There is a hot debate over whether powder or liquid coatings are superior. While there is a place for both, the curing process for industrial powder coatings is often superior. One example of when you should choose powder coating services is when time is of the essence—most powder paints cure in just under 15 minutes. However, there are a few simple curing tips businesses can follow to improve the finish of their products. Read on to learn more.
The Basics of Curing Industrial Powder Coatings
Before we dive into tips and tricks for improving the finish of your powder coatings, it’s beneficial to learn the basics of curing this liquid-paint alternative. Five stages of cure development occur when you place powder coating in a curing oven: melt point, flow stage, cross-linking stage, gel phase, and cured stage.
First, the powder-coating particles melt into an almost-liquid state. As the coating continues to melt, the resulting liquid reaches a low viscosity. This flow stage is crucial because it allows the film inside the coating to stretch and smooth out. Next, during the cross-linking stage, consistent heat exposure causes a chemical and physical change to the powder. This change leads to the gel phase, where the film layer returns from a liquid to a solid. Finally, a baking reaction occurs that completes the curing process. Interestingly, most of these critical phases and actions happen in the last few minutes of curing.
Tip I: Avoid Overcuring and Undercuring
The easiest way for businesses to produce inconsistent finishes is by overcuring or undercuring their powder coatings. Ensuring ideal exposure times during the curing process helps prevent cracking in the film and creates a stronger, smoother finish.
Ways to avoid this issue include following the manufacturer’s recommendations, investing in and maintaining quality ovens and equipment, and paying attention to the thickness of materials. It’s important to note that curing works differently depending on how thick or thin a material is. Ultimately, attention to detail and consistent practices will always ensure better finishes.
Tip II: Preheat for Industrial Products
Preheating your oven is an essential yet often neglected step within the curing process. While most powder coatings might not require a preheated environment, industrial products often do—especially fluoropolymer, ceramic, and other specialty powders. If your business in a regulated industry works with these more sensitive powders, it’s important to prepare the oven before the curing process. As a bonus, following this tip helps limit the chances of overcuring and undercuring!
Businesses that follow these tips for curing industrial powder coatings will always produce smoother, higher-quality finishes. Remember that investing in quality equipment, including specific ovens, can greatly benefit the curing process.
