Advanced coatings play a significant role in enhancing a finished part’s durability, performance, and aesthetics while protecting it from premature wear that results from friction, abrasion, or impact in everyday use.
Powder coatings are a type of advanced coating increasing in popularity with off-road vehicle manufacturers as they offer the end user a polished appearance and enhanced resistance to chemicals, moisture, and other corrosive elements that can damage parts and shorten their lifespan.
In this month’s blog, we take a look at why manufacturers should consider using powder coatings for their parts and components during the finishing process, with a specific look at the benefits this advanced solution delivers.
What Types Of Powder Coatings Are There?
Many manufacturers offer two different types of powder coating for their customers’ fabrication projects:
Thermoset Powder Coatings
This type of powder forms a chemical bond after curing that mitigates the risk of the coating melting, making it ideal for parts and components exposed to high-heat applications.
Thermoplastic Powder Coating
Thermoplastic powder coatings are thicker and offer more durability than thermosets, providing enhanced protection against moisture or physical impact against the part.
Of course, the type of powder coating you use will depend on the part’s application on the vehicle. Your off-road vehicle parts and equipment supplier can help you make the best choices for your specific project, right down to the smallest component.
Five Key Benefits Of Using Powder Coating On Your Precision Machine Projects
Powder coatings offer manufacturers multiple advantages that help enhance the quality of their products. Here are five key benefits that this advanced coating solutions deliver:
- Exceptional Durability For All Applications
Powder coating is applied to cleaned and degreased parts through an electrostatic process that enhances adhesion to the surface. It’s then cured with high heat to provide a high-quality finish that’s thicker and harder than liquid paints, delivering exceptional performance no matter where it’s applied.
Most powder finishes can last up to 20 years, making it one of the most durable coatings against scratches, abrasions, and chips, even when subject to physical impact or extreme weather. Powder-coated parts often retain their shine, lustre, and vibrancy long past the vehicle’s lifespan, even in heavy-duty use under harsh conditions.
- Powder Coatings Are Corrosion-Resistant
The chemical bonds in powder coating provide a robust defence against moisture, oxygen and particles that lead to corrosion. Powder coating can be smoothly applied to areas that liquid paint has trouble reaching, such as small crevices and sharp edges, providing complete protection to the underlying metal.
Powder coating is thicker than liquid paints, virtually impenetrable, extending the parts’ lifespan and ensuring efficient, long-lasting performance, even under extreme conditions that typically lead to corrosion.
- A Fast And Cost-Efficient Process
In a market where manufacturers are tightening budgets, powder coating is an attractive, affordable solution that offers superior quality. Its fast pretreatment process cleans the parts of oils, grease and other contaminants before the powder is applied. In most cases, the pretreatment is so effective that there is no need for additional blasting, saving manufacturers time and money.
Powder-coated parts don’t require further finishing after application and curing, and their longer life span and low maintenance requirements make the process extremely cost-effective over the long term.
Read More: How To Manage The Costs Of Your Metalworking Projects
- It’s Environmentally Friendly
Unlike traditional liquid paints, powder coating contains no harmful solvents or harsh compounds that tend to linger in the air after application, putting the environment and people’s health at risk.
Furthermore, there is less waste with powder coatings, as after blasting, the overspray can be collected and reused. This stops dangerous and expensive waste associated with the disposal of liquid paints.
Read More: Sustainability Practices In Metalworking-Creating A Better Future For Everyone
- A Wide Range Of Beautiful, Long-Lasting Colours, Textures, And Finishes
Mixing various pigment powders offers manufacturers an almost unlimited range of colour options for customized aesthetic appeal that attracts attention and admiration.
Textures and finishes are also customizable with powder coating. Choose from glossy, metallic, and matte finishes that look incredible and remain vibrant for years.
Access Advanced Coating Solutions With The Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers At AC Fabrication & Assembly Solutions
Our team understands modern OEMs’ needs for exceptional quality, durability, and performance in their off-road vehicle parts and equipment.
That’s why we invest in technology, including advanced powder coatings, that help our customers meet their production goals. Our team has over 300 years of combined metalworking experience, giving us the expertise required to deliver products of unparalleled quality that live up to our customers’ expectations, every time.
Partner With AC Fabrication & Assembly Solutions On Your Next Metalworking Project
Our integrated project development process ensures complete collaboration with our customers, helping us deliver high-quality products that maximize profitability and growth potential.
Contact an AC Fabrication and Assembly Solutions expert at 204-952-1900 or sales@acfabandassembly.com for a custom quote on your next project today!
