Powder coating is the best alternative to paint. The process involves electrostatically applying dry powder onto grounded metal parts. Once the parts are coated, they’re placed in an oven to cure at 400°F. This is a fairly fast procedure yet provides long-lasting and beautiful results.
Besides looking better and lasting longer, powder coating has a number of advantages over traditional paints. One of the advantages has to do with the environment. So, when someone asks, “Is powder coating eco friendly?” we say, yes.
In what ways is powder coating eco friendly?
One of the great things about powder coating is that it’s environmentally friendly in a few different ways. Here are the ways that it differs from paint regarding Mother Nature:
- No air pollution: The biggest difference between paint and powder coating is that powder coating doesn’t produce any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air and damage the ozone layer. Powder coating is also performed in a sealed-off area, so there’s no chance of any residual powder dust getting in the air.
- Powder can be recycled: Between drips and spills, there’s bound to be quite a bit of waste during painting. That’s not the case with powder coating. With powder coating, any overspray (i.e., powder that doesn’t make it onto the piece) can be reloaded and used again. Recycling the powder also keeps costs low for powder coating specialists.
- Greener production methods: The actual powder production process meets standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) business program—that can’t be said for paint production.
- Complies with environmental regulations: Because it’s so much better for the environment in the ways mentioned above, powder coating already complies with many environmental regulations. As long as all of the machinery meets national safety codes, a powder coating operation is sure to meet or exceed any environmental regulations.
Is powder coating dangerous?
Powder coating isn’t toxic, so it’s much safer than paint; however, anyone involved in powder coating needs to be vigilant while on the job. Here are a few things they need to look out for:
- Dust exposure: Whether it’s dirt coming up off the road or powder coating, breathing in dust is always harmful to our respiratory tracts. Pros wear protective masks and cover their skin and eyes to limit exposure while working.
- Electrical hazards: When people ask, “Is powder coating dangerous?” we often point to the fact that we work with high-powered electrical gear. Anyone who works with that much electricity is prone to danger. We always use grounding systems for our equipment and monitor them to limit the chance of shock or overheating.
Work with Powder Vision Inc. today
If you’re ready to learn more about why powder coating is eco friendly or to have your pieces powder coated, then come down to Powder Vision Inc. From motorcycles to heavy-duty machinery, our powder coating services are nearly unlimited. Call us today to get a quote for your powder coating project.