Powder coatings fall into two basic types: thermoplastic or thermoset. Of these, thermoset remains the most common. Among the most popular for industrial applications in this category are those that provide specific types of protection to the substrate metal. An epoxy powder coating falls easily under this description.
What Are Epoxy Powder Coatings?
Epoxy powder coatings are a hard resin possessing many desirable qualities. They produce a tough, durable surface coating over the substrate metal surface. Easily applied, they imbue the products with heightened corrosion resistance. Unfortunately, epoxy powder coatings also suffer from poor weatherability. This restricts applications to those metal components/products that are indoors or subsurface, e.g., underbody parts for vehicles, indoor industrial equipment, underground pipes, metal appliances and furniture.
Why Choose Epoxy Powder Coatings?
Manufacturers and metal finishing companies often prefer an epoxy powder coating to other types of coatings. The major reasons for choosing this type of powder coating embraces the following qualities:
- Abrasion imperviousness
- Adhesion
- Coloring – various options
- Corrosion, chemical, and solvent resistant
- Durability
- Finishes – runs the gamut from matte to glossy, semi-glossy and glossy
- Flexibility
- Toughness
Finishing companies and manufacturers alike, find merit in selecting this type of powder coating for protective purposes. However, they are also aware of its restrictive applications. It is excellent for harsh environments, but only those without extended exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Epoxy Powder Coating
Epoxy powder coatings are a member of the thermoset category of powder coatings. As a hard resin, they ensure a form of protective coating to the surface of most metal substrates. This thermoset powder coating can provide furniture and metal structures with a harder surface –protection against both abrasions and corrosion. However, this tough resin is vulnerable to the effect of the sun’s UV rays. Left for an extended period in such conditions, the epoxy powder coating epoxy will lose its capabilities. As a result, industries utilize epoxy powder coatings for indoor use only.
