The Next Revolution in Powder Coating Technology: Conquering Plastic Substrates

By Kevin M. Biller

Capturing the Metal Finishing Market

The notion of powder coating was first conceived in the 1950s by the German scientist Erwin Gemmer.

1. Significant commercial acceptance did not materialize until the early 1960s when pipeline makers began using thermosetting epoxy powders to replace multiple coats of liquid technology.

2. These functional powders were applied at thick films to heavy gauge steel pipes and valves used to convey oil and natural gas. It was not until the late 1970s that the powder coating industry’s commercial growth accelerated.

3. Through the combination of new resin technology (mainly polyester) and refinements in electrostatic application techniques, the nascent powder coating industry entered markets requiring not only functional performance but aesthetics as well. Groundbreaking innovation captured large portions of the appliance (white goods) and fabricated metals markets.

This growth progressed through the 1980s as powder coatings replaced liquid finishing lines throughout Western Europe and North America.