Industrial powder coating ovens are more commonly used today than they were a few years ago. This is a result of competitive prices and the growing number of uses for this type of oven. In this guide, you will learn more about how to use a powder coating oven and how the process works.
What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is the process of applying a protective barrier to a material to guard it from atmospheric influences. In some cases, powder coating ovens are used for decorative purposes.
This method of powder coating in the oven is suited to most types of metals. It will give the metal a more attractive finish, while also making it more durable and resilient. Given the conditions that metal objects are exposed to on a regular basis, the use of a protective coating is important.
How Do Powder Coating Ovens Work?
The material used in powder coating ovens is thermoset plastic or thermoplastic. This substance is granulated or turned into powder form to make it easier to apply to the metal surface.
The metal surface must undergo a thorough cleaning process. This is important to eliminate any foreign substances or debris that will create an uneven finish. A chemical is also used to eliminate grease, oil, or any other substances on the surface of the metal. The final preparation involves blasting the surface and then grinding it to make sure that the surface is completely clean.
The next step would be to heat the powder coating mixture to a specific temperature in a curing oven. The heating process helps to create a smooth consistency of the powder coating before its application to the metal surface.
Uses for Powder Coating Ovens
As mentioned earlier, the use of powder coating ovens has grown in popularity recently. It has a variety of applications across different industries. Here are some of the most common uses:
1. Appliance
Powder coating is a technique that is commonly used in the appliance sector, specifically home appliances. This process is used for dishwashers, freezer cabinets, water heaters, dryer drums, range housing, microwave oven cavities, and more.
2. Automotive
The use of powder coating ovens is also common in the automotive industry. Powder coating protects various automotive parts and accessories such as wheels, grills, shock absorbers, brake pads, door handles, roof racks, fuel filters, and many more. This is especially helpful in parts of an automobile that are exposed to extreme temperature variations.
3. Construction
Powder coating also has many uses and applications when it comes to the construction industry. It is used on building facades, modular furniture, aluminum extrusions, windows, electrical fixtures, and bathroom fittings, to name a few. In addition, it is also beneficial for large-scale construction such as building bridges, monuments, road signs, posts, fencing, and lighting poles.
Now that you understand how a powder coating oven works and its uses, you can begin your search for the best ovens to use for your purpose. Make sure to know the right size of oven you need to ensure the best result possible.