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Q: What is Powder Coating?
A: Powder coating is an advanced method of a decorative and protective finish, applied to a wide range of
materials and products that is used by both industries and average consumers.
Q: What is the process used to powder coat a product?
A: The powder used for the process is a mixture of ground particles of pigment and resin which is sprayed onto
a surface to be coated. The powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until heated and fused
into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high quality, and attractive finish.
Powder coating is the fastest growing finishing technology in North American representing over 10% of all
industrial finishing applications.
Q: Does powder coating only come in high gloss finishes?
A: No, powder comes in a wide variety of gloss ranges. Texture selections also range from smooth surfaces to a
wrinkled or matte finish. The rough textures are designed for hiding surface imperfections. Associated Finishing
has a large selection of colors and textures to coat the substrate of your choice. We can also work with our
customers to develop custom color paint when needed.
Q: Does powder coating affect the environment?
A: Powder coating is highly protective of our environment. While liquid finishes contain solvents which have
pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), powder coating contains no solvents and releases
negligible amounts, if any, of VOC’s into the atmosphere. Thus, there is no longer a need for finishers to buy
costly pollution control equipment. In addition, most powder coating overspray that does not adhere to the parts
can be retrieved and reused, virtually eliminating the waste commonly found in liquid finishing.
Q: I have a product that needs liquid coating applied. Does Associated Finishing do liquid coating as well?
A: Yes, Associated Finishing also paints liquid coatings. Associated Finishing has been in business for over 50
years and is one of the few companies that offer both powder and liquid coating. We also apply CARC painting
(chemical agent resistant coatings), mostly used for military.
Q: My business is in Minneapolis and I have concerns about the cost for shipping to Mankato?
A: Associated Finishing is located in Mankato, Minnesota but we have 2 trucks to pick up and deliver every day in
the Metro area. As a service to our customers, we include trucking along our route at no extra cost. This is a
benefit that our customers appreciate and sets us apart from our competitors. We do not have any surcharges
tacked onto our quotes or invoices. Give us a call today at 866-345-5861.
Q: I have a part that has been powder coated but needs to be stripped, cleaned, and recoated. What is the best
way to remove the old powder coat?
A: Depending upon the metal you could either burn off the old paint or you can chemically remove it. Associated
Finishing has the capacity to do both. Associated Finishing is a one stop shop from stripping to coating and pad
printing or silk screening.
Q: What is Screen Printing?
A: Screen printing is a very versatile printing process which is used extensively in the garment and graphics
business. At Associated Finishing however, we do industrial printing which includes; printing on something as
small as a computer component, screening company logos on large panels; or wiring instructions on relay boxes
used by our military. A “silk screen” is actually tightly woven polyester fabric stretched over a wood or aluminum
frame. Photographic emulsion is applied to the screen and a stencil is created by exposing the applied film under
UV light. Ink is applied to the screen and an operator uses a squeegee to pull the ink over the exposed area
transferring the image to the substrate. At AFI we generate our own and always have a stock of inks compatible
with plastic, metal, and plated parts.
Q: What is Pad Printing?
A: Screen printing is not always a viable alternative for convex or concave parts or parts that need printing on
an inside or irregular surface. AFI offers pad printing to meet these needs. With pad printing, ink is flooded
over a cliché which carries that image or graphic needed on the part. It is then doctored (or scraped) off
leaving ink only in the etched area. A silicone pad descends, picks up the ink and transfers the image or graphic
onto the item to be printed. The process is repetitive and we can print hundreds of parts an hour. Some things
printed using this method are golf balls, tubing, window locks, pens, phones etc. At AFI we develop our own
clichés so there is never any down time in the production process. With the in house availability of both Screen
Printing and Pad Printing, AFI can meet all your printing needs.
*Some information for this VFAQ page was taken from the website by permission at www.powdercoating.org. Visit the
site to learn more about the powder coating industry today!
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