Fluid Bed Powder Coatings

Fluidized Bed Powder Coatings are best suited for covering wire forms, irregular shaped products, sheet metal and metal stamping that require a thinner uniform protective coating. Our dipped Fluid Bed compounds produce a coating thickness of .008″ – .020″ per side with adhesion giving your product a level of durability and function unattainable with other powder coating processes.

We apply Fluidized Bed Powder Coatings with Vinyl, Nylon, and Polyolefin to a wide variety of substrates including….. Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Lead, Brass, Castings & Glass.

Fluid Bed Coatings can provide coverage of many imperfections in the base materials, eliminating the need for secondary operations such as grinding and deburring. Depending on the application we can offer product preparation including sandblasting and priming to insure adhesion as well as masking to leave threaded holes and contact points uncoated as specified on your drawings.

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Advantages of Fluidized Bed Dipped Powder Coatings

• Electrical Insulation
• Corrosion & Abrasion Resistance

• High and Low Coefficient of Friction
• Autoclavable

• Vibration and Sound Deadening
• Chemical Resistant

Secondary Operations from Innovative Coatings Inc.

At Innovative Coatings, we’re proud to serve our customers with a variety of secondary operations that complement our primary services. These secondary operations make it easier for you to have your product completed on time and on budget. Our secondary operations include:

• Assembly
• In-house tooling shop
• Pad printing
• Packaging
• Die cutting
• Inventory / Ship to Stock

The Process of Fluid Bed Powder Coatings

• Surface Preparation: The metal part is cleaned and treated to remove contaminants like oils or rust, ensuring optimal powder adhesion. This may involve sandblasting or chemical cleaning.
• Preheating: The part is heated to a specific temperature (typically 500-600°F), depending on the powder type, to ensure proper melting and bonding during dipping.
• Dipping: The preheated part is submerged into a fluidized bed—a tank where air is blown through powder particles, creating a fluid-like suspension. The powder adheres to the hot surface, melting instantly.
• Curing: The coated part is post-heated in an oven to fully cure the powder, forming a seamless, durable finish. Coating thickness, typically 0.008″ to 0.020″, is controlled by dip time and temperature.
• Cooling and Inspection: The part cools naturally, and the coating is inspected for uniformity and quality, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

How Fluid Bed Powder Coatings Are Applied

The fluid bed coating process begins with surface preparation to remove oils, rust, and contaminants. Depending on the application, this may include sandblasting, chemical cleaning, or priming to improve adhesion. Once prepared, the part is heated to a controlled temperature and immersed in a fluidized bed where air suspends the powder in a uniform cloud. The powder melts on contact with the hot surface, forming a continuous layer. After dipping, the part is cured to stabilize the coating and achieve the specified finish.

Material Options and Substrate Compatibility

Fluid bed powder coatings can be applied to steel, aluminum, copper, brass, lead, castings, and glass. Vinyl, nylon, and polyolefin powders offer a range of performance characteristics including abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation. These materials also help conceal surface imperfections, reducing the need for secondary finishing operations.

FAQ

What Are Fluid Bed Powder Coatings?

Fluid bed powder coatings are applied by heating a part and immersing it in a fluidized powder bed, creating a uniform protective layer with controlled thickness.

Which Materials Can Be Coated Using the Fluid Bed Process?

Steel, aluminum, copper, brass, lead, castings, and glass can be coated using vinyl, nylon, or polyolefin powders.

What Advantages Do Fluid Bed Powder Coatings Provide?

They offer corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, electrical insulation, sound dampening, and the ability to mask surface imperfections.

How Is Coating Thickness Controlled in Fluid Bed Powder Coatings?

Thickness is managed through part temperature, dwell time, and powder characteristics, typically producing layers between 0.008 and 0.020 inches.

About Us

With over 40 years of experience, Innovative Coatings Inc. has a reputation for quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service. We can tackle your custom project with solutions that enhance the value of your product. Our team can formulate coatings based on your needs for color, gloss, texture, etc. Contact us today to learn more, or request a quote through our website.