For more than five decades, powder coating has been making inroads into industrial manufacturing markets. From humble beginnings in the 1960s, it has increased its usage among a variety of industries. Today, the need for premium powder coating continues to grow. Facilities in such cities as Grand Rapids, MI are discovering the increasing demand for it. Powder coating applications are extending further into current markets, including the automotive industry. In fact, some industry experts believe, it is actually transforming this manufacturing sector.
Powder Coatings and the Automotive Industry
Powder coating has long been in use for automotive body coatings since its introduction in the 1960s. However, issues with the formulation and its capabilities restricted and even discouraged usage. Improvements in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in powder coating applications under the hood. Coil springs received a major coating to improve protection and flexibility.
Today, a powder coating company may use its products on a variety of automotive components. These include:
* Accessories: Pickup trucks and SUVs may have powder-coated bed rails, luggage racks, side steps and toolboxes.
* Auto Body Exteriors: Top coats for vehicles are an increasingly common use of powder coatings. They provide external protection from all types of weather-related damage and environmental problems such as acid rain and high UV rays
* Trim Parts: Both interior and exterior metal trim parts can receive powder coating. This is particularly common for trucks using steel platforms to raise the height of the seats.
* Underhood Components: Powder coatings are applied to a variety of parts including, castings, cylinder heads, engine blocks, stamped steel brackets and various types of tubing
* Wheels: Aluminum wheels often get a powder coating
Premium Powder Coating
Today, the role of powder coatings continues to expand. In the automotive industry, the application of premium powder coating continues to make significant inroads into the market. This growth of usage in Grand Rapids is the result of improved technology including new formulations and improved equipment.
