Powder coating expands its reach into industrial finishing

• Published in: Metal finishing 2005, Vol.103 (1), p.9-10
• Main Author: Palmer, Jeff
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0026-0576; 1873-4057
• DOI: 10.1016/S0026-0576(05)80005-4

Powder coating remains the fastest growing industrial finishing method in North America, currently representing about 15% of the total market. And ongoing research and development in powder coating materials and application methods continue to expand the use of powder coating to new markets and substrates. Powder has also had recent successes with a variety of plastic parts, used in many automotive parts and trim, office furniture, medical equipment, and seats for stadiums, buses, and trains. In addition, assembled or partially assembled products, such as appliances, electric motors, automotive radiators, shock absorbers, and foam core doors, and other products that may have plastics, laminations, electrical wires, or rubber seals, can now also receive a powder coated finish. Some powder coatings are now on products that are subjected to prolonged periods of high heat, up to 1,000DGF, and still hold their color, gloss, and adhesion. Some products include gas and charcoal grills, fireplace inserts, engine exhaust components, lighting fixtures, and vehicles such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, and ATVs.