Powder coating is a popular surface treatment option in the rapid prototyping industry. It is a way to impart improved physical and mechanical properties to custom machined parts.

So, what is powder coating? How does it work? This article will provide you with detailed answers to these questions.

What is powder coating?

Powder coating is a coating method that is applied to a surface in the form of dry powder and then cured at high temperatures. The powder can be a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. It is typically used to create a harder surface than traditional liquid coatings and can be applied to plastic, glass, or metal surfaces.

Powder coatings are typically achieved through electrostatic discharge deposition (ESD) or fluidized bed applications. Both methods can provide excellent glossiness, texture, various colors, and high-quality surfaces, making them suitable for various products including medical equipment, building applications, automotive parts, and even fiberboard aviation electronic devices.

Types of Powder Coatings

Powder coatings are usually divided into two main categories: thermoplastic and thermosetting powder coatings. In addition, there are also three categories, including thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic, and UV cured powder coatings, among which UV curing is the most advanced technology.

This article will introduce three types of powder coatings, and you can decide which type to choose based on the material, durability, cost-effectiveness, and quality of the parts.

Thermoplastic powder coating surface treatment materials

Thermoplastic refers to plastics that soften when heated and can be processed to obtain specific strength and chemical properties after cooling. In thermoplastic powder coatings, dry powder is applied to the desired components by heating, and the powder melts and covers the desired workpiece, obtaining specific mechanical strength upon cooling.