DOOGOOD: Powder Coating

Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are used by both industries and consumers. The powder used for the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish. Powder coating is the fastest-growing finishing technology of all industrial finishing applications.

Powder coating gives consumers, businesses, and industry one of the most economical, longest-lasting, and most color-durable quality finishes available.

Powder coated surfaces are more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than other finishes. Color selection is virtually unlimited with high and low gloss, metallic, and clear finishes available. Colours stay bright and vibrant longer. Texture selections range from smooth surfaces to a wrinkled or matte finish and rough textures designed for hiding surface imperfections.

Powder coating is also highly protective of our environment. While liquid finishes contain solvents which have pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), powder coating contains no solvents and releases negligible amounts, if any, of VOCs into the atmosphere. In addition, most powder coating overspray that does not adhere to the part can be retrieved and reused, virtually eliminating the waste commonly found in liquid finishing processes.

Elimination of VOCs and reduction of wastes saves money and helps companies comply more easily and economically with the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, one of the major elements in expanding the market for powder coating has been the implementation over the past 30 years of stringent air pollution control legislation.

We have just installed brand new curing oven and spray booth facilities. Having these new facilities enables us to handle much larger jobs than most other powder coaters and also helps speed up our already quick turn-around times. The details of the capacity of our new oven are listed below.

The automotive industry uses powder coating on wheels, bumpers, hubcaps, door handles, decorative trim and accent parts, truck beds, radiators, filters, and numerous engine parts. A clean powder topcoat has been developed to protect auto bodies, with BMW and Volvo using it on their new model cars.

The appliance industry benefits from powder coating on front and side panels of oven ranges and refrigerators, washing machine tops and lids, dryer drums, air-conditioner cabinets, water heaters, dishwasher racks, and cavities of microwave ovens. Powder coating has also replaced porcelain enamel on many washing machine and dryer parts.

There are also innumerable everyday uses for powder coated products such as lighting fixtures, antennas, and electrical components. Farmers have powder coated tractors and farm equipment. Fitness buffs use golf clubs and golf carts, ski poles and bindings, snowmobiles, bicycles, and exercise equipment that are powder coated. Shop owners have powder coated display racks, shelves, store fixtures, and vending machines. Office workers use metal furniture, computer cabinets, mechanical pencils and pens, thumbtacks, and other desk accessories that are powder coated. Parents have powder coated baby strollers, cribs, metal toys, and wagons. And home owners have lawn mowers, barbecue grills, patio furniture, garden tools, electronic components, bathroom scales, tool boxes, and fire extinguishers which benefit from a powder coated finish.