Why powdercoating is the option of many industries
Liquid finishes contain solvents that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the environment. Most VOCs have objectionable odor at very low levels. They are considered as irritants that can cause headaches, irritations to the respiratory system and dizziness. Powdercoating Toronto does not contain solvents and releases negligible amounts of VOC into the atmosphere. Companies that employ powder coating are able to comply with environmental regulation in their respective states without the need to implement costly pollution control equipment. Unused powder and overspray can be recovered and reused to minimize waste. It is also a clean process with minimal environmental footprint. Powder coating is very obvious in many products used in daily life from household appliances to tough machineries because it provides long term protection and high quality surface finish.
How powdercoating works
Powder coatings are based on a polymer resin system that is combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers and other additives. All these ingredients are melt-mixed and then cooled before it is ground into powder form. The application of powder coating into a metal substrate is done through a process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD). The process makes use of a spray gun that applies the electrostatic charges to the powder particles so that they will be attracted to the grounded part. After the application of powder coating, the part is cured inside a convection oven where the addition of heat will allow the coating to chemically react and produce long molecular chains with high cross-linking density. These molecular chains have high resistance to breakdown and are capable of protecting even the roughest and toughest machinery. Aside from protection against corrosion, powdercoating Toronto provides protection to impact, moisture, chemicals, UV light and extreme weather conditions.
Importance of pre-treatment prior to powdercoating
Pre-treatment involves chemical preparation of various types of metal and aluminum prior to powder coating. Pre-treatment is the key to having a quality surface finish and it is as important as the materials that been used in the construction of the product, its design and the conditions where it will be exposed. Making a choice for the proper surface preparation method will ensure proper adhesion and quality surface finish. Surface preparation can either be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical cleaning involves scratch brushing or sand blasting while chemical cleaning makes use of chemicals for the removal dirt, grease, oil and oxidation products from the metal surface. Mild steel is known for its tendency to undergo rapid oxidation when exposed to the atmosphere. Abrasive action through mechanical cleaning removes surface impurities, scratches and surface irregularities.