Factors Affecting Powder Coating Cure

We continuously strive to provide our customers with information to improve your powder coating process. The powder coating cure process requires a certain temperature for a certain length of time in order to reach full cure and establish the full film properties.

For specific information on the film thickness, cure schedule, metal temperature and other

application recommendations for specific powder coating products, check out our technical data sheets (TDS) here.

The curing schedules of various products could differ according to the below factors.

Factors to consider for proper powder coating cure:

·      Powder Chemistry: The desired properties of cured powder arise from a chemical cross-linking reaction.

·      Type of Oven: Various types of ovens, such as convection, induction, and infrared heat the powder at numerous temperatures over differing amounts of time.

·      Metal Thickness: A metal’s thickness will play a role in the oven dwell time. For a thicker metal, it will likely take more time to bring the material up to its curing temperature.

·      Temperature: The cure temperature will be dependent on the powder coating system used, and will effect the final product’s durability. To learn more about getting the right oven temperature, click here.

·      Bake Time: Depending on the material and the oven or system used, optimal bake times will vary.

·      Oven Efficiency: After curing, the finished product depends greatly on the quality of the oven and the type of oven used.

·      Air Velocity: Blowing high velocity air at the material can lead to early wear and cause impact fusion (bonded powder grains that are detached from the material, yet already cured and cannot be melted again).

It is important to examine and find the best process factors in order to improve the bottom line, reduce overall costs, and meet performance requirements with quality and efficiency.

Thermoset powder coatings require adequate time at the specified bake temperature to develop full design properties, while thermoplastic powder coatings are to be cured at temperatures where they can be repeatedly melted, even after they are once cooled.

Should I preheat before I powder coat?

It is also important to see if it is best to heat the substrate before powder coating. Although the cure process is generally performed after coating is applied, there are instances when it is preferable to heat the substrate in advance.

With cast iron/aluminum products, preheating the substrate allows trapped gases to escape from the porous metal surfaces and reduces the tendency for blisters or pinholes to form in the film.

Please contact us today to speak with one of our professional service technicians. We can help you with application questions or any of your powder coating needs.