Unfinished metal alloys are subject to a wide range of chemistry-dependant corrosive phenomena that can limit their performance and service longevity. Iron (Fe) particles that are exposed to moisture and oxidation will gradually succumb to rust unless alloyed with sufficient levels of anti-corrosive elements like chromium (Cr) or protected with a veneer or functional coating. Stainless and galvanized steels represent the two primary metal types designed for anti-corrosive properties, but each of these can still submit to more complex corrosive phenomena such as chlorine pitting. Prior to the inception of powder coating ovens, the best way to counteract this was via surface treatment such as spray coating or conventional painting.

Powder coating ovens have emerged as a valuable alternative to traditional painting methods with a plethora of benefits for generating highly functional metal components with excellent surface characteristics and corrosion-resistant properties. In this blog post, Thermcraft explores the five chief benefits of powder coating ovens in more detail.

1. Solvent-Free Surface Protection

Powder coating ovens project a free-flowing stream of charged powder particles onto a substrate prior to curing at relatively low temperatures (>200°C). This powder stream is dry and solvent-free, ensuring compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

2. Thicker Uniform Coatings

An additional drawback of liquid coating is the tendency towards aesthetic and topographical flaws with thicker coatings. Powder coating ovens generally use electrostatic methods to ensure optimal bonding between powder particles and the metallic substrate. In spray painting, only the bottom layer of paint readily attaches to the substrate which can cause subsequent layers to run or sag. This issue is eliminated in powder coating.

3. Improved Optical Regularity

Paint often exhibits optical variations depending on the direction of application. By comparison, powder coating ovens typically impart little to no visual differences between vertical and horizontal planes of application. This ensures the highest optical uniformity for commercial coatings with good gloss and color retention.

4. Specialty Capabilities

Liquid coatings are extremely limited in terms of their functionalities. As well as providing a corrosion-resistant synthetic skin, powder coatings can be engineered for a range of additional capabilities. Depending on the chemistry of the applied powders, electrostatic coatings can improve the mechanical and chemical performance of the substrate, while providing good electrical insulation capabilities.

5. Higher Throughput

Powder coating ovens typically require significantly decreased curing times to the drying periods of liquid paints. It also eschews the mandatory preparatory stages of paint preparation such as mixing and thinning. This demonstrates significant cost-savings in high throughput manufacturing environments.

Powder Coating Ovens from Thermcraft

Thermcraft is one of the world’s leading suppliers of powder coating ovens for industrial applications. If you would like to learn more, read our previous post Using Powder Coating Ovens in the Automotive Sector. Otherwise, contact us directly with any questions.