What Actually is the “Powder” in Powder Coating?
The go-to method for finishing heat-resistant components, powder coating is a fairly simple process we previously broke down in our article Machinery for the Three Stages of Powder Coating. However, there was an essential aspect of powder coating which wasn’t mentioned and that’s the powder itself.
The two powders most predominantly used in the industry are thermoset & thermoplastics, each able to achieve specialised finishes specific to them.
What Are Thermoplastics Powders
Considered the most functional of coatings out of the two, thermoplastic powders are also the most flexible for application, material efficiency and the final finish. They are able to be applied by both the ESD (Electrostatic Deposition) and fluidized bed methods, so thermoplastics give the operator more options.
The powder itself is lighter, resulting in the finished components gaining less additional weight from the coating process in comparison to a coat of the same thickness if applied with thermoset. This makes thermoplastics especially suitable for more delicate, detailed components. If a thicker coating is required however, dipping the components via a fluidized bed can be an easier and more time-effective option.
A key characteristic of thermoplastics to consider, which makes them suitable for the fluidized bed method, is that they do not change their physical & chemical properties when cured. Meaning the excess powder can be remelted, reformed, and recycled for other applications.
The finished result of a thermoplastic coating when cured is a film-like coating that is flexible and durable, with high resistance against:
- Impact
- Chemicals
- Corrosion
- Chipping
- Electrical Currents
Commonly seen on electrical goods, the resistant properties are a perfect match for many appliances, except for components that experience high temperatures. When heated to temperatures of around 150°C, the thermoplastic will soften and start to melt.
What Are Thermosets?
Containing the addition of epoxy resins, thermosets are a stronger and more cost-effective option for powder coating. Benefitting from their stable structure, thermosets are popular across industries and used frequently in the automotive, electronics, lighting, appliance and energy industries.
Only applicable by the ESD method, the curing process for this material gives the coating a range of desired benefits at the cost of the process being irreversible.
In contrast to being recyclable like thermoplastics, thermosets undergo a chemical reaction during the curing. Resulting in a chemical cross-linking of the particles to form long bonds of polymer molecules. The additional strength of the chemical bonding causes the coating to gain heat resistance, scratch and mark resistance and increased durability properties.
To gain the full strength of the coating, the coating cannot be applied too thickly or be overhardened as it would risk the coating becoming brittle.
Which Powder Should I Use for Powder Coating?
As the two most popular materials used for powder coating, there isn’t a better option when it comes to thermoplastics and thermosets. Both have their strength that benefits the type of components they are most associated with.
With both powders applicable by the ESD method, we would recommend either option when supplying machinery, such as our spray booths or powder coating guns.
For more information on our powder equipment, new or second-hand, call us at +44(0)1922 45 8000.
PPP NDT Penetrant Application/Drain/Contact and Combined Wash Station
This booth can be used for the application of fluorescent dye penetrant and the subsequent penetrant drain and contact time. When the penetrant contact time has expired, parts that have been processed using water washable penetrant are post washed in this booth. In the case of post emulsifiable penetrant, it will be the pre wash.
- Stock No
- GA848J
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- PPP NDT Penetrant Application / Spray Booth
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 2040 x 2020 x 2210
- Process Stages
- 2 or more dependent on process
- Other Info
- Includes Penetrant Application Gun
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
RDM Engineering Powder Coating Cell with Booth, Dust Extractor, Cyclone & Electrostatic Powder Coating Spray Gun
Powder coating cell comprising of box feed powder coating gun with dispenser, powder coating containment booth with matching cyclone and after filter. All the necessary equipment needed to set up a safe environmentally friendly powder coating operation within your facility.
- Stock No
- GC860
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- RDM Engineering Complete Powder Coating Cell
- Year of Manufacture
- 1996
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 2260 x 1500 x 1500
- Process Stages
- Coat, Cyclone and After Filter
- Other Info
- All Equipment Completes a Working Cell
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
Spray Coating Booth
Powder coating booth with hanging rail, internal light and outlet ducting for connection to suitable dust extraction unit.
- Stock No
- GD866
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- 1.5M³
- Year of Manufacture
- Unkown
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 1000mm x 1000mm x 1500mm
- Process Stages
- Single Stage
- Other Info
- Optional Extraction Point to LH Wall
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Romer Profispray Powder Coating Applicator System
The Romer ProfiSpray V is a high quality powder coating corona gun designed for simple operation with excellent coverage. Programmable control is via a touch screen.
- Stock No
- GD867
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- Romer ProfiSpray V
- Year of Manufacture
- 2024
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- N/A
- Process Stages
- Single Stage
- Other Info
- Three Automatic Spray Programs
- Condition
- Brand New, Unused, Current Model
- Availability
- Available for immediate collection
- Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Romer Profispray Powder Coating Gun System
The Romer ProfiSpray V is a high quality powder coating corona gun designed for simple operation with excellent coverage. Programmable control is via a touch screen.
- Stock No
- GD868
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- Romer ProfiSpray V
- Year of Manufacture
- 2024
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- N/A
- Process Stages
- Single Stage
- Other Info
- Three Automatic Spray Programs
- Condition
- Brand New, Unused, Current Model
- Availability
- Available for immediate collection
- Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Gema Auto Reciprocating Roll-On/Roll-Off Powder Coating Booth
Gema reciprocating powder coating plant comprises a booth, reciprocator, guns, powder pump, hopper, control units and systems. Also includes landmarks burners (x2), fire detection, overhead track system and Unicoil boiler suitable for building your own paint line.
- Stock No
- GD869J
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- Gema ZA06
- Year of Manufacture
- 2013
- Other Info
- Use to build your own Paint line
- Condition
- From a working environment, Seen working by RSW, Excellent Condition, Current Model
- Availability
- Available for immediate collection
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Romer Closed Face Powder Coating Booth Range
Romer's range of powder coating spray booths allow for the manual application of powder, run quietly, and are controlled by and easy-to-use touch screen.
- Stock No
- NEW090
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- Romer KPZ
- Condition
- Brand New
- Availability:
- Available subject to build time
- Price [?]
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Romer ProfiSpray V Powder Coating Gun System
The Romer ProfiSpray V is a high quality powder coating corona gun designed for simple operation with excellent coverage. Programmable control is via a touch screen.
- Stock No
- NEW091
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- Romer ProfiSpray V
- Condition
- Brand New
- Availability:
- Available subject to build time
- Price [?]
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Romer KPO-3 Open Face Powder Coating Booth
Romer's range of powder coating spray booths allow for the manual application of powder, run quietly, and are controlled by and easy-to-use touch screen.
- Stock No
- NEW092
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- Romer KPO-3
- Other Info
- 3 Cartridge filters / HMI screen
- Condition
- Brand New
- Availability:
- Available subject to build time
- Price [?]
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Romer KPO-4 Open Face Powder Coating Booth
Romer's range of powder coating spray booths allow for the manual application of powder, run quietly, and are controlled by and easy-to-use touch screen.
- Stock No
- NEW093
- Category
- Powder coating, wet paint plant & equipment
- Model
- Romer KPO-4
- Process Stages
- 1
- Other Info
- 4 Cartridge filters / HMI screen
- Condition
- Brand New, Current Model
- Availability:
- Available subject to build time
- Price [?]
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
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