5 major powder coating-related issues to watch out for during aluminum coating include inconsistent colour matching, filiform corrosion, orange peel, coating adherence, and chalking. Solera Metal Fabrication, a major metal fabrication facility in Brampton, Ontario, focusing on sheet metal laser cutting, tube laser cutting, hydrographic dipping, and more, explores these powder coating issues in detail in this blog.
What Are Some Mistakes To Avoid During Powder Coating Aluminum?
Inconsistent Colour Matching
Inconsistent colour matching is a rare but possible outcome during powder coating services, especially when processing aluminum. This happens when powders from different manufacturers are used in the same job. Aside from this, if the curing method varies during the process, it too can lead to different colours on the aluminum part.
Filiform Corrosion
Filiform corrosion is a phenomenon wherein worm-like filaments appear beneath the industrial powder coating. It results in the coat rising from the metal’s surface. This is more prevalent in aluminum joints and when the metal is used in coastal environments. Proper powder coating methods can eliminate the risk of filiform corrosion.
Orange Peel
Orange peel is the most common type of error seen in industrial powder coating services. This is a situation wherein the coat from the metal body peels off. This happens for aluminum parts when the powder is too reactive, the film thickness is too much or too little, or if the metal is not pre-treated properly. Once these factors are taken care of, along with a proper powder coating protocol in place, instances of orange peel almost drop down to zero.
Coating Adherence
Substandard application of the coat is the most common cause of improper coating adherence. Most reputable powder coating service providers can easily avoid this issue for aluminum and other metal parts.
Chalking
Chalking is a phenomenon in which a whitish powder coats the surface of aluminum parts. Using appropriate powders and accurate curing can easily mitigate th
Conclusion
To conclude, with proper procedures and quality products in place, most of these powder coating issues about aluminum can be avoided.
Looking for quality powder coating services in Brampton? Solera Metal Fabrication can help. With decades of experience in metal fabrication, we also offer metal laser cutting, hydrographic dipping, and more. Contact us at 905-457-4777 to learn more.
FAQs:
Should parts be cleaned before powder coating?
Yes, parts are cleaned using washing or sandblasting before proceeding with powder coating.
Does industrial powder coating offer rust protection?
Since powder coating blocks air and moisture, it offers excellent rust protection.