Powder coated parts and products are all around us, from garden furniture to automotive, electrical, energy and other industries. Multiple color options, strong adhesion, durability, corrosion resistance and surface texture quality all benefit from powder coating applications. In addition, powder coating finishes are becoming the best alternative to paint or other solvent paint treatments.
Powder coatings are also suitable for most materials, including metals, alloys, plastics and some composites. It adds a protective layer through electrostatic deposition, which can be done using a spray gun or by dipping the parts into a tank of charged powder, which is then cured at a specified temperature. Here, we will introduce two typical application cases of powder coatings in detail.
Powder Coating Finishes For Automotive Parts
Durability and corrosion resistance are two main requirements for automotive parts to ensure the durability and performance of vehicles in harsh environments. In addition, beautiful appearance is also an essential part of the surface treatment of automotive parts.
Epoxy, polyester, acrylic and hybrid powder coating automotive parts protect the surface and provide a customized appearance. Polyester is more UV resistant and epoxy is tougher. Mixing different types of powders in specified proportions and applying the hybrid powder helps achieve the desired finish for powder coated automotive parts. Additionally, it is popular as a base primer for further painting.
In automotive powder coating, components such as bumpers, door handles, suspension components, battery trays, electrical connection housings, radiators, etc. are finished using this method. Hence, various other parts of cars, buses, trucks, and vans are finished using this method.
Here are most examples of powder coated automotive parts:
- Wheels and hubcaps.
- Decorative trim strips.
- Decorative interior trims.
- Oil filters.
- Coil springs.
- Door handles.
- Mirror frames.
- Brake components.
- Motorcycle and sportbike frames.
- Alloy wheels for trucks, cars, and military vehicles.
- Bus interiors.
The flexibility of powder coating for automotive parts in terms of complex geometric substrates, coating thickness, color, and surface texture allows automotive manufacturers to customize the results. Automotive parts made of high-performance plastics can be finished with durable powder coatings. Hence, the automotive industry also requires aluminum powder coatings for parts such as window trims, wheels, body panels, etc.
Powder Coating For Home Appliance Parts And Products
Household appliances use powder coatings for their housings, panels, and even internal components. They make the surface resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and water, while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, consumer products such as mobile phones, laptops, and desktop computers also use coatings. Apart from home appliances, you can also use them for the surface treatment of consumer products.
Here are some examples of the applications of powder coatings in home appliances and consumer products:
- Recycled refiners and HVAC components.
- Dishwasher racks and dryer drums.
- Microwave ovens.
- Freezer cabinets.
- Washing machine cabinets and shell panels.
- Vacuum cleaner body parts.
- Water heater tanks.
- Toasters, blenders, and other similar kitchen appliances.
These applications mainly use thermosetting powders such as epoxy and polyurethane. Thick thermosetting coatings on these appliances provide the required surface strength and long-term corrosion resistance. The expected life of powder coated plastic and metal parts is about 10 years and more.
Powder coatings are widely used in automotive, electrical, electronic, medical and other fields. This finishing method is not only aesthetically pleasing but also protects the coating from environmental and operating conditions. You can choose the right type of powder and coating thickness to achieve the required specifications.
