Industries That Use Powder Coating

Automotive Industry

One of the largest users of powder coating, the automotive industry applies this method to everything from vehicle chassis and wheels to engine components and decorative trim. Powder coating has changed the game for surface furnishing in automotives.

Powder coating rims, struts, metal racks, exterior trim, and other chassis parts provide robust protection against corrosion, UV damage, and everyday wear and tear. Manufacturers in the automotive industry also prefer powder finish over liquid paints due to their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions while maintaining a customized and vibrant finish.

When it comes to specializing in this sector, TIGER Drylac ^® is a trusted manufacturer of powder coatings for automotive industrial applications for both OEM and Aftermarket use cases. We have a specific list of automotive powder coatings that have been approved by several large OEMs.

Furniture

Powder coating patio furniture, indoor metal furniture like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines is quite common these days. Powder coating provides a anti-corrosion coating for steel and other metal furniture. It also protects your valued pieces from scratches and fading, making them truly timeless.

Furniture makers appreciate the variety of options that powder coating comes with. They can choose any kind of surface finish, texture, and color to get their desired outcome. Along with extending the longevity of your furniture, powder coating metal also enhances its visual appeal.

We offer a range of powder coating colors that you can pick your favorites from for your next furniture project. Find out more about TIGER Drylac ^® powder coating furniture applications here.

Architecture

Classic, modern, or industrial. Whatever you pick, all architectural designs have something in common – powder coating. Architectural powder coating combines aesthetic allure with practical durability. Whether its towering skyscrapers or the intricate architectural details, powder coating offers a spectrum of customizable finishes for metal structures, window frames, doors, and fencing. Unlike traditional liquid paints, techniques involving advanced powder coating deliver a uniform coat that can withstand chipping, corrosion, and fading. Textured powder coating is often used in architectural applications for an upgraded look and feel.

Powder coating is also an architect’s and construction manager’s top choice because of its unique anti-graffiti prevention properties. Anti-graffiti powder coating prevents paint-based vandalism without compromising the appearance of the surface.

Aerospace and Military Applications

An ideal finish combines performance with protection. This is exactly what powder coating stands for in the realm of aerospace and military. When compared with liquid paints, powder coating emerges as a winner for this industry. Let us look at some of the reasons why that is so:

• Powder coating is more sustainable than liquid paints.

The absence of harmful solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the production of minimal waste, ensures that the federal agencies are reducing their carbon footprint.

• Enhanced longevity and functionality.

Powder coating contributes significantly to extending the lifetime of any aerospace or defense equipment by keeping it safe from environmental damage, fading, and corrosion. This also ensures operational readiness of the equipment.

• Customization options.

When it comes to defense and aerospace applications, powder coating provides tailored formulations that can enhance properties like adhesion, thermal stability, and much more. Additionally, this method of painting also helps in achieving the best texture and color required for different components.

As technology continues to shape the future of this industry, powder coating remains indispensable for engineers and designers aiming to push the boundaries of innovation and performance.

Job Shops

Job shops are specialized facilities that offer custom powder coating services tailored to meet the unique needs of individual clients and projects. Take for example, automotive parts requiring durable finishes or intricate metalwork needing a protective clear powder coating. Job shops excel in delivering high-quality results with precision and efficiency.

By partnering with job shops, businesses leverage their specialized equipment and technical knowledge to achieve superior surface finishing that can withstand harsh environments and rigorous use. These facilities typically offer a range of coating options, including polyester, epoxy, and polyurethane powders, each chosen for its unique properties like chemical resilience, UV resistance, and color retention. This diversity allows job shops to cater to a broad spectrum of powder coating applications.

Sports and Leisure

This industry thrives on a finishing that can withstand daily wear and tear and harsh external conditions. This is where powder coating plays a pivotal role in improving the durability and aesthetics of various equipment. For example, for cycling enthusiasts, powder coating a bike frame not only gives life to its appearance but also protects it against scratches, corrosion, and UV damage. Similarly, for skateboards and rollerblades, powder coating wheels makes them look better while also making them more resistant to abrasions and impact.

Powder Coating Process - A Brief Overview

The powder coating process has a few main elements that should be followed in the given order.

Preparation

Before applying powder coating, the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned and treated to ensure adhesion and longevity of the finish. This step typically involves removing oils, rust, and other contaminants through methods like sandblasting, chemical cleaning, or phosphate treatment.

Application

During the application phase, the electrostatically charged powder particles are sprayed onto the grounded workpiece. This step results in the creation of an even coating that adheres electrostatically.

Curing

Once applied, the coated workpiece is transferred to a curing oven where it is heated to temperatures typically ranging from 300 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This elevated temperature causes the powder particles to melt and fuse into a smooth and durable finish. The curing time varies for different applications, depending on the powder formulation and thickness of the coating.

Cooling and Inspection

After curing, the powder coated item should cool down to room temperature before undergoing final inspection. As a last step, the quality control team performs several checks to ensure the powder coating meets specified thickness, appearance, and performance standards.

The entire process of powder coating involves a lot more details. It requires precision and knowledge about every stage to be able to produce a uniform coating.