Powder coating is a dry finishing process that has become extremely popular since its introduction in North America over in the 1960s.  Representing over 15% of the total industrial finishing market, powder is used on a wide array of products. More and more companies specify powder coatings for a high-quality, durable finish, allowing for maximized production, improved efficiencies, and simplified environmental compliance.  Used as functional (protective) and decorative finishes, powder coatings are available in an almost limitless range of colors and textures, and technological advancements have resulted in excellent performance properties.

TYPES OF POWDER COATING

There are two types of powder coating, thermosets and thermoplastics.

Thermoplastic powder coating finishes become liquid and very soft when heated. This eliminates chemical bonding. This process makes the powder coating both reversible and reusable.

Thermoplastic coatings tend to be thicker, and hence more durable compared to thermoset coatings. For this reason, they can be used for a plethora of things from metal, auto parts, and even refrigerators.

On the other hand, thermoset powder is quite different in the fact that it forms chemical bonds once cured, making it impossible to recycle it. It is suitable for high heat areas because the bonds prevent it from melting away. This type is much cheaper compared to thermoplastic.