Powder Coating

Kavi Boya

Powder Coating Technology and Varieties

Powder coating is an ecological coating material derived from solid resins and raw materials brought to a micronized level, containing no liquid solvents. Pigments, hardener components, fillers, and special chemical additives included in its formulation are completely blended dry in a homogeneous manner. Developed as a much safer option compared to liquid alternatives, this method was first applied using fluidized bed technology by Dr. Erwin Gemmer in Germany in 1953. Becoming widespread in Turkey since the 1980s, this technology possesses a wide sectoral application area ranging from architecture to automotive, and from glass and ceramics to white goods.

Powder Coating Types and Classification

Powder coatings are separated into different categories according to their intended uses and chemical structures:

  • Epoxy-Based Systems: It contains epoxy resin and appropriate hardeners in its structure. It is preferred in areas requiring superior resistance against chemical effects (for example, fuel tanks). Although its heat and light resistance are low, it is also evaluated as a primer layer thanks to its high corrosion resistance.
  • Epoxy-Polyester Blends: It offers both physical and chemical resistance together thanks to each resin type contained within it. It is generally used indoors; in white goods bodies, lighting equipment, metal furniture, and radiators. Its heat and light resistance is higher than pure epoxies, but lower than outdoor polyester coatings.
  • Polyester / TGIC Series: It is an outdoor facade system consisting of polyester resin and TGIC hardener. It is recommended in aluminum window and door profiles; with correct application, it shows resistance up to approximately 10 years against outdoor climate conditions and UV rays. It is also common in areas such as agricultural machinery and wheel rims.
  • Polyester / Primid Series: This outdoor facade paint containing primid hardener stands out in architectural projects where loss of color and brightness is not desired. It offers durability for 10-15 years under appropriate conditions. It is the strongest alternative of TGIC with legal labeling advantages in the European market.
  • Polyurethane Systems: It is formulated with polyester resin and isocyanate-based hardeners. It shows extraordinary resistance against wear, moisture, salt, and UV rays. It is frequently preferred in automotive, bathroom, and garden furniture.
  • Acrylic Systems: They are high-performance products used in the automotive industry. Due to cross-contamination risks, they are not produced in standard facilities.
Kavi Boya
Kavi Boya

Prominent Advantages of Powder Coating

Unlike liquid paint systems, powder coating consisting of solvent-free and dry components provides many benefits in industrial processes:

  • Eco-Friendly and Waste-Free Structure: Since it does not produce waste during production and consumption stages, it does not cause air and water pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted in liquid paints are definitely absent in this system.
  • High Fire and Explosion Safety: The energy amount required for ignition is approximately 100 times more compared to liquid paints; therefore, its lower explosion limits are much higher.
  • Health and Ease of Use: Its negative effects on health are at a minimum level and it does not create problems in case of contact with the skin. It is ready for use directly by taking it from its packaging without requiring any liquid thinning or mixing.
  • Practical Application: It can be easily applied with manual guns or robotic systems. Operators can rapidly specialize with a short training.
  • Aesthetic Variety: Flat, glossy, textured, sandpaper-textured, or varnish-effect surfaces can be easily obtained.