What is Powder Coating Aluminum?

One of the most widely used materials by numerous industries is aluminum. Its lightweight, corrosion-resistance, durability, and versatility are what make it an ideal alloy for various applications. Despite the said properties, aluminum can still be vulnerable to certain environmental pressures. There is a need for powder coating to ensure a structurally sound finished product. Continue reading to learn more about this. 

It Is A Type Of Surface Finish 

There are different alloys that are used without the need for special finishes. However, this is not always the case and sometimes, this may not be the best method to ensure the strength of the metal product.

Aluminum can be subjected to a secondary finishing procedure known as coating. While it’s true that there are different types of aluminum coating methods — anodizing, liquid painting, bright dipping, sublimation — powder coating is the most popular. 

Powder coating aluminum works in a similar way to spray paint. The only distinction is the electrostatically charged paint. This is what makes the process perfect for producing colorful styles and finishes for decorative purposes. 

It Makes Use of Electrostatically Charged Paint 

Powder coating aluminum starts with pre-treating the surface to remove dust, grease, and other foreign particles. Doing so ensures good adhesion and that the coating won’t flake. Then, the powder tool sprays an electrostatically charged paint. 

The coating is typically made from a mix of various plastic polymers such as epoxy, acrylic, and polyurethane. When these components are combined with pigments, curing agents, additives, and flow modifiers, it ensures the coating is applied evenly to the aluminum. Afterward, the extruded aluminum products are placed in a large curing oven. Once cooled, the coating hardens and smoothens. 

Has a Wide Range of Finish Designs 

Let’s say you want to achieve a stylish look for your aluminum extruded products. With powder aluminum coating, it is entirely possible to come up with a wide range of finish designs.

Tell your local aluminum fabrication provider to apply different pigmentations. This would enable them to make classic shiny, matte, and even satin finishes. The number of appearance choices is virtually limitless. Powder coating is a surface treatment done to give aesthetic colors and added corrosion protection to aluminum. 

It Offers Better Durability

Naturally, you would want to use aluminum products that provide the best value for money. It should be durable enough to withstand environmental factors. If left unprotected, rainwater, debris, soil, chemicals, and ultraviolet rays can compromise the quality of aluminum materials. 

While it’s true that aluminum itself already offers immense strength, this is better exemplified with powder coating.  The powder coating helps protect the aluminum even more due to its thickness. 

Simply put, the procedure offers better durability and boasts excellent corrosion-resistance compared to other liquid coatings. It bonds to the aluminum, so it does not chip or peel easily even for up to 20 years. Given the minimal wear and tear, it reduces the need for costly maintenance or total replacements. 

If you choose the right local aluminum fabrication company, they may have stringent quality checking methods such as punch and scratch tests too.  

It Is An Eco-Friendly Procedure 

Resources are finite and as much as possible this should be recovered for other purposes. Given the environmental situation across the globe, many industries are being called upon to adopt a more sustainable production method, which includes the aluminum manufacturing sector.  Some companies are already aiming to reduce their product emissions. 

You would be glad to know that powder coating aluminum is an eco-friendly procedure because it does not emit harmful wastes such as solvents. When the manufacturing process is ongoing, toxic fumes that are dangerous for people’s health are not released as well. 

Furthermore, the alloy’s properties include durability, versatility, lightweight, which makes it a highly sustainable material. When recycled, it saves 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from raw materials. In fact, nearly 75% of all aluminum produced in the U.S. is still used to this day. 

Aluminum extruded products can stand the test time. Because of the minimal maintenance required to retain the quality of aluminum extruded products, they can be repurposed for other materials. Compared to using timber or synthetic plastic polymers, aluminum proves to be a procedure that helps the environment. 

Key Takeaway

Powder coating aluminum is a procedure that allows for various designs that have increased durability and corrosion resistance. Compared to other finishing methods, powder coating proves to be an eco-friendly option too. 

If you seek powder coating services, remember to trust those who ensure the quality of their products. Doing so ensures you get the best value for your money and the aluminum item stands the test of time.