Buying a car or truck is a major investment. Whether vehicle owners need something reliable to get them to work or just plan to enjoy the thrill of zipping down the highway, they want to maximize the value of their vehicles. Therefore, it behooves manufacturers throughout the industry to make their products as durable as possible. It is vital that they choose the best materials, but coatings are also a key contributor to durability. Automakers and after-market auto part companies turn to powder coating as their preferred finishing method for many vehicle components. What does the electrostatic powder coating process entail, and why does powder coating auto parts make sense in many applications? Read on to learn some of the basics.
What Is Powder Coating?
To understand why this type of finish is such a good choice for automotive components, it helps to know how it works. In contrast to liquid paint, powder coating starts as a dry mixture of polymers, pigments and other additives. Its uniform consistency allows it to be sprayed out of a nozzle onto the surfaces of vehicle parts. Before each particle leaves the spray gun, it is given an electrostatic charge that causes it to be attracted to the substrate. This ensures a thorough, even coat over every square inch of the item.
After the part is completely coated, it is moved to a curing oven. There, intense heat causes a reaction in the powder that melts it and creates the final coat. This process can be used to provide a protective layer or a decorative finish.
How Powder Coating Compares to Other Automotive Coatings
This is far from the only method used by the automotive industry for coating parts. In addition to powder coating car parts, manufacturers also have the option to choose traditional liquid paint or electrocoating. Also known as e-coat, electrocoating uses electrically charged particles of a coating suspended in water. The part to be coated is immersed in the solution and an electrical charge is applied to it, which attracts the coating to adhere to its surface.
When compared to paint and e-coat processes for metal, powder coating offers several advantages that make it ideal for coating car parts. For example, the powder coating process provides thicker, more uniform coverage vs. traditional paint that tends to spread thinner in certain places. It also delivers greater resistance to abrasion, chipping and corrosion than liquid paint, making it a better choice for components that have to withstand a lot of wear and tear or may be exposed to the elements. With fewer volatile organic components than standard paint, powder coating also offers a less hazardous and more eco-friendly alternative. Electrocoating tends to be better suited for internal surfaces or parts that can be fully submerged.
As effective as powder coating can be, there are some limitations manufacturers should know. For instance, it will add some weight to the finished part. This means it may not be right for components that need to be as lightweight as possible. Powder coating also does not resist heat as effectively as other finishing options, meaning care should be taken when coating parts intended for extreme temperatures.
What Makes It Right for Auto Parts?
Although its cost and extra weight make powder coating less than practical for body panels, it is a great option for other components found on most mass-produced cars and trucks.
When properly applied, powder coating provides numerous benefits, such as:
- Protection from the elements: The exceptional durability and ruggedness of this type of finish means whatever it covers becomes more resistant to environmental hazards. It decreases the risk of corrosion and contamination, leading to longer vehicle lifespans and fewer maintenance requirements. If you are worried about damages caused by moisture, dust, UV light or bumps along the road, these abrasion-resistant coatings for vehicles can form a protective shield against them.
- Lower risk of wear and tear: Traditional paint applications have a tendency to fade, scratch and chip the longer they are subjected to moderate use. This can leave certain parts of the car exposed to the environment and hurt its overall appearance. Powder coating can withstand a greater amount of abuse and help protect vehicle components for a longer period of time.
- Eco-friendliness: As manufacturers throughout the industry look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, powder coating is an attractive option. That’s because compared to paints, these coatings contain fewer solvents and other potentially harmful chemicals. When manufacturers choose industrial powder coating for vehicles, they do not need to invest in complicated disposal techniques required by federal regulations.
Common Automotive Parts That Are Powder Coated
Powder coating can be a great way to protect automotive parts that are exposed to extreme stress and environmental conditions. Applying heavy-duty powder coating protects these components from heat, moisture, flying debris and mechanical impact. The extra durability and corrosion resistance powder coating adds is critical for ensuring the lifespan and performance of these parts.
Among the most common powder-coated automotive parts today are:
- Frames and chassis components.
- Wheels and rims.
- Engine brackets and mounts.
- Suspension parts such as control arms and trailing arms.
- Brake calipers.
- Tow hooks, bumpers and step bars.
- Aftermarket accessories.
Powder Coating and Harsh Driving Environments
The durability and resiliency of industrial powder coatings make them perfect for protecting auto components from some of the toughest conditions they may face. Manufacturers who want to make a long-term investment in the preservation of vehicles choose automotive powder coating because it provides protection against road salt, UV exposure, humidity and moisture, and road debris.
Our capabilities as a TACOM-grade powder coating applicator means Rhinehart Finishing can coat components to meet stringent military standards. This can ensure parts will be capable of withstanding some of the harshest environments, whether off-road or on the highway.
Look to Rhinehart Finishing
As a leader in the industrial coating space, Rhinehart Finishing offers full powder coating services. We use the most advanced equipment and techniques found anywhere in the marketplace. We are also one of the few providers certified as a TACOM-approved combat-grade powder coat applicator.
If you’d like to learn more about everything we can do in terms of automotive finishing and beyond, get in touch with one of our representatives today.