The metal fabrication industry plays a valuable part in everything you use. Its incredibly strong and durable metals are literally holding up roads and buildings. Many of these metals elegantly form your everyday appliances, cars, and computers.
The fabrication process is what forms, gives strength, and purpose to the metals we use. It requires great engineering, ingenuity, and testing.
But there’s another important facet step in the metal fabrication process known as metal finishing.
Raw metals are strong on their own but have many drawbacks that affect their durability and performance. Anyone manufacturing long-lasting metal products needs to apply metal finishing to their metals.
Powder coating offers many great coating benefits and has become a popular finish choice. Want to learn why? Check out these great benefits of powder coating and how it can improve your metal fabrication projects!
Raw exposed metals are susceptible to corrosion and tarnishing. This oxidation will cause the metal to lose its durability, longevity, and strength. Unfinished metals area also weakened by UV exposure, salts, and rain.
How do you ensure your metals maintain their long-lasting strength? By adding a metal finish.
Metal finishes protect your metals from the elements while also improving the look of the final product. This improves their value and makes them look better to the end-user.
For a long time, metal fabricators used solvent-based liquid paints to finish their metals. This method does a good job protecting metals but can be expensive and time-consuming.
Electroplating, or chrome plating, was another popular method for a long time. It also got costly and time-consuming.
Fortunately, there is a faster and more economical option.
Powder coating is a dry process used to coat metals with acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, polyester, or a mix of these products.
Using electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), the dry powder receives a positive electric charge. The fabricator uses a pressurized spray to apply the charged powder onto the negatively charged metal product. This creates an electrochemical change causing the powder to attach to the metal.
Powder coating is an efficient way of protecting your custom metal fabrication projects. It’s safe to use on stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel materials.
Powder coating requires little to no maintenance and will look great for years to come. Here are more reasons why you should invest in powder coating.
The electromagnetic process of powder coating results in very little waste. Coating professionals can also adjust how much powder coating to add to your metal projects. You don’t need to wait for layers to dry and the powder will always cure evenly.
Powder coating is more durable than other metal finishing options. When the powder cures, it gels together allowing the finish to be more flexible than paint options. This is a great option for metal parts that will bend or flex when used.
Metal fabricated products face the risk of rusting both indoors and out from the rain, water, and humidity. Powder coating prevents rusting and corrosion by sealing the metal in a thorough and even finish. This keeps out rain, humidity, and anything else that may harm the metal.
The powder itself is highly resistant to flaking, scratches, and corrosion.
Opting for powder coating will save you both time and money throughout the finishing process. There are fewer steps in the powder coating process and it takes less time to dry and cure.
The amount of raw materials needed for powder coating depends on the size of your metal fabrication projects. This saves you money as you’re not needing to pay for extra amounts of the coating.
The powder coating itself is cheaper than the materials needed for paint coating or electroplating. Storing the coating requires less room than paint or other coating materials.
Metal fabrication projects coated with powder coating will have a uniform and smooth look. Unlike painting, powder coating doesn’t leave any streaks, runs, or weak areas. You also won’t have any imperfections such as ripples, bubbles, or dust bumps.
The uniform look is very aesthetically pleasing. You can choose from matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finishes depending on the look you prefer. For an extra touch, you can add textures, glitter, or metal flakes.
Do you want perfectly even color to cover your custom metal projects? You can choose from a wide range of colored powders that provide an even color distribution. You can’t achieve this level of color with paints.
While the two most popular powder colors are black and white, you can find this finish in nearly every color imaginable. You can also request and use custom colors. The powder manufacturer will mix and create a truly unique color blend based specifically on your needs.
The powder used in powder coatings doesn’t contain any solvents or harsh chemicals. Depending on the composition and colors, the powder is safe to use and for disposal.
During the coating process, no harmful fumes or chemicals release into the air and less waste accumulates. Professional applicators, however, will still wear protective gear and avoid touching the powder with their skin.
After applying any finish coating, there’s a little maintenance required. Paint coating, for example, typically require special cleaners and reapplication over time.
Powder coating is much easier to care for. The only maintenance required is an occasional cleaning to keep the metal in good condition.
Any regular soap is safe for powder coatings. Simply wash and rinse with water to keep your coating looking like new. The durability and resistance of the coating will prevent corrosion and rust when cleaning.
Powder coating is safe and works well on any metal product that can hold a negative charge. This is a great option for metal projects that have an irregular shape, size, or complex design. Metal fabricators have the freedom of designing complex projects without having to worry about the finishing process.
Do you want your metal fabrication projects to be long-lasting, durable, and great-looking? The answer is yes and powder coating will help you do just that!
Have questions or want to learn more about our custom finishing services? Let’s get in touch and start planning your next metal fabrication project today!
