Lamppost Powder Coating

DESCRIPTION

More technically, lamppost powder coating is an advanced method of applying a protective and decorative finish to virtually lamppost. According to the Powder Coating Institute, lamppost powder coating is based on polymer resin systems combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers, and other additives. These ingredients are melted, mixed, cooled, and ground into a uniform powder similar in texture to baking flour. The flour-like powder is then electrostatically sprayed onto the surface of a material. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until the powder is heated and fused into a smooth coating in the curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish. The lampposts are most often finished with a state-of-the-art powder coating process. This particular powder coating system leverages the latest technological advances in paint finishing and provides a number of benefits.

There are multiple varieties of lamppost powder coating, each a chemical formulation of paint, available. Polyesters provide industrial, outdoor durability. Polyesters are tough, UV- resistant, provide good corrosion resistance, are economical, and offer a multitude of colors. Epoxies provide the ultimate in corrosion protection and resistance to chemicals. However, epoxies are not UV-resistant, thus making them a less appealing option for use on lampposts. A good use for epoxies would be oil and gas pipelines and “under the hood” auto parts. Polyurethanes are outdoor-durable; however, they are costly and cannot be applied as thick as other varieties. Hybrids are useful as indoor-grade powder coatings and should not be used in outdoor applications.

ADVANTAEGS

Value is one of the primary drivers for selecting powder coating over other finishing options. Compared to anodizing, galvanizing, or painting, powder coating offers a relatively high-quality finish at a comparatively lower cost. Other benefits of powder coating include:

●Durability: Powder coating provides one of the strongest, long-lasting, and color-durable quality finishes available. Applied in mils, powder coating creates a tough, even, protective coating with no drips, sags, runs, or solvent popping. When compared to traditional paint—where bonding occurs through the evaporation of liquid—powder coating is significantly more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wear.

●Minimal environmental impact: Traditional liquid finishes contain chemical solvents that release pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the environment. Powder coating, however, is an environmentally-friendly alternative that emits nearly zero VOC and results in zero hazardous waste. Now one of the fastest-growing finishing technologies in North America, the growth of the powder coating industry has been propelled by the implementation of stringent air pollution control legislation over past decades.

●Safety: Powder coating allows production teams to work in a safe environment; it is a material that is less flammable and combustible than more traditional, liquid finishes. Powder coating also has lower electrical requirements. Inbound-shipping issues related to bringing hazardous materials on-site become a non-issue. Powder coating also results in lower insurance premiums.

●Aesthetics: Powder coatings are available in a virtually unlimited color selection through the RAL System, the industry standard for paint and coatings.

●Efficiency: Bottom line, the elimination of VOCs and the reduction of waste saves time and money. Powder coating also allows users greater flexibility in tailoring purchase quantities to fit their needs. By purchasing only the necessary amount of powder coat, the amount of wasted material is reduced.

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