Do you know what materials can be powder coated? Rhinehart Finishing offers tailored powder coating services and will consult with you. Learn more here!
Introduction to Powder Coating
What materials can be powder coated? In numerous industries, including aerospace, construction, manufacturing and the military sector, powder coating is known for being a popular and versatile finishing process, primarily for coating metals.
Organizations prize powder coating because of its durability, ability to resist corrosion and the aesthetic flexibility it provides. Today, companies are expanding their use of powder coating beyond traditional metals to other materials, such as plastic, wood and composites.
Traditional Metals That Can Be Powder Coated
What metals can be powder coated? Whether you work with steel, aluminum, stainless steel or iron in your manufacturing facilities, powder coating is a suitable solution when your application requires a durable and long-lasting finish, such as to safeguard high-performance machinery.
Powder coating is an excellent option for equipment used in rough and rugged military and construction environments. It enables you to enhance machinery performance even under harsh conditions. Powder coating provides better adherence and durability when compared to industrial spray painting, allowing better coverage in areas that are difficult to reach. This is particularly useful in the aerospace sector.
- Steel: Industries such as construction, heavy equipment and manufacturing rely on powder coated steel because of its strength and versatility.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is prized in aerospace, automotive and construction applications because of its light weight and corrosion-resistant properties. Its high melting point makes it suitable for powder coating.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel offers a sleek finish and readily resists corrosion, making it an excellent option for aerospace, defense and other high-performance industries. It also has a high melting point and is ideal for powder coating.
- Iron: Organizations rely on cast iron for outdoor applications and heavy-duty machinery, where powder coating enhances the equipment’s appearance while protecting it from rust.
Non-Metallic Materials That Can Be Powder Coated
What materials can you powder coat besides metal? Powder coating is suitable for various surfaces, such as plastic, composites, wood and specialty materials such as ceramics and synthetics.
- Plastic: Recent technology advancements allow companies to apply powder coating to select heat-resistant plastics. This makes it particularly beneficial in military defense and heavy equipment manufacturing, where powder coated plastics give heightened resistance to wear and harsh environmental factors. However, the plastic must be able to undergo curing without melting (400 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Composites: Industries such as aerospace and defense increasingly use composites, which they enhance with powder coating to make equipment more durable and able to resist corrosion.
- Wood: Wood often comes up when people ask about what materials can be powder coated. Industrial-grade wood, used in specific manufacturing and equipment environments, will achieve greater longevity thanks to powder coating, which also confers excellent resistance to wear and environmental damage.
- Specialty Materials: You can also use powder coating with materials such as synthetic surfaces and ceramics, to meet specialized industrial requirements and withstand harsh conditions.
Limitations and Considerations
Keep in mind that while powder coating is a versatile process, there are some challenges when working with certain materials, such as plastics and wood, because of their temperature sensitivity.
Accordingly, it’s best to arrange for a professional assessment to ensure you take the correct approach for different materials. For example, you need expertise to address the special care that plastics and composites require during curing.
Connect With Rhinehart Finishing for Tailored Powder Coating Services
When you see examples of what materials can be powder coated — from metals such as steel, aluminum and iron as well as non-metallic surfaces ranging from wood to plastic to composites — the benefits become clear. It’s a cost-effective and versatile approach to protecting these surfaces so your equipment and machinery can operate in harsh and rugged environments.
To learn more about our tailored powder coating services, please get in touch with Rhinehart Finishing today.