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POWER COATING ALUMINUM & METAL
Finishes that look so realistic you can’t believe it’s not wood.
Powder coated aluminum involves the process of applying a powder coating layer to an aluminum product by electrostatically charging the powder and spraying it onto the product. Decoral’s exclusive aluminum coating technology allows for detailed and vivid shapes and patterns. Most metals and heat-resistant materials can be decorated with various designs - from wood grain to custom picturesque compositions are available. The result is a material that is both durable and versatile, one that can be utilized for nearly any purpose. The best reason to use the powder painting process for aluminum coatings is that the product results are superior when aluminum and metal are used, compared to other materials.
Powder coating aluminum is simple to clean. This is especially true when compared to wood, because powder aluminum coatings do not require additional painting or staining. Powder coating of metal is a durable, high grade powder coating process resulting in a finished product that withstands harsh environmental conditions.These include extreme UV exposure, salt spray and
heavy pollution.
DECORAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
1. Having a conventional powder or wet coating plant
2. Purchasing powder coating supplies made and supplied by Decoral
3. Purchasing transfer films made and supplied byDecoral
4. Decoration equipment made and supplied byDecoral
5. Powder coating metal pre-treatment process
POWDER COATING METAL APPLICATION PROCESSES
Normally, powder coatings are applied to metal objects by spraying via an electrostatic gun. This tool adds a positive electric charge to the powder, which is then applied by air spraying with compressed air close the grounded object. Powered by the electrostatic charge, the sprayed powder is attracted toward the product, which is then heated in a curing oven. As a result, the powder melts into a uniform layer before being cooled to form a hard shell. Alternatively, one may heat the metal and then apply the powder onto the hot substrate by spraying without electricity. This method creates a uniform finish, resulting in the finest of decorative coatings.
PRE-TREATMENT
Prior to the actual aluminum powder coating step, the metal or aluminum product must be thoroughly cleaned which typically starts by removing grease and existing coatings. It is essential to remove soil, metal oxides, oil, lubrication greases, etc. before moving forward with the metal powder coating process. This is accomplished by using any of a variety of chemical and mechanical methods, which depends on the product’s size and material, the type of material to be cleaned and the expected function of the finalized product. Different powder coating applications may require alternate preparation methods, which may include abrasive blasting
CURING PROCESS FOR POWDER COATINGS
Powder coatings require a specific curing process. Parts need to be exposed to a certain temperature for a specific duration in order to cure. This curing cycle crosslinks the powder develops the range of properties for which they were designed. The curing schedule will vary according to the manufacturer’s specifications of the product.
Next in the process, after the pre-treatment, powder painting and curing steps mentioned above, the product is placed in an advanced Decoral sublimation machine under vacuum where the transfer film with a design is applied on the part. Customers can select from in-house options or create a custom design for decoration.
