Today, powder coating is a popular method of product finishing. It offers a durable, resilient finish that can be used on a variety of metals for a full range of products. However, it was not always the common process it is today. Powder coating in Washington is a technique that has been developed over many decades.
As with most inventions, this development period included some successes and failures. It involved some ideas that were better than others. Fortunately, the final result has been a proven method that provides a great finish for manufacturers. Here’s a quick history of the process.
1940s
Powder coating in Washington traces its early roots back to the late 1940s. At that time, the powder was flame-sprayed onto metallic surfaces. As you might imagine, this method was quite dangerous.
The German scientist Erwin Gemmer improved on this method by introducing a new way to apply thermoplastic resins on metal. It looked quite a bit different than the process we use today. Technicians would first heat the parts, then immerse them in a tank of plastic powders. The powders were kept suspended by using a current of air. It offered a faster and more efficient method than the original flame spraying.
1950s
During the 1950s, the fluidized bed application process introduced by Gemmer gained popularity. It was used in the United States and Europe, but other methods were also being introduced.
1960s
Pieter G. de Lange entered the powder coating scene in 1960 when he set out to find more non-polluting, environmentally friendly solutions to industrial coating methods. His research introduced thermo set powder coatings. Between 1962 and 1964, electrostatic powder spray saw its first use.
1970s
The late 1970s saw the introduction of the slurry application method. Using this method, processed powder coatings were ground in a sand mill and mixed with water and surfactants. This slight chemical difference did not offer a significant advantage, and the standard electrostatic powder spray became the leading method.
Today
The last few decades have seen continued improvements on the process of powder coating in Washington. Today’s methods include top safety and environmental standards and create top-quality finishes for a wide range of products. The most common applications are for steel, stainless steel, aluminum and brass. The electrostatic application process used today creates less waste and better finishes than previous methods or modern wet painting processes. For those who seek a durable, attractive finish, powder coating in Washington offers an ideal solution.
Find Out More
Would you like to discover more about powder coating in Washington? You’ll find no better source than the experts at Powder Vision Inc. We offer extensive experience and top-quality powder coating. For your convenience, we provide reliable pick-up and delivery service, and we also offer a quality assurance department that makes sure you get the service you requested. If you have any questions about powder coating or our services, don’t hesitate to contact our team. Reach out to us today with any inquiries or to set up your powder coating service.