POWDER COATINGS

POWDER COATINGS............This technology was commercialized almost a half century ago, affording a novel nonpolluting way of applying a polymeric finish to metal substrates.  From less than 1 MM lbs. in 1960, powder coatings have grown into a business of some 500 MM lbs. in the U. S.  Their performance was especially impressive during the second half of the 1980s, when demand more than doubled.  This growth continued into the 1990s at a double-digit rate; however, the pace in this century is slowing.

As low solids, solvent-based lacquer, and enamel coatings decline in market share, more product finishers are turning to powder coatings, because of the advantages they offer.  Because they contain no organic solvent, powder coatings are essentially:

 Nontoxic

Nonpolluting

Low in Fire Hazard

In addition, powder coatings offer significant savings by eliminating the cost of the solvent, as well as the expenses of drying and solvent recovery.  Another advantage is that the quantity of solid waste is insignificant.  The process is made even more economical by collecting powder overspray and recycling it back into the system.  An added notable benefit is the elimination of mixing at the finishing plant, because powders can be premixed by the supplier.  A powder coating line needs less energy and less space, when compared with wet paint systems.  Labor, clean-up, and maintenance costs are significantly lower as well.  Finally, a single coat applied as powder can be relatively thick.

"POWDER COATINGS" is a comprehensive technical and commercial investigation of this fast moving segment of the coatings industry. 

Some of the subjects included in the report are: