News 6 Benefits of Aluminium for Metal Fabrication
From improving appearance to reducing corrosion, powder coating offers an excellent choice of finishing for metal fabrication projects. Raw metal has many potential problems. Exposed metals are at risk of tarnish and corrosion. Unfinished metal is susceptible to rust caused by salts or rain, and it can also be weakened by UV light over time. Finishing is not just important to protect metal, however. Aside from improving durability and increasing part lifespan, finishing also improves the way final parts look and feel.
Powder coating provides a smooth finish that reduces environmental impact and durability. Keep reading to find out why this finish is used in a wide range of metal fabrication projects made with laser cutting systems and automation bending tools.
Powder Coating in Metal Fabrication
The science behind powder coating comes down to electric charges received by dry powder. Unlike paint and liquid finishes used in metal fabrication, powder coating has a unique application that makes it extremely durable.
Dry powder is given a positive electric charge, then sprayed at high pressure onto unfinished metal grounded with a negative charge. This results in an electrochemical transformation. Powder molecules attach to the metal, providing a uniform coating. The powder comes in various bases, from epoxy to polyurethane to acrylic, polyester or blended bases. After coating, metal parts are heated at high temperatures and cured. They can be used as soon as they are removed from the oven.
Powder Coating Benefits
The primary benefits of powder coating for metal include its durability and its aesthetics. There are several other benefits as well.
Geometric shapes can be coated with uniform coverage, with a solid outer layer that protects parts of all shapes. Finished metal surfaces are resistant to wear and tear and will not rust or corrode. This ensures a maximum end-product lifespan. Final products require minimal maintenance, with no need to recoat the surface.
For application, powder coating requires less equipment, less application time and fewer resources such as plating and painting. This makes it a cost-efficient alternative to other types of finishes. It is also cleaner, with a smoother, more uniform finish that is not prone to drips or other imperfections. This reduces the risk of rejected work.
Choosing powder coating for your metal fabrication projects is an excellent option if you’re looking for a smooth finish to your work.