As a small machining business owner, you know that offering your customers a wide range of services is crucial to your success. One service that can add value to your business and set you apart from the competition is powder coating. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right professional powder coating company for your needs? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect fit.
Find your perfect fit and contact Minnesota Industrial Coatings for consistently high-quality, professional powder coating. We offer a wide range of service and coating options with a 4x6x10 automated line and an 8x8x12 batch line.
Why Offer Professional Powder Coating?
But first, let’s determine why you might want to offer powder coated parts to your customers. Powder coating is a dry coating applied to metal surfaces as a powdered substance and then cured under heat to create a durable finish. It offers several advantages over traditional liquid coatings, including a thicker, more even coverage, improved durability and corrosion resistance, and a wide range of color options.
For small machining businesses, partnering with a professional powder coating company can help you offer your customers a more comprehensive range of services. It can also help you save time and resources by outsourcing the coating process, allowing you to focus on what you do best: machining.
What to Look for in Professional Powder Coating Services
So, how do you find the right professional powder coating partner for your business? Here are some key factors to consider:
Capabilities: Consider the types of items the provider can powder coat and any special finishes or color options they offer. Determine if they have the equipment, expertise, and experience to handle your specifications.
Coatings offered: Different types of powder coatings have different properties and are suited for different types of products, so make sure the company you choose can provide the coatings that are right for your customers’ needs.
Quality: The quality of the powder coated finish is obviously a top priority. Look for a company with a proven track record of producing high-quality coatings, and ask for samples of their work to see for yourself.
Turnaround time: Time is money, and you want your projects to stay on track with an efficient coating process. Ask about the company’s powder coating process and turnaround times to ensure they can meet your deadlines.
Cost: Cost is always a factor, but be wary of companies that offer extremely low prices. In the coating industry, you often get what you pay for. That being said, get quotes from multiple companies to ensure that you’re getting a fair price.
Experience and reputation: Look for a company with a solid track record and good reputation. Ask for references and check online reviews to get a sense of their experience in the application processes and reliability.
Customer service: When evaluating a powder coating company’s customer service, consider factors such as their communication style, responsiveness, and willingness to work with you to meet your needs.
When researching and assessing potential providers, include looking at their websites, reading online reviews, and talking to other businesses or individuals who have used their services.
How to Start a Working Relationship
Once you have a list of potential partners, it’s time to start reaching out. Make sure to ask about their process and capabilities, as well as their pricing and turnaround times. It’s also a good idea to visit the facility in person or take a virtual tour to see their equipment and processes firsthand and get a sense of their team and how they work.
As you narrow down your options, be on the lookout for potential red flags. These can include a lack of transparency, unresponsive or difficult communication, or a lack of professionalism. Trust your gut – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Finally, when it comes to working with a professional powder coating company, communication is vital. Make sure to clearly communicate your expectations and deadlines, and be open to feedback and suggestions from the company. A good working relationship is essential for successful projects.
Find the Right Professional Powder Coating Company
Offering additional services can help to diversify your business and provide a new revenue stream, which can be beneficial in a competitive market. A small machining business can differentiate itself from the competition by offering a full range of services, including machining and powder coating. To offer your customer the best powder coating available, you need to find the best powder coating partner.
Finding the right professional powder coating partner for your small machining business takes time and due diligence. By considering factors such as capabilities, quality, turnaround time, and cost, and by keeping good communication at the forefront, you can find a partner that fits your needs and helps you offer more comprehensive services to your customers.
Minnesota Industrial Coatings is the leading provider of powder and e-coating services. With a philosophy of deep customer support and a knack for building long-term relationships, we are an ideal partner for your powder coating needs. Contact us today to learn more about our tried-and-true processes or an easy estimate.