Powder Coating

Powder coating is a very durable method of providing a decorative finish to metals and a range of other materials.

We are able to powder coat aluminium and steel components, for both internal and external use, with our on-site dry powder coating facilities.

Although we primarily coat aluminium extrusions, we can also coat your free issue aluminium and steel parts.

Once powder coated, a surface is much less prone to chipping, marking and scratching, and the finish is corrosion resistant.

Powder Coating Aluminium – The Process

Powder coating starts with a multi-stage cleaning process, which allows the coating to adhere to the metal.

• A de-greaser and light etch is used to clean the metal after which a two-bath rinse cleans it down.
• Next a non chromate bonder is applied to help the powder adhere to the aluminium.
• Finally a drying oven is used to ensure no moisture is present when the items are powder coated.

The components are then suspended from a jig and passed through a spray booth where the powder is applied by electrostatic spray guns.

Once the powder has been applied it is passed through a curing oven where the particles melt and fuse together and adhere to the components surface.

This produces a uniform, smooth, durable finish.

Capalex use an automatic continuous chain/conveyor system to move the metal through the spray guns, curing ovens and the final coolers.

We also have the ability to do small batch runs and prototypes with our secondary booth.

Powder Coating Colours

Our on-site dry powder coating facility offers finishing in a variety of colours with RAL, BS or colour matched powders.

RAL is the most widely used colour reference system and was invented in 1927 by Reichsausschuss fur Lieferbedingungen in Germany.

While there is a wide choice of standard RAL colours we can also colour match any current corporate colours and produce custom powders.

Silver and gold anodic powder colours are available which give a similar colour and texture to that achieved with the silver or gold anodising process. These powders could be a more cost effective alternative to anodising.

For further information on powder coating colours please contact us.

Surface Finish

Powder coating offers a wide range of durable finishes including metallic, glossy, clear and textured.

Different gloss levels are also available, usually being Gloss, Satin or Matt.

A newer and innovative finish, to resemble an anodised finish is now available, please ask for a sample.

As well as being cheaper then anodising, it can produce a more consistent finish and has a faster turnaround time than anodised metal.

Anodised Powder effect on the left, plain aluminium sample on the right.

Note the amorphous smooth finish of the powdered sample.

Powder Type

Capalex mainly use epoxy, polyester and epoxy/polyester powders.

All powders that we use are TGIC free (Triglycidyl Isocyanurate) and are all in keeping with current personal Health and Safety and Environmental legislation.

Polyester

Polyester powders are far more durable for external work, but is also usually specified by our customers for internal work as well.

Normal powder coverage of 50-80 microns.

Epoxy

Epoxy powders would not be recommended for external use but these powders have very good properties for internal applications.

Normal powder coverage of 50-150 microns.

Epoxy/Polyester (Hybrid)

Epoxy/Polyester powders are a combination of the above powders and again would not be recommended for external work.

Normal powder coverage of 50-70 microns.

Novel Finishes

All novel finishes i.e. Metallic, textured etc. are either Epoxy or Epoxy/Polyester powders

When choosing metallic powders, Capalex always use bonded powders, as this gives a more uniform spread of metallic particles on the end product.

Powder Comparison Chart:

If at all unsure, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.