Lynn, MA Powder Coating | Advanced Powder Coating Solutions

F.A.Q.S

Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are used by both industries and consumers. The powder used for the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish. Powder coating is the fastest growing finishing technology in North America, representing over 10% of all industrial finishing applications.

There are two major classes of powders, thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermoset powders are based on low molecular weight solid resins and melt when exposed to heat. After they flow into a uniform layer they chemically cross link thereby forming a reaction product of much higher molecular weight. These newly formed coatings are heat stable and cannot remelt or soften when exposed to additional heat. Thermoset powders are tougher, have better adhesion to metal substrates, and are more resistant to solvents and chemicals than thermoplastics. Some common thermoset powders are, Epoxy; Epoxy-polyester hybrids; Urethane Polyester; Polyester TGIC; and Acrylics. Thermoplastic powders melt and flow when exposed to heat, however they retain the same chemical composition and molecular weight after curing and will reflow if exposed to heat at a later time. Some common thermoplastic powders are, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC); Polyolefins; Nylon; Polyester; and Polyvinylidene Flouride.

THERMOSET POWDER PROPERTIES

                                                       EPOXY       EPOXY HYBRIDS       URETHANES        TGIC POLYESTER         ACRYLIC

Hardness (pencil)                  HB-7H             HB-2H                         HB-4H                  HB-4H                      H-4H 

Impact Resistance (in-lbs.)      60-160             60-160                        60-160                  60-160                     40-100

Gloss (60 Deg. Meter)            3-100+           10-100+                        15-95                   20-90                       10-90

Color                                  All Colors       All Colors                     All Colors             All Colors                  All Colors

                                            Clears            Clears                          Clears                  Clears                       Clears

                                          Textures        Textures                       Textures              Textures                    Textures                 

Salt Spray *                         1000 Hrs.     1000. Hrs. Min              1000 Hrs..        1000 Hrs. Min.             1000 Hrs. Min.

Condensing Humidity           1000 Hrs.    1000. Hrs. Min              1000 Hrs..         1000 Hrs. Min.             1000 Hrs. Min.

* These are standard powders. Special formulations are available that can withstand 4000+ Hrs. Salt Spray and are warranteed by the powder manufacturer for up to 10 yrs.

THERMOPLASTIC POWDER PROPERTIES

                                                Vinyl                                                      Nylon                                                     Polyester

Primer Required               Yes                                                          Yes                                                           Yes

Melting Point, ·C          130-150                                                       186                                                         160-170

Adhesion                          G-E                                                           E                                                              E

Surface Appearance         Smooth                                                    Smooth                                                      Smooth

Gloss                              40-90                                                       20-95                                                         60-95

Pencil Hardness             HB-2H                                                          B                                                            B-H

Impact Resistance              E                                                             E                                                             G-E

Salt Spray                         G                                                             E

Weathering                       G                                                            G                                                               E

Acid Resistance                  E                                                             F                                                               G

Alkali Resistance                E                                                             E                                                               G

Solvent Resistance             F                                                             E                                                               F

E=Excellent, G=Good, F=Fair

For Custom Powder Coating in Lynn, MA
call us at 781-596-7000 or fill out our online contact form.