Before we begin your powder coating project, we like you to know exactly how your coating finish has been manufactured.
Read on to find out what happens before you see your coating applied as a flawless sheen.
But before we get down to the step-by-step procedure for powder coating manufacture, let’s look at the raw materials.
Powder Coating Materials
Powder coating comprises:
- Plastic resins (either epoxy or polyester)
- Curing agents (hybrids of dicyandiamide)
- Additives (these vary depending on the type of specified finish e.g. gloss/matte)
- Tint pigments (for colour)
- Extenders (fillers that enhance durability)
Although these substances are used in all powder coatings, quantities are varied to achieve different types of finishes.
How Is Powder Coating Made
To form powder coating, the materials are dry-mixed and heated in an extruder. This creates a homogeneous composite. The heat isn’t strong enough to induce a chemical reaction, which means that curing isn’t possible. The curing process takes place at a later stage in coating procedures.
The coating is then passed through a chilled roller, which flattens it into a manageable shape for cooling. The coating is cooled on a wide belt and then passed into a shaker, which breaks the hardened coating into fragments.
The pieces are then ground, sieved and boxed for storage and shipping to powder coaters like Ercon. Each powder is assigned in batches to meet orders, each numbered to represent its formulation.
Quality control checks are implemented at each stage of the coating manufacturing and application processes.
However, this is only the beginning.
How Ercon Can Help You
To enquire about finishing options for your products, sign up below to speak to a heating expert.
Alternatively, you can find us in Wolverhampton’s Bilston. We’re easily accessible from West Midlands towns and cities.
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