Really exciting for the team Nova to be able to now powder coat our own products in house. The department has capacity for external orders as well as servicing our busy signage department, so don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help (trade only). It’s great to now be in full control of our manufacturing operations. Powder coating in house greatly improves lead times, and in turn, our service.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a widely used finishing process for aluminium extrusions and various other metal surfaces. It provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing fi nish. The process generally involves three main stages: surface preparation (priming or etching), coating application, and curing (baking).
The Process
Priming/Etching:The primer coat is applied to the aluminium surface helping improve adhesion between the metal and the subsequent powder coating layer. It also acts as a corrosion-resistant barrier. Etching is a chemical process that creates a microscopically rough surface on the aluminium, enhancing the bonding capabilities of the powder coating.
Coating Application:The powder coating is typically composed of a mixture of pigment, resin, and other additives. It is applied electrostatically using a spray gun or a special coating system. The powder particles are charged as they are sprayed onto the grounded aluminium extrusions, creating an electrostatic attraction that causes the powder to adhere uniformly to the surface.
Curing (Baking):After the powder coating is applied, the coated aluminium extrusions are moved to a curing oven. The curing process involves exposing the coated extrusions to high temperatures, usually around 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (150 to 200 degrees Celsius).
The Process
Priming/Etching:The primer coat is applied to the aluminium surface helping improve adhesion between the metal and the subsequent powder coating layer. It also acts as a corrosion-resistant barrier. Etching is a chemical process that creates a microscopically rough surface on the aluminium, enhancing the bonding capabilities of the powder coating.
Coating Application:The powder coating is typically composed of a mixture of pigment, resin, and other additives. It is applied electrostatically using a spray gun or a special coating system. The powder particles are charged as they are sprayed onto the grounded aluminium extrusions, creating an electrostatic attraction that causes the powder to adhere uniformly to the surface.
Curing (Baking):After the powder coating is applied, the coated aluminium extrusions are moved to a curing oven. The curing process involves exposing the coated extrusions to high temperatures, usually around 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (150 to 200 degrees Celsius).
Colours and RAL codes
RAL is a color matching system used in Europefor defining and standardizing colors. RALcodes are numeric codes assigned to specificcolors, making it easier to communicate colorchoices accurately across various industries.Powder coating offers a wide range of coloroptions, including those defi ned by RAL codes.This allows for precise color consistency acrossdifferent batches and applications.