Powder Coating – Factors Which Influence the Cost
Powder coating is a durable and cost-effective alternative to traditional paint and is ideally suited to many fabrication projects. Not only is powder coating longer lasting, but it is also more environmentally friendly and delivers a better-quality finish. There are a number of factors which need to be considered when costing a job, and in this blog post Mascot Steel will be sharing some of these to provide you with an understanding of the costs and benefits of a powder coated finish.
5 Factors Which Influence the Cost of Powder Coating
- Project Size
Mascot Steel are proud to work on projects big and small. Before providing a quote, it is important to ascertain the size of the project and the specified materials as these will determine the quantity of powder coating and manpower needed to deliver the job. To ascertain your project size, we will need the following information:
- Total surface area of the metal to be powder coated
- The type of metal used
- An understanding of the total order volume
Once these factors are known, our team will provide you with an accurate quote for powder coating.
- The Equipment Used
The two most common methods for powder coating are electrostatic spray deposition and fluidized bed application. Both methods are effective and efficient, and the type used will depend on the project. When using powder coating guns, the Corona or Tribo method may be used. Tribo spray is preferred if you want to avoid the Faraday effect, and is ideal for applications with crevices, corners and hollow spaces. Corona charging is faster, but it is more prone to irregular coating particularly around corners and crevices. Mascot Steel will determine the most appropriate equipment for the job to ensure a high-quality finish and long-lasting results.
- Variety of Powder Coating
Powder coating comes in many forms, ranging from polyester to nylon, epoxy, polyurethane and more. For those on a budget, polyester is a good choice. However, those who require a stronger powder may opt for fluoropolymer. There are also a variety of powders for specific applications such as non-stick surfaces, as well as specific colours. The team can assist you with deciding on the most cost-effective powder for the job.
- The Curing Method Used
Powder coated finishes are usually cured using infrared or a convection batch oven. Infrared is an advanced and cost effective method, but purchase of the equipment requires a substantial initial investment. On the other hand, convection batch ovens are cheaper to purchase but have ongoing costs as part of their day-to-day operation. These factors will be taken into account when costing the job.
- Pre-treatment and cleaning
Before the powder coating application process can commence, the metal will need to be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. This is an essential part of the process, as it will ensure a surface free of defects and allow the powder to thoroughly coat the surface. Good adhesion of the powder is essential to a high-quality job and long-lasting results.
Quality Metal Fabrication and Powder Coating in Sydney – Call Today
Mascot Steel are an Australian owned and operated family business who have been providing steel fabrication services for more than 40 years. We strive to achieve the highest standards in product quality and customer service and can assist with projects big and small. Contact us today on (02) 9313 1313 to discuss your project requirements and obtain a quote. We look forward to working with you soon.
