Powder Coating

Chief Manufacturing owns a 5-stage powder coat system that provides a rust and chip resistant finish on any metal product and is available in a variety of colors and finishes. The system is equipped with five cleaning tanks that spray five separate cleaning solutions on the part before powder coating.

This 5-stage cleaning system allows for a pristine surface free of particles or debris that could hinder the powder coating process. After cleaning, the parts are sprayed automatically in our Wagner powder booth equipped with 6 automated guns to control powder flow and mil thickness on each part. The final stage requires passage through our eighteen foot electric cure oven ensuring a corrosive resistant finish.

Our experienced staff can offer assistance in selecting the correct powder for a customer’s needs. The Wagner Powder Coating System has a maximum part size capacity of 24″ x 40″ x 96″. Unlike many finishing options from the past, powder coating involves use of no hazardous materials or waste and is environmentally friendly.

How Powder Coat Works:

Powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems, combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers, and other additives. These ingredients are melt mixed, cooled, and ground into a uniform powder similar to baking flour. A process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is typically used to achieve the application of the powder coating to a metal substrate.

This application method uses a spray gun, which applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles, which are then attracted to the grounded part. After application of the powder coating, the parts enter a curing oven where, with the addition of heat, the coating chemically reacts to produce long molecular chains, resulting in high cross-link density. These molecular chains are very resistant to breakdown.