost of petrochemical based products, and their high waste factor will greatly increase the cost of wet spray painting. The process of finishing metal surfaces with dry powdercoatings is not new. It has been used in this country since the mid 1950's. It began with the coating of pipe, for corrosion protection, and electric motors, for insulation. With the growing need to reduce air pollution, including that associated with thin film liquid coatings, powdercoating developed further. Currently, powder applications are being implemented into the appliance and automotive industries with great success in quality and cost control. The lack of vapors being released allows for a virtual "holiday-free," consistent, and run-free finish. The appliance industry, for instance, coats such items as gas dryer drums, water heater jackets and oven components. The automotive industry coats springs, bumpers, wheels, louvers and some automotive manufacturers are now using powder for primer and final body finish. Powdercoated tanks are not only rugged when it comes to longevity, insofar as corrosion protection, but more importantly, they are aesthetically pleasing. There are distinct cost advantages to powdercoating when compared to solvent laden liquid coating. Powdercoating material is received by the applicator in a ready to use state, thus eliminating any variable in mixing. Spray booths can be cleaned with air as opposed to harmful solvents. Absolutely no solvents are used, eliminating the need for expensive air pollution control equipment. The absence of solvents virtually eliminates the fire hazard associated with paint shops. With the use of a powder recovery system overspray can be collected for reuse. Liquid paints cannot be reclaimed. A .001" - .003" average thickness will be obtained in one powder application. Wet spray may require 2-3 coats to attain this thickness, greatly increasing the processing time and expense when higher film thickness is required. Powdercoatings are cured at elevated temperatures (350 - 450 Degrees Fahrenheit) as compared to wet coatings. This generally results in a tougher, more chip resistant coating. Minimum care is needed to transport materials across town or around the world. The powdercoating environment is much safer due to the elimination of solvents from the process. This increased employee and environmental safety reduces insurance and permit costs compared to those of the wet or liquid spray industry. Since powdercoated parts are fully cured when they leave the oven, unlike many wet coatings which have post cure aging requirements, the total processing time is shorter with powdercoating. This results in a shorter turn-around time. |
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