Offering Superior Powder Coating
Powder coating is a dry finishing process used to coat a metal substrate. It utilizes a polymer resin system combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers and other additives. These ingredients are melted, mixed, cooled and ground into a powder similar in consistency to baking flour.
Once the metal part that is being coated completes a multi-step cleaning and rinse process, it enters a powder coating chamber where a process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is used to apply the powder coating to the metal. This application process uses multiple spray guns to apply an electrostatic charge to the powder particles which are then attracted to the grounded metal part.
After the powder is applied, the parts enter a curing oven where the heat creates a chemical reaction that produces long molecular chains in the coating—permanently adhering the coating to the part. The end result is a finish that is similar to liquid paint, but one that is extremely durable.
Powder coating is used for many different applications—from products like children's toys and office furniture—to automobiles, heavy machinery and aluminum fence.
The American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) creates specifications for architectural powder coatings. AAMA offers three levels of specification—2603, 2604 and 2605.
AAMA 2603 typically is used for interior specification where color retention is not required. AAMA 2605 is reserved for high performance exterior specification for architectural projects that require long term cosmetic and functional protection.
AAMA 2604 specifies that the coating is designed for superior corrosion resistance outdoors with limited fade and weathering. AAMA 2604 coatings are formulated with super durable polyester resins which provide good color and gloss retention.
Master Halco's Independence Aluminum Fencing products feature a powder coating that meets and exceeds AAMA 2604 specifications. Specifically, both our process and our powder exceed the AAMA 2604 specification by three times the typical requirement.
By comparison, the majority of aluminum fencing manufacturers only achieve AAMA 2603 specification. In addition, we met and exceed 3,000+ hours of salt spray testing—double our competitor's testing.
AAMA 2604 specifies that the coating is designed for superior corrosion resistance outdoors with limited fade and weathering. AAMA 2604 coatings are formulated with superior durable polyester resins which provide good color and gloss retention.
Download PDFQuality control is the hallmark of our manufacturer's entire powder coating process—from the variety of testing performed at their on-site laboratory, the their innovative equipment designed just for products, to the high quality of their proprietary powder formulation—Master Halco is confident that quality is always at the forefront of what our manufacturer does.
To ensure consistency and quality in our powder coating process, our manufacturer created an internal laboratory to conduct regular system checks. These checks include:
