Welding for the Retiree

Metal has to have some kind of finish on it to protect it from rust and corrosion. There are several kinds of finishes that could be put on a piece of metal. One of them is a powder coating. This coating starts as an excellent powder. It is generally applied to the metal by a spray gun with an electrostatic charge. The electrostatic charge causes the little pieces of the powder to stick to the metal, and then the coating is cured either by heat or exposure to UV light. Powder coating has a lot of benefits, which is why a lot of companies choose to use it. 

Harder Surface

One benefit is that powder coating creates a harder surface than other options do. That means it is harder to damage that coating and compromise the metal underneath. That makes powder coating a good choice for pieces that will be heavily used. For example, brakes are often powder coated because the coating will stand up to the heat and friction that brakes have to go through to do their job. 

Less Expensive

Another benefit is that powder coating is less expensive to apply than other coatings can be. The biggest reason for that is that it is so much easier and faster to apply than something like paint. That's because the powder coating goes on quicker, doesn't need to dry or have multiple layers, and cures very quickly. One or two people can powder coat more parts in a short time than they would be able to paint the same parts. That will make it less expensive and more efficient for the manufacturer to use. 

Minimal Waste

The electrostatic application process means very little waste is produced during the process. The powder is irresistibly drawn to the metal piece to be coated so there isn't any overspray like with paint. The powder goes where it is supposed to, and it can be cured when the piece is covered. That minimal waste is also part of the reason why powder coating is less expensive to use. 

Metal must be coated to protect it from wear and tear and corrosion. One of the methods that can be used to coat things is powder coating. Powder coated pieces can be found everywhere, from your refrigerator to the brakes in your car. It can even be found on the surface of your vehicle instead of being painted.