High Transfer Efficiency (HTE) Powder

Surface Finish Options Overview

With exceptional adhesion and strength, HTE powder coatings are engineered to electrostatically wrap around and penetrate deep recesses and angles of intricately shaped parts, achieving first-pass efficiency rates of up to 85% or higher.

Compared to standard powder coatings, these next-generation polyester-based formulations reduce per-item powder consumption by 20-25%, enhance finish quality, improve line speed, and minimize downtime required for cleaning, resulting in impressive first-pass build rates.

Developed with an exclusive cross-link polymer, STD provides uniform coverage on complex metal parts and assemblies such as refrigerator racks, shelving, patio tables, architectural components, and other finished goods.

A standout in the coatings industry, STD powder coatings are available in both durable and ultra-durable polyester formulations and are suitable for cold-rolled steel, hot-rolled steel, aluminum, and iron substrates.

Benefits

Up to 85% first-pass transfer rates

Improved wrapping on complex parts and shapes

Improved powder film thickness control

Lower cure option (320°F / 160°C)

Ample gloss range (15 to 95)

Durable and ultra-durable formulations

Typical Uses

Complex parts/patterns

Wired goods: baskets

Shopping carts

Metal shelving

Patio furniture

FAQ

1. What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a dry finishing process used to apply a protective and decorative coating on metal or other surfaces. Instead of using liquid paint, fine powder particles (usually made of polyester, epoxy, or hybrid resins) are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto a conductive surface. The coated object is then baked in an oven, where the powder melts, flows, and cures into a smooth, durable finish.

Key features:

Durable, hard finish

Resistant to scratches, corrosion, and UV

Environmentally friendly (no VOCs)

2. Benefits of Powder Coating

Powder coating offers several advantages over traditional liquid painting:

Durability: Resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wear.

Corrosion Protection: Provides excellent protection against rust and chemicals.

Environmentally Friendly: No volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and minimal waste.

Efficiency: Overspray can be collected and reused, up to 99% material utilization.

Uniform Finish: Smooth, even coating without runs or drips.

Cost-Effective: Single-coat systems can achieve high film thickness, reducing labor and energy.

Aesthetic Variety: Wide range of colors, textures, and effects.

3. What Temperature to Cure Powder Coating

The curing temperature depends on the type of powder used:

Epoxy powder: ~160–200°C (320–392°F)

Polyester powder: ~180–210°C (356–410°F)

Hybrid (Epoxy-Polyester) powder: ~180–200°C (356–392°F)

Typical curing time: 10–20 minutes depending on thickness and oven type.

Always follow the powder manufacturer’s specifications for best results.

4. Process for Powder Coating

The powder coating process usually follows these steps:

Surface Preparation:

Clean the surface thoroughly (remove oil, grease, rust, or dirt)

Methods: chemical cleaning, sandblasting, or phosphating

Pre-Treatment:

Apply a conversion coating or primer if needed to improve adhesion

Powder Application:

Spray the powder using an electrostatic spray gun or fluidized bed

Curing:

Bake the coated object in an oven at the recommended temperature for the powder type

The powder melts and forms a continuous, smooth film

Cooling & Inspection:

Let the coated item cool

Inspect for defects, uniform coverage, and desired thickness

5. How to Spray Powder Coat

Equipment Needed:

Electrostatic spray gun

Compressed air supply

Powder feed hopper or container

Grounding of the object

Steps:

Ground the object: Ensures the charged powder is attracted to the surface.

Spray evenly: Hold the gun 6–12 inches from the surface, moving in smooth, overlapping strokes.

Apply sufficient powder: Ensure full coverage without excessive buildup.

Cure immediately: Transfer the sprayed item to the curing oven to fuse the powder into a solid coating.

Tips:

Maintain consistent speed and distance while spraying.

Use proper ventilation to reduce airborne powder accumulation.

Test a small area to check film thickness and color before full application.