THE EPC APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Pre-Treatment
We focus on the most effective way to prepare the surface of the metal for powder bonding. This is crucial for life and longevity of the finished product. Items are either brought in raw or covered (painted) to begin with. Our team first evaluates the condition of the item and makes the proper evaluation for pre-treatment of the part. Depending on the evaluation, the item is either chemically stripped, burned-off or sandblasted.
2. Chemical Process
At Exclusive we use a five-stage chemical wash followed by heat drying. First, we begin with a degrease rinse to remove contamination and left over petroleum chemicals from manufacturing. Secondly, an iron phosphate coating that bonds itself to the clean metal is applied followed by a three stage DI rinse. Next, a sealer provides a uniform surface and acidifies the conversion coating for best adhesion.
3. Application
The powder coating application stage is where the colored powder is electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the metal. Thus allowing the powder to adhere to the metal magnetically and allows the particles to fuse into the metal. Powder coated surfaces are far more resilient than standard paint. Giving your product a longer life through weather conditions, fading, abrasion and resistant to corrosion.
4. Quality Control
There are two phases to quality control. Visual inspection check to make sure every piece looks as it should and contains the proper amount of powder and stable look. Sample tests are run through all stages before any final products are sprayed. Strength testing is then done to make sure powder bonding is correct and even. If there are any flaws in the product, the item is redone. Packaging and shipping completes the process.
