Seeking Powder-compatible Filler
What are some good powder-compatible types of filler material that can be used to fill holes or surface imperfections?
Q. Do you know of any type of filler material that can be used to fill in holes or surface imperfections that would work with powder? I run a powder coating line and apply powder manually using a box feed system. It is baked on with a conventional gas-fired oven. We have some parts that have rough areas that we need to smooth out. So far, we have not found any good filler for powder.
A. Spectrum Powder Manufacturing Ltd. offers a heat-curable sealant designed for use with powder coatings. The vinyl caulking fills voids and seams on steel and aluminum substrates and can handle the normal range of powder cure temperatures (350° to 400° F).
Another product that can be used with powder is Thermobond-3, produced by Dura-Chem Inc. It is fairly easy to apply and can be sanded to a smooth finish.
Some coaters also use Lab-Metal, available from Alvin Products. They offer different products for higher temperatures that will survive the powder cure range.
Any filler should be tested in your process to make sure that you are using it correctly and that it will work for your products in your system.
Related Content
-
A Smooth Transition from One Anodizing Process to Another
Knowing when to switch from chromic acid anodizing to thin film sulfuric acid anodizing is important. Learn about why the change should be considered and the challenges in doing so.
-
Understanding and Managing White Spots on Anodized Aluminum
Having trouble with spotting defects when anodizing? Taj Patel of Techevon LLC offers a helpful overview of the various causes of white spots and potential solutions.
-
California Public Hearing to Decide Fate of Hex Chrome Plating and Anodizing
Metal Finishing Association of California urges all members of the metal finishing community to submit comments prior to the hearing.
