What is it? The majority of Powder Coatings are classed as thermoset materials where the powder melts and chemically crosslinks to develop their physical properties and adhesion. Thermoplastic coatings are a new Powdercoating process that melt to form a fusion bonded coating, and then cool to produce superior physical properties from traditional Powdercoating.

How is it applied? Thermoplastic coatings can be applied by either an electrostatic gun (similar to conventional thermoset powder application) or a fluidised bed process where the components are heated and immersed in a fluidised bed of the plastic material.

Is it corrosion resistant? Thermoplastic coatings offer excellent corrosion resistance. This property makes these coatings especially suited to protection of metal structures near the sea or other corrosive environments.

What are the applications? These coatings offer improved performance over thermoset coatings where thick, tough flexible coating is required they also have anti-graffiti properties and long exterior service life. Typical applications would be in the coating of metal components in public areas such as parks, shopping centres and railway stations.

What thickness is applied? These coatings are normally applied at 150-200 microns. (Typical thermoset coatings are around the 50-70 microns).

What colour range is available? Thermoplastic Powdercoating has a limited stock colour range and does not have the gloss levels and textures of the thermoset powders.

Can these coatings be repaired? Thermoplastic coating can be repaired with hot air guns and repair rods and as soon as cooled are ready for use. Thermoset powders can only be repaired by touch up paints.

How flexible are these coatings? Subject to the formulation of the thermoplastic coating, elongation at breakpoint can be as much as 800%. Thermoset coatings are much more brittle and can break as low as 10%.

Can they be used in contact with foods? Most of the thermoplastic coatings are approved for food contact use. Thermoset powders are not generally approved for food contact.

For more information on Powdercoating or to find out how Finished Products can help you achieve outstanding results for your surface finishing requirements, please feel free to contact us by telephone on +612 9602 9833 or send us an email by clicking on the "Contact Us" link below.