Powder Coating: Thermoplastics vs. Thermosetting
It is time to go behind the scenes with powder coating and ask ourselves what does powder coating really come down to?
In the professional world of powder coating there’s two divisions that powder coating types can really be summarized into and that is thermoplastic and thermosetting. What is the difference you might ask?
Thermoplastics vs. Thermosetting – What is Better?
Thermoplastic versus Thermosetting, what is better? For that we need some facts. Let’s start off with thermoplastic, this type of powder does not chemically react when it’s being applied or when it’s getting baked. For this reason material coated with thermoplastic powders will re-melt after cool when the material is heated again.
For the most part thermoplastic powders are mainly used as functional type coatings by fluidized bed application equipment since it’s a lot easier to add heavier coatings for greater protection. These type of powders have uses for wireed goods such as dishwashers, freezer baskets, pipes, and valves for corrosions protection. Spline shafts and shifter fork get it too for low friction and wear. Also as electrical insulation for bus bars and circuit breakers as well.
Now for the difference between thermo plastic and thermosetting powder coatings, thermosetting powder coatings will chemically react during baking to form a polymer network that is much more resistant to a coating breakdown. Also thermosetting coatings do not re-melt when they are cooled after heat is re-applied.
Functional thermosetting coatings contain epoxy resins which offer many design, cost, and production advantages. When Functional coatings are applied by flocking or fluidized bed techniques the preheated part is sprayed or dipped into powder. Thermosetting powders can be applied onto coil, wires, and screen mesh by being sprayed.
In the next post, we will look at liquid coating because we have gotten enough powder coating for now.
Pros and Cons of Thermoplastics vs. Thermosetting Powder Coating
