In many modern industries, the requirements for surface finishing are becoming stricter. Materials not only need to be durable and corrosion-resistant but also must ensure aesthetics and safety. Powder coating has emerged as an advanced painting technology that combines high performance with environmental friendliness. By using electrostatically charged powder, this method is now widely applied in industrial manufacturing.
SƠN TĨNH ĐIỆN LÀ GÌ?
Basic concept
Powder coating is a surface finishing technology that uses dry powder instead of conventional liquid paint. The powder is electrically charged and sprayed directly onto a grounded workpiece. Opposite charges attract, making the powder firmly adhere to the surface. After that, the coated part is baked at high temperature to form a strong and durable film.
Key characteristics
This technology uses no organic solvents, thereby reducing harmful VOC emissions. The finished coating is glossy, highly adhesive, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting in color. Depending on the purpose, epoxy, polyester, or hybrid powder coatings can be selected to achieve optimal results.
HOW POWDER COATING WORKS
The coating process
The principle is based on electrostatic attraction. Powder is loaded into a spray gun, and then high voltage is applied to charge the particles. The grounded workpiece carries the opposite charge, which pulls the particles tightly onto the surface. This distribution makes the coating even and avoids sagging as with liquid paints.
Role of heat and equipment
After spraying, the workpiece is placed in an oven at 180–200°C for 10–15 minutes. Heat melts the powder and bonds it into a uniform film. To perform the process, a closed spray booth, electrostatic spray gun, and standard curing oven are required. With this system, the final product achieves a smooth surface, accurate color, and excellent adhesion.
Powder coating process
The application of powder coating involves several strict steps. First, the surface must be pretreated to remove dirt, grease, and rust. Next, the workpiece is pre-dried to ensure maximum adhesion. Then, powder is sprayed onto the surface with an electrostatic gun, adhering evenly due to opposite charges.
Once coated, the workpiece is placed in a curing oven at 180–200°C so that the powder melts and forms a durable film. The final step is quality inspection: testing gloss, adhesion, corrosion resistance, and color uniformity. Only products that meet standards are put into use.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF POWDER COATING
Outstanding advantages
Powder coating creates a durable layer that resists impact and corrosion, making it ideal for metal products in harsh environments. Powder utilization exceeds 95%, saving costs. The finished surface has superior aesthetics, with diverse colors and gloss levels, suitable for both industrial and decorative applications. Especially, the technology is environmentally friendly as it does not use solvents.
Certain limitations
To operate, businesses must invest in specialized equipment such as spray booths, electrostatic guns, and curing ovens. This technology is unsuitable for materials that deform under heat, such as plastics or soft wood. In addition, coatings are difficult to repair locally, and the method only works effectively on conductive surfaces. These points should be carefully considered before implementation.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
In metal and household appliances
Powder coating is most common in the metal industry, typically applied to frames, steel pipes, mechanical accessories, and switchboards. The technology also appears in household appliances, helping refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens maintain durable and rust-resistant finishes.
In furniture and construction
In furniture, powder coating is used for steel chairs, aluminum frames, railings, and rolling doors, extending service life while enhancing aesthetics. In construction, structural steel, sunshades, and building frames are often coated to withstand weather conditions and improve durability. New trends are expanding to the automotive sector, medical equipment, and high-end products.
Economic value
Powder coating helps businesses save significant costs thanks to high powder utilization, over 95%. Excess powder can be collected and reused, reducing material waste. This is a clear advantage compared to liquid paint, which incurs high disposal costs. For mass-production factories, powder coating also shortens finishing time, increases productivity, and lowers labor costs.
Environmental benefits
The technology completely eliminates organic solvents, thus producing no VOC emissions. This reduces air pollution and protects worker health. Additionally, powder coating easily meets strict standards for clean and safe production. With the dual benefit of reducing waste treatment costs and enhancing brand image, powder coating is becoming a leading choice for sustainable industry.
VICHEM – AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR OF CERTIFIED CHEMICAL ADDITIVES IN VIETNAM
Vichem is an authorized distributor of chemical additives, providing full documentation in compliance with Vietnamese regulations. We not only deliver high-quality products but also offer world-class after-sales services. Our services include:
- Technical consulting: Supporting customers in selecting suitable products for their applications.
- Color matching tests: Conducted by our expert team to ensure accurate results for product design.
- Application support: Assisting customers in integrating additives into production lines for optimal performance.
For more details about our products, please contact us via the following channels:
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