Powder Coating
Powder Coated Laser Cut Sheet Metal Parts for a Winch
Powder coating is a process that "bakes" powdered plastic onto a metal surface resulting in an appearance like paint, but is more durable. Powder coating is relatively hard and abrasion resistant. Powder coating adds typically 0.0025" to 0.005" to each coated side and edge. Textured powder coating is less susceptible to imperfections than matte or glossy. This metal finish is available in many colors.
Powder coating is most commonly applied to aluminum and steel.
Applications of powder coating include:
Powder Coating Design Considerations
Some of the factors to consider in designing parts with powder coating as a finish include:
- Consider compensating for surface finish thickness - typically .001 to .003" on each surface.
- Edges will be slightly rounded due to the thickness of the coating.
- Textured powder coat will hide scratches and abrasions better than glossy powder coat.
- Coating may not reach certain deep
pockets and inside corners due to the electrostatic process.
- Mechanical finishing of surfaces prior to powder coating is not usually needed as the coating covers and smoothes the surface.
- Plain and tapped holes may acquire a small amount of powder which can sometimes interfere with threads. Redrilling or retapping can optionally be requested.
To design, price or order powder coated parts, please
download the free CAD software.
