When surface finishing a product with powder coating, there are some key design considerations that must be taken into account, such as:
- Tolerances & coating thickness: The thickness of a typical powder coat adds .006”-.012” of surface thickness, which can throw off some low-tolerance builds or through-hole diameters. The thickness of the powder coat should also be appropriate for the intended use of the part – too thin of a coat may not protect the part, while too thick of a coat may result in warped tolerances and uneven surfaces.
- Material surface: parts with porous surfaces may require special primers or other treatments to ensure proper adhesion of the powder coat. Also, ensure that all surfaces are properly degreased, cleaned of contaminants, and are dry and smooth to achieve the best results.
- Color: color can impact the overall appearance of the finished part, so it is important to carefully consider the desired color and ensure every part is powder coated in the same method and with the same coating powder. Different powder blends will result in different end colors, which may cause unintended color mis-matching and an inconsistent look.
- Cost: though economical, powder coating and its cost can vary based on the size and complexity of the part, as well as the desired finish and color. Some complex parts will require more attention, and therefore labor and time to powder coat, where it may take less resources to simply plate the part.
