Powder coating
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a popular method for painting various types of surfaces. It is a technique that has enjoyed immense popularity for several decades. The process utilizes specialized powder paint, which is evenly distributed over the surface using electrostatic or electrokinetic spraying. The resulting coating is not only exceptionally smooth but also durable. It is further distinguished by its excellent technological parameters.
Powder coating involves spraying powder paint onto the surface being coated. It is worth noting that while this technique is primarily used for metals, the range of its applications is much broader.
Powder coating has been known for several decades—during this time, it has been constantly improved, making it possible to develop a coating that both provides color and protects the surface. The powder coating process takes place using specialized equipment. It is thanks to these devices that the even application of powder paint onto the surface is possible. For this purpose, electrostatic or electrokinetic spraying is used. As for the tools, professional spray guns are indispensable.
Electrostatic powder coating
Electrostatic powder coating requires the use of devices that generate a charging effect on the paint particles. The surface being painted “attracts” these particles the moment an electrostatic field is created.
During spraying, the paint particles are negatively charged. This is possible because a current with constant voltage and intensity flows through the system. The particles of the painted surface are positively charged, so at the moment of spraying, an electrostatic field is generated. This is precisely why the electrified powder particles are attracted to the surface. They adhere to it uniformly in the case of relatively small components. In such situations, there is no need to rotate the object during the powder coating process.
Single-sided spraying is not sufficient when powder coating large surfaces. The electrostatic field is usually too weak to cover the entire element without rotating it. It is also worth mentioning the so-called Faraday cage effect. Paint particles are attracted to the nearest surface, which makes it difficult to coat components with complex shapes. With electrostatic painting, it is hard to cover, for instance, the internal parts of a given element. The operator is forced to use conventional painting methods (in areas impossible to paint with electrostatic spray).
Tribo powder coating (electrokinetic method) operates in a fundamentally different way. Powder particles are electrostatically charged using compressed air. The charging process is therefore based on kinetic energy. The electric charge is carried directly by the powder particles. No electrostatic field is generated between the application device and the coated surface.
The positive charge of the powder particles is created through friction. The particles rub against each other, the inner walls of the application hose, and the internal surfaces of the applicator itself. As a result, the powder coating particles collide with the coated surface and adhere to it.
If you are interested in our services, we encourage you to contact us
+ 48 781 820 143
biuro@spcenter.pl