As reported by PF Online in their article “Powder Coatings vs Energy-Cure Coatings,” the world of 100% solids coatings is witnessing a fascinating debate between two prominent technologies: powder coatings and energy-cure coatings. Powder coating, a well-established technology, boasts its durability and eco-friendly nature, emitting minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to its solvent-free composition.
Energy-cure coatings, on the other hand, might be lesser-known but are equally eco-conscious. Often referred to as ultraviolet (UV), UV-LED, or electron beam (EB) coatings, they start as liquids and magically transform into 100% solids coatings with no VOC emissions.
Powder Coating Powder coating, a creation dating back to the 1940s, patented by Daniel Gustin and Albert Wainio, is primarily used on metal surfaces. Applying powder coatings involves electrostatic attraction, making it stick to the part. However, this can be challenging with non-conductive substrates. These coatings tend to be thicker than their solvent-borne counterparts, often measuring 2.5–3.0 mils.
The curing process of powder coating is thermal, requiring baking to melt the powder into a liquid, facilitating a continuous film formation. While this is suitable for robust substrates like metals, it’s not ideal for heat-sensitive materials, such as wood or plastics. Furthermore, the baking process consumes significant energy.
Click here to explore Architectural & Industrial Metal Finishing’s capabilities.
Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of pfonline.com
