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Q: What is Polymer Coating?
A: Polymer Coating is a process for coating metal parts using either
dry powder or powder suspended in an aqueous substance. The coated
material is baked in an oven at 250°C. The oven curing melts the powder
into a "gel state" then further curing causes this gel to harden into a
very tough coating.
Q: Is it environmentally friendly?
A: Polymer coating is
an environmentally friendly process unlike solvent-based wet paint
systems. With EPA regulations growing ever stricter, polymer coating is
fast becoming the technology of choice. Since the coating process does
not use solvents in any way, VOC emission problems are eliminated. The
materials used conform to the strictest standards as set by the
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) guidelines.
Q: Is the coating durable?
A: Polymer coatings resist
cracking and peeling and are extremely abrasion, corrosion and chemical
resistant. The performance characteristics of powder coating match or
exceed the characteristics achieved from conventional solvent-based
coatings.
Q: What colours does the powder come in?
A: Coatings are available in a large variety of stock colours, metallic
textures and special effects. PPC can assist you in choosing the
correct coating and colour for your application.
Q: What can be coated?
A: Any metal object that can hold
an electrostatic charge and withstand the heat of the curing process
can be polymer coated. Powder can be applied to intricate surfaces and
still maintain a uniform finish across the entire piece.
Q: What is clear polymer coating?
A: Clear polymer
coating serves the same purpose as clear coat wet paint. It protects
the underlying finish and adds depth and lustre to the surface. Use
clear coating on any piece that exposure to elements could cause it to
fade or be subject to damage.
Q: How can you paint parts with a dry powder?
A: The
powder is applied using an electrostatic charge. Similar to the way
dust sticks to your television screen, the electro-statically charged
powder sticks to the parts.
Q: Why doesn’t powder coated parts drip or run in the oven?
A: When the heated powder is in a "gel state" it is very thick – like a paste – and hence, it doesn’t run or drip.
Q: How does the oven temperature affect my metal parts?
A: Most metals can withstand temperatures of up to 400oC, implying the
temperatures used in polymer coating are low enough to avoid any metal
fatigue.
Q: How much does polymer coating cost?
A: Polymer coating
costs about the same as other professionally applied paints or
coatings. Some bulk plating processes similar to anodizing may be
slightly less expensive. More decorative finishes like chrome plating
are substantially more expensive than powder coating.
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