Coating Factory
Whether you want to powder coat a metal, or you have a different type of substrate that needs to be treated, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a coating factory that can handle your needs.
NASA’s technology to efficiently coat vulnerable materials in metal
Using the right materials at the right time has been the holy grail of the aerospace industry for more than a century. The latest entrant to the prize is the NASA GFSC’s Advanced Materials and Technologies Division. To get the ball rolling, the GFSC has commissioned a study to determine which material is best suited to the task. The results are expected to be announced later this year. The GFSC’s top-secret research and development lab is currently housed in the NASA main building at KSC. As the name suggests, the GFSC is a ringmaster of a lab, whose members are the epitome of aerospace pixie dust. The office is a jovial assemblage of seasoned veterans and newbies alike. The best part is that everyone is free to participate.
Costs of powder coating over liquid coating
Compared to liquid coating, powder coating is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Powder coating is applied electrostatically to a component, fusing the powder to the surface at high temperatures. This allows for a superior film properties.
Powder coating can be applied on a variety of materials. Its properties allow it to resist scratches and chipping, as well as corrosion. The coating also provides superior color retention. With proper care and maintenance, powder coating can last for years.
Powder coating requires less labor than liquid paint. There are fewer environmental stressors during the process, and powder coating systems are automated. Powder coating is also less likely to break from the surface than wet paint. Powder coated components are ready for shipping and packing.
Powder coating can last for years, while liquid coating is susceptible to fading, chipping, peeling and sagging. Powder coating also provides greater protection from UV rays. Powder coating offers better color retention, and is resistant to rust and chipping.
Powder coatings are environmentally friendly, and offer significant energy savings. Unlike liquid coating, powders do not contain solvents, which are harmful to the environment. Similarly, powder coating does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are known to cause lasting damage to plant and animal life.
Powder coatings can be applied to a wide variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and wood. It is especially effective for finishing plastics.
Powder coating can produce thicker coats than liquid coatings. This can raise the cost of the project, but it also results in more coverage. Powders are abrasive by contact, and may result in some skin irritation. Despite these disadvantages, powder coating is a viable option for a wide variety of materials.
The costs of powder coating over liquid coating vary depending on the item being coated, the quantity of coating needed, and the location of the component being coated. The average cost per square foot for a one-mil-thick dry film is 2.29 cents. Compared to liquid coating, the costs of powder coating over liquid coating can be substantial.
Costs of powder coating over liquid coating vary by application, material, and contractor. For example, an epoxy-based powder coating may cost $2.95 per pound, while a wrought iron railing may cost several hundred dollars.
Cleaning and treatment of powder coating substrates
Getting the best results for your powder coating project begins with proper pretreatment. Not only does this remove contaminants from the substrate, but it ensures proper adhesion of the powder to the surface. It also helps prevent corrosion. It can extend the life of your powder coated surfaces.
There are many different pretreatment processes. However, each must be based on the needs of the particular project. Some of the most common methods include:
Chemical pretreatment: The chemical pretreatment process involves using chemicals to clean the surface. These chemicals may include degreasing, etching, chromates, and various rinses. The process removes organic soils, machining coolants, and forming lubricants. It can also help promote the adhesion of the powder coating.
Mechanical pretreatment: The mechanical pretreatment process is another important step to get the best results for your powder coating project. It involves grinding, cleaning, and sanding to remove surface soils. The type of pretreatment used depends on the type of surface to be coated and the performance requirements of the finished product.
Abrasive blasting: Abrasive blasting is an alternative to caustic chemicals. This method involves shooting tiny solid particles at high speeds against the surface. It is ideal for steel and aluminum. However, this method is more expensive and may require additional steps.
Hot chemical stripping: Another method involves immersing the substrate in a caustic bath. As the coating begins to soften in the caustic solution, it will begin to fall off. This method may need to be used on thinner-gauge metal parts.
The phosphate pretreatment process is another method to remove the old coating. This process deposits a layer of phosphate onto the substrate. Then it is rinsed in clean water. The phosphate will seal the metal, improve the finish of the powder coating, and help prevent corrosion.
The iron phosphate conversion coating is another method to improve the performance of your powder coating. This process will increase the corrosion resistance of the coating while minimizing oxidation if the product is scratched. It is less expensive and compatible with aluminum and steel.
Detailed maintenance records are important. These records help to track the products and materials used in the process.