Powder Coating
What is Powder Coating
Powder coating is a dry finishing process that involves the electrostatic application of a fine, powdered coating material onto a surface. The powder is typically made up of a combination of finely ground particles of pigment, resin, and other additives.
During the process, the powder is charged with an electrostatic charge, which causes it to adhere to the surface being coated. The coated object is then baked in an oven, causing the powder to melt and flow together to form a durable and attractive coating.
Powder coating is commonly used to provide a protective and decorative finish for a wide variety of metal objects, including architectural cladding, flashings, gantries, gutters, furniture and vents among others. It is a popular alternative to traditional liquid coatings because it is more environmentally friendly, produces less waste, and provides a more uniform and durable finish, which is more resistant to scratching, chipping, chemicals and fading than traditional wet paint.
Materials
At Aaztec Coatings, we take great pride in using only the highest quality materials for our powder coating services. We work with reputable suppliers to source our powders, primarily using AkzoNobel Interpon D, Valspar and Axalta powders. The Interpon D range are some of our most popular powders, due to the excellent high quality, long lasting finish that can withstand all the elements of the UK’s weather that is thrown at it.
All of our powders undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the highest industry standards for quality and durability. We want our clients to feel confident that the powder coating we apply to their surfaces will last through even the most extreme weather conditions.
Application
We have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals who are committed to delivering the best results for our clients. Our team is equipped with specialised equipment and technology to ensure that every project we undertake is completed to the highest standard. We have two powder coating production lines comprising of a track fed automated camelback oven, and a box oven which can accommodate longer substrates up to a bar length (6.1m). Our company offers a wide range of powder coating services, including standard and custom colours, textures, and finishes. We use only the highest quality materials and techniques. In addition to our powder coating equipment, we also have a modern wet painting booth to accommodate any liquid coating necessities you may have.
We take pride in our work and strive to exceed our clients’ expectations. With over 30 years of experience serving a range of industries, we have the expertise, knowledge, and equipment to handle any powder coating project. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your powder coating goals.
In-House Laboratory
We take quality control very seriously, that’s why we have an in-house laboratory where we carry out internal quality inspections on test panels from projects we complete, comprising of 9 different tests. These tests include adhesion testing, impact testing, gloss testing, thickness testing, and more.
Adhesion testing measures the ability of the powder coating to adhere to the substrate it is applied to, ensuring that it won’t peel or chip over time. Impact testing measures the powder coating’s ability to withstand impacts, while gloss testing measures its shine and reflectivity. Thickness testing ensures that the powder coating is applied to the substrate at the correct thickness, guaranteeing an even coating that provides excellent protection.
Our internal quality inspections make certain that our powder coatings meet the highest standards for quality and durability. We use the results of these tests to continually improve our processes and guarantee that we are providing our clients with the best possible results.
Fire Performance
Reaction to Fire is classified through the European Standard BS EN 13501-1.
This standard classifies construction products and building elements from A through to F and determines their reaction to fire performance using data from a combination of 4 small scale reaction to fire tests. For all construction products, the tests take into consideration a fire, initiated in a room, which can grow and eventually reach flashover. In terms of reaction to fire, and in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, Interpon D series D1036 and D2525 are classified as A2, s1-d0:
- A2 – No significant contribution to fire and will not lead to flashover
- s1 – Little or no smoke production
- d0 – No flaming droplets / particles
Building regulations, as defined by UK government’s approved document Part B: Fire Safety, requires materials to achieve either an A1 or A2, s1-do classification for ‘relevant’ buildings above 18m (above 11m for Scotland).
Powder coating is considered a more eco-friendly option compared to spray painting for several reasons:
- Its ability to minimize the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and comply with environmental regulations. Unlike liquid paints, powder coatings contain little to no VOCs, which are harmful chemicals that contribute to air pollution and have adverse health effects. This makes powder coating a preferable choice in terms of reducing emissions and meeting stricter environmental standards. By choosing powder coating, businesses can effectively reduce their environmental impact and ensure compliance with regulations while achieving high-quality and durable finishes.
- Minimal Waste Generation: Powder coating is an efficient process that generates minimal waste. Unlike liquid paint, which can produce overspray and drips that need to be cleaned up and disposed of as hazardous waste, powder coating is applied electrostatically, ensuring that almost all of the coating material adheres to the surface. Any excess powder can be collected and reused, minimizing waste generation.
- Reduced Energy Consumption: Powder coating requires lower energy consumption compared to spray painting. The curing process of powder coatings typically requires lower temperatures and shorter curing times, resulting in energy savings. Additionally, the absence of solvents in powder coatings eliminates the need for energy-intensive solvent evaporation during the drying process.
- Durability and Longevity: Powder coatings are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to chipping, cracking, and fading. The longevity of powder-coated surfaces reduces the need for frequent repainting, leading to lower resource consumption and waste generation over time.