The Advantages of Thermoset Powder Coat Finishes

As the world increasingly prioritizes environmentally-friendly solutions, one area to consider is the choice of finishes for tools, and other items, where opting for powder coatings such as thermoset powder coat finishes, thermoplastic powder coat finishes, and ultraviolet curable finishes that can offer significant benefits over traditional paint.

Powder coating provides a range of options and protections that are not available with paint. For example, anti-graffiti coatings can be applied to objects coated in powder, which is not feasible with paint.

Additionally, powder coating is known for its durability and resistance to chipping, fading, and corrosion, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting finishes.

Continue reading to understand more about what powder coat finishes entail and the options available to you. Reach out to us if you require powder coat finishes.

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating entails applying a dry powder to a substrate and then curing it using heat. The powder is typically made of a combination of resin, pigments, and additives and can be applied using several methods, including electrostatic spray, fluidized bed, and electrostatic fluidized bed.

Various powder coating options are available, including epoxy, polyester, hybrid, and acrylic coatings. The choice of coating depends on the specific application and the desired properties of the finish, such as color, gloss, texture, and resistance to chemicals, UV light, and weathering.

Typically, two powder coating processes exist. These are:

1. A fluidized bed application
2. Electrostatic spray deposition

The method you choose produces a high-quality hard powder finish that is long-lasting and cost-effective. Powder coating comes with numerous benefits, such as durability, variety, less toxicity, and cost-efficiency.

It is widely used in the automotive, architecture, furniture, electronics, and industrial equipment industries.

The Powder Coating Finishes

When it comes to powder coat finishes, there are three main types. The selection of the appropriate type depends on the material being coated, and factors such as material cost and complexity will also impact the choice.

Each of the three powder coat finishes categories contains several subtypes designed to achieve specific types of quality finishes. Understanding the differences between the various subtypes is crucial to select the most suitable powder coat finish for the intended application.

1. Thermoset Powder Coat Finishes

Thermoset powders operate similarly to thermoplastics; the only difference is that the heating allows for chemical cross-linking, which makes them non-reversible.

The heat changes the physical structure to provide a solid coating when cooled. If you seek a thick coat of thermosets, be sure there will be some degree of brittleness.

Some types of thermosets include;

• Epoxy: Perfect for electrical insulation and non-flexible objects. However, they start to become brittle when exposed to UV rays. Hence such coating should be for indoor use only.
• Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid: Polyester softens the epoxy coatings, making them flexible enough to prevent cracking or chipping. This implies that the coating is suitable for outdoor use, as it can withstand weathering better.
• Acrylic Powder Coat Finishes: If you desire a high-gloss finish, no other coating does it, as well as acrylic. This coating can be either pigmented or clear, offering flexibility in terms of the desired appearance of the finished product. Acrylic powder coating is best suited for exposed parts, such as engine components, where a super gloss finish is desired.

Thermoset powder coat finishes stands out as the best option for a powder coating finish due to its durability, resistance to corrosion and fading, ability to withstand extreme temperatures, and ability to achieve a wide range of colors and textures. 

In addition, thermoset powder coating is highly resistant to chemicals and UV rays, making it suitable for use in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical equipment manufacturing. It also has a low environmental impact due to its lack of solvents and VOC emissions. 

Thermoset powder coat finishes is a versatile and reliable coating option, offering exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal. Minnesota Industrial Coatings utilizes thermoset powder coat finishes, a high-quality powder coating finish for your long-term satisfaction. Our coating technicians are highly skilled, and our process is unbeatable.

2. Thermoplastic Powder Coat Finishes

Thermoplastic powder coat finishes are a type of plastic that can melt when exposed to high temperatures and solidify as they cool. They are commonly used for metal finishing and can offer some level of mechanical strength once cooled, making them a potential option for those interested in both aesthetic appeal and durability.

Some types of thermoplastics include:

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC coating is a plastic coating that can be melted when exposed to high temperatures and solidified as it cools. It is made from polyvinyl chloride resin, which is mixed with various additives to create a fine powder that can be applied to a substrate using an electrostatic spray process. Once applied, the powder is heated to a specific temperature to allow it to flow and cure, creating a protective coating that is resistant to solvents, impact, and other chemicals.
• Polyester Coating: This is similar to PVC coating but made from a polyester resin to create a more wear-resistant layer.
• Nylon Powder Coat Finishes: This finish, made from nylon resins, produces a coating with a low friction coefficient.
• Polyolefin Coating: This coating results in a smooth surface finish, resistant to solvents and abrasions, finding it frequently on laboratory components that require regular use and cleaning.

One of the main disadvantages of thermoplastic powder coat finishes is their susceptibility to chipping and cracking, especially when exposed to high impact or abrasion. Also, tend to have a limited range of colors and textures compared to other coating options. 

Additionally, they require specialized equipment and expertise for proper application, which can make them more expensive and less accessible for some industries or applications. 

Finally, while thermoplastic powder coatings can be durable and resistant to corrosion, they may not provide the same level of protection as some other coating options, such as thermoset powder coatings.

3. Ultraviolet Curable Finishes

This recent development is meant to offer a coating option for injection-molded components. Thermoplastics and thermosets need high temperatures to adhere to the surface finish and could thus deform injection-molded objects.

UV-curable resins can get the job done at much lower temperatures in less time than it takes thermoplastics and thermosets to cure. 

While ultraviolet curable finishes offer many benefits, such as fast curing times and low VOC emissions, they also come with some disadvantages. One of the main drawbacks is that they require specialized equipment and expertise, making them more expensive and less accessible for some applications. 

Additionally, UV-curable coatings tend to be brittle and can crack or peel over time if not properly applied. They also have limited color options and may not be suitable for certain substrates or environments.  

Are You in Need of Industrial Coatings?

Thermoset powder coat finishes are an ideal option for those seeking a durable and long-lasting coating solution. They offer exceptional resistance to impact, abrasion, and corrosion, making them suitable for use in harsh environments such as marine or industrial settings.

In addition, thermoset powder coat finishes are available in a wide range of colors and textures, providing designers and manufacturers with options for customizing the appearance of their products. 

Compared to other coating options, thermoset powder coat finishes offer superior performance and aesthetic appeal, making them a better choice for those seeking a high-quality coating solution that will stand the test of time. Overall, thermoset powder finishes are a reliable and cost-effective choice for a wide range of applications.

Minnesota Industrial Coatings is a reputable service provider that specializes in offering powder coat finishes for multiple manufacturers. We have a proven track record of providing top-quality services and are committed to delivering exceptional results to our clients.

Our range of services includes e-coating and thermoset powder coat finishes, which are known for their durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

To learn more about how we can serve you, request an estimate now! If you would like to talk to someone on our staff, please contact us at (763) 220-5278.