Powder coating is one of the most effective ways to finish metal. It can be used to treat a variety of items and products used in different industries. The benefits of powder coating are heavily dependent on the skill and experience of the technicians doing the work. This quick guide will provide you with a little more information on what are the quality standards of powdercoating.
How Thick Should Powdercoating Be
Powder coating thickness is often determined by the particular project or object. For this reason, there are no hard fast rules on how thick the coating should be. Skilled powder coating technicians, however, will have the skill and knowledge to determine the thickness for each project case by case.
Thickness is a crucial factor in powder coating because it will determine the ultimate efficiency and quality of the coating. The thickness will affect the color and finish as well as the texture, adhesion, and flexibility of the final product. This factor can also affect the item’s resistance to corrosion.
Specifications for thickness for certain items in certain industries are set by the International Organization for Standardization. Powder coating thickness can range from 2 to 8 mils or more. The thickness often depends on the item itself and its ultimate application.
How Powder Coating Is Applied
During the electrostatic powder coating process, the coating is applied by spraying powder through the electrostatic field. The particles are charged and deposited on the parts that have been ground. The item is then cured. During the curing process, the particles are fused into a continuous film. Finally, the item is cooled. Thickness measurements are taken before and after the process.
How Quality Is Determined
The requirements for determining quality will differ from industry to industry. Here are a few examples of how quality is measured.
Architectural – Powder coating for architectural purposes should meet AAMA 2604 or 2605 standards. This is due to the fact that most items such as metal railing, fencing, window frames, doors, grills, and facades should be durable and weather resistant to ensure safety in the structures they are used in.
Firearms/military equipment – For items in this category, items must meet the military standards for powder coating. This standard will offer the best protection for items used in these applications. MIL-DTL-53072 and MIL-PRF-3248 standards are used for military-grade weapons. Civilian gun owners also rely on this high level of quality.