3 Current Powder Coating Developments that Metal Fabricators Should Explore

As a metal fabricator, you are no stranger to the advantages powder coating offers. From protecting surfaces against rust elements to adding aesthetic value, powder coating is an option many find difficult to turn down. However, if you keep offering these same advantages to clients, then nothing will stop them from getting their products powder coated by another fabricator. Therefore, you need to provide more since it is the only way your business can retain its current clients as well as attract new customers. One way you can achieve differentiation is by keeping up-to-date with current developments in powder coating. This article highlights some new developments in powder coating that you can take advantage of to grow your customer base.

Green Coatings -- The demand for green products is driven today by consumers' need to keep their environment as organic as possible. Coupled with green building ratings such as the Green Star Rating by Green Building Council of Australia, consumers are always on the lookout for green opportunities. Current developments have pushed for production of powder paints that have zero volatile organic compounds, are odourless, and have anti-microbial properties. Green coatings will, therefore, resonate well with clients that are into green buildings.

Self-Healing Coatings -- One primary advantage of powder coating is that the coat protects surfaces against scratches. However, once there is a scratch on the coating's surface, a visible and unsightly mark is left behind. It might force a client to take the product for a fresh powder coat to remove the scratch, which would cost them money. Self-healing microcapsules are applied on a powder-coated surface to eliminate the visibility of scratches. Upon damage, the microcapsules burst and fill the damaged spot. As such, clients do not have to take damaged powder coated surfaces for fresh coats every time there is a break in the coating.

Flame Retardants -- As mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons people prefer powder coated surfaces is the decorative and corrosion protection functions they offer. However, although rare and under adverse conditions, powder coating compounds might turn such surfaces into fire hazards. It can be a problem especially if your client needs to use a powder coated product in their kitchen. Today, powder paints are impregnated with special clay that makes the powder coating fire retardant. Therefore, you can take advantage of the development and offer clients powder coated products that are resistant to fires.

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