Why Is Powder Coating Environmentally Friendly?
Limiting the impact of manufacturing on the environment is increasingly important, and the plastics and coating industry is front and center of these concerns. Solvents with VOCs (volatile organic compounds) required with some plastics techniques, and some plastic resins themselves have come under fire over pollution and sustainability considerations.
What Is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a process in which a powder bonds to surfaces through electrostatic charges either through spraying or immersion in a fluidized bed. The part to be coated may be preheated or heated after spraying or immersion to melt the coating so it will adhere properly. Parts are then allowed to dry and cure to form a very hard, long-lasting, protective coating.
Environmental Impact of Powder Coating
Powder coatings are durable, cost-effective coatings for metals, glass, some plastics, and other materials, but are they environmentally friendly?
No Solvents for Adhesion
Perhaps the greatest environmental benefit of powder coating techniques is the absence of solvents and primers, which are often laden with VOCs and other potentially toxic components.
Minimal Air Pollution
Without harmful solvents and their VOCs to filter, powder coating stations create very minimal air pollution. In fact, they can save energy, too, by simply filtering and returning the air from the coating area back into the general workspace.
No Hazardous Waste
Powder coatings create only a tiny fraction of unusable material during the coating process. Where excess liquid coating would be wasted, excess powder spray that hasn't been contaminated can be collected and reused safely with no loss in quality. Fluidized bed coating produces virtually no waste, as any excess coating material remains in the submersion tank.
Other Advantages of Powder Coating
Durability
Powder coating provides greater resistance to weather, corrosion, impacts, abrasion, and moisture than equivalent liquid coatings, all while maintaining color and excellent protection.
Variety of Finishes
Powder coatings can be applied in smooth, even coats at greater thicknesses with fewer applications than liquid coatings generally can. They also offer nearly unlimited colors, finishes from glossy to matte and smooth to rough or textured, and special appearances such as iridescent, glittery, or metallic looks.
Faster Turnaround
Powder coated parts and products can cure and cool in mere minutes, compared to the hours required for liquid coatings, meaning faster production time all around.
Material Compatibility
At Precision Dip Coating, we make every effort to be environmentally friendly and to use sustainable practices so you can feel confident about partnering with us.
Contact us today to see how we can work together for your dip coating and molding needs.
