Now You Can Have Heat Resistant Products and Illuminating Colors
When the proper powder coating finishes are used, powder coating can offer a degree of resistance to heat, UV rays and chemicals. However, there can be limitations, but Pinnacle Powder Coating representatives match your product with the right kind of powder coating that will offer sufficient heat resistance.
There is a range of materials you can powder coat for heat resistance including, but not limited to metal, MDF, glass, and composite materials.
Heat resistant powder applications are complicated, but clever, so here is the scientific explanation. Heat resistant coatings are based on hydroxyl-function organopolysiloxane resins. The high energy silicone-oxygen bond found in polysiloxane resins makes the coatings stable at elevated temperatures, even in the presence of oxygen in the air. Powder Coating can provide effective heat resistance, withstanding temperatures up to 550°C. Although all heat-resistant resins are tested to verify their performance, the actual temperature and dwell time is dependent on the application and heat resistance required.
When working with Pinnacle Powder Coating, our representatives will ask many questions about your product and its use to help determine which type of powder coating will best serve your needs. Similarly, we won’t sacrifice illuminating colors for application requirements.
Most heat resistant powders are available in a range of colors and special effects. In general, our team may suggest colors like blacks, dark colors or aluminum metals because they are the most stable heat resistant colors. Due to their pigment, they will perform without visual changes with intermittent heat expose up to 425°C. Brighter colors can still be selected, but they may begin to lose color or gloss, darken or fade more quickly than other darker pigments. It depends on the level of heat resistance you require and the color you desire, a Pinnacle representative is happy to advise you during your color and finish selection.
Now that you know how Heat Resistant Powder Coating Works
Here are a few functions to consider when selecting your Heat Resistant finish:
What is the maximum temperature it will need to withstand?
High temperature powder coatings will perform well, but only within the temperature range they are designed to tolerate. You will find that each type of powder coating will have a specific temperature range.
Is the surface you are coating insulated?
Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) is a particular issue in some industries. In these circumstances, the coating must provide corrosion resistance but also be able to deal with application to hot surfaces.
What will the temperature of the substrate be during application of the powder coating?
Some powder coatings are formulated for hot temperature application (around 300°C), and some for ambient temperature application.
Will the coated surface prevent a spread of flame should a fire break out?
The relevant standard here is BS 476 parts 6 and 7.
How combustible will the coated surface be?
The relevant test here is European standard EN 13501-1. This also applies to the following two considerations.
Remember: Powder Coatings can provide effective heat resistance, withstanding temperatures up to 550°C. However, you must choose your coating carefully, to ensure it matches your end application.
While writing this article, many resources were used including our Pinnacle Powder Coating experts. Other case study resources include: IFS Coating Case Studies and GZ Industrial Supplies.
