Learning The Powder-Coat Process
What Does Powder-Coated Mean?
The phrase “Powder-Coated” is mentioned on many of the products found on ChainLinkFittings.com, as well as among many of other competitor’s websites, but what exactly does that mean? And why does it only pertain to the black fittings? Simply put, this is because powder-coating refers to the finishing method used to coat chain link fences, fittings, and other parts of the fence. Not only is powder-coating much more environmentally friendly than traditional paint, but it also vastly improves the durability, weather-resistant ability, and total lifespan of the fence parts used.
What Does The Process Of Powder-Coating Entail, And How Does It Boast These Benefits?
The process through which this finishing method is achieved is relatively straightforward and features very few alternatives. The primary powder coating forms are either via electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) or a fluidized bed and preheated part. For ESD, the piece is hung or displayed in a way that makes its entire surface vulnerable for the powder to cling to. As the name suggests, a particular spray gun uses an emitter rod to electrically charge the air immediately in front of the gun’s output valve and an air compressor to push the powder through that electricity, giving it a high voltage electrical charge, is used.
The part is grounded by a grounding lead attached to the gun, drawing the powder particles directly onto it. The static draws the powder into imperfections on the metal’s surface, clinging tighter to the surface than paint, which only expels from its gun in a straight line and is not magnetized. The powder coating is set in an oven, melting the plastic and unifying the particles into a protective and decorative plastic coat. The melting process also draws the material further into the imperfections on the metal’s surface, sealing those imperfections and contributing to increased durability.
As for fluidized bed powder coating application, the part is pre-heated and dipped into the powder material within a fluidized bed, the same as with the ESD method.
Environmental Considerations Of Coating Processes
Because there is a lack of harmful emissions and hazardous waste, this method is more environmentally sound than liquid coating finishes. The material is more long-lasting and durable than liquid paints, with higher resistance to impact, moisture, and general wear, and a more comprehensive range of color options is available through this method. The increased durability comes from the powder’s ability to fill in more imperfections on the metal’s surface, correcting these imperfections with a protective layer of solid plastic. Powder-coating is a reliable method of finishing any chain link fence part that guarantees higher quality and a longer-lasting lifespan.
A Better Process Means More Options
Using powder-coated components for your chain link fence offers various colors, finishes, textures, and thicknesses that liquid coating methods cannot achieve. It is a dry finishing process that can be applied to many surfaces (in our case, metal). Our black fittings are all finished using this method; they are sturdier than their average liquid-painted counterparts.