Powder Coating Service by Xometry

Xometry offers powder coating as a value-added, turnkey service to our primary manufacturing processes, including CNC, 3D printing, injection molding, casting, sheet cutting, etc. A product can be fully customized using the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine®. Xometry does not provide secondary processing or finishing to parts supplied by a third party, with few exceptions.

Xometry provides powder coating services in a variety of colors, finishes, and materials. Our powder coating services provide a continuous, protective color finish on parts using evenly applied, heat-cured paint in several color options like red, orange, blue, black, and several other colors and in matte, gloss, and textured finishes. A powder coat provides a durable and vibrant finish to materials like aluminum, steel, and other metals that protect it from weathering, water, impacts, and other stresses. A variety of applications use powder coating, such as kitchen appliances, automotive painting, lawn and garden products, architectural and construction products, drum hardware, bicycle parts, and much more.

Powder Preparation

The polymer, hardneners, colorants, and other additives are blended together in a mixer. This mixture is then extruded, hardened, and then converted into small pieces, which are then milled into a uniform, flour-like fine powder. 

Surface Preparation

The surface receiving the powder coat is cleaned and prepped by removing dirt, oils, and other contaminants. This may involve sandblasting, chemical degreasing, or other mechanical and chemical methods on a metal surface to ensure the surface is prepared for coating. It is essential to remove any contaminants to ensure a clean, smooth application. 

Powder Application 

The dry powder is applied to the surface, typically using a specialized spray gun that electrostatically charges the powder particles. The charged particles are attracted to the grounded surface and form a thin, even coat. A variety of nozzles help cater the powder coating process to unique part shapes, and in some instances the spray gun is replaced with a fluidized powder bed for commercial powder coating volumes.

Curing

Once the powder has been applied, the surface is then cured by heating it to a high temperature, typically between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This fuses the powder into a smooth, durable finish. Newer powder coating blends allow for UV curing, which hardens the powder coat in just a few minutes at lower temperatures using ultraviolet light. This method is suitable for a variety of heat-sensitive materials and is also more energy and time efficient.

Quality Control

After the curing process, the coated surface is inspected to ensure that the coating is smooth and even, and that there are no defects or imperfections. Any necessary repairs or touch-ups are made at this stage.

It's important to note that these steps may vary slightly depending on the specific application and the type of powder being used. The specifications for each step will also depend on the specific requirements of the project, such as the type of surface being coated, the desired thickness of the coating, and the intended use of the finished product.

5052 H32 Aluminum

5052 aluminum in the H32 temper is a high strength, corrosion resistant aluminum alloy commonly used for general purpose applications like sheet metal and for applications like marine and transportation products, fuel tanks, architectural products, gutters, window frames, and many other uses. 

6061 T6 Aluminum

6061 aluminum in the T6 temper is a high strength, lightweight, and easily machined aluminum alloy commonly used in the production of structural components for a variety of applications including aerospace components, automotive parts, recreational equipment, and construction uses. 

7075 T6 Aluminum

7075 aluminum in the T6 temper is an exceptionally high strength and fatigue resistant aluminum alloy commonly used in the production of high stress structural components such as aerospace gears, shafts, aircraft fittings, and other components in extreme environments. 

MIC6 Aluminum

MIC6 aluminumis a trademarked cast aluminum alloy plate by manufacturer Alcoa that is commonly used for tooling and base plates for automotive and aerospace components, as well as for jigs and fixtures. 

AR400 & AR500 Steel

Abrasion-resistant (AR) 400 and 500 steel are high hardness steels specifically designed to withstand high levels of wear and tear, where they are commonly used in the production of body armor, ballistic plates, and shooting targets as well as in construciton and mining applications. 

4140 + 4130 Chrome-moly Steel

4140 and 4130 chrome-moly (or chromoly) steel are types of low-alloy steel, where the “40” and “30” designate a 0.40% and 0.30% carbon by weight composition respectively. Both have a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent tensile and fatigue strength, and good machinability, making them ideal for producing structural components and mechanical parts for automobile and bicycle parts, and tubular products for the oil and gas industry. 

304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is a type of corrosion-resistant stainless steel thanks to its high chromium and nickel content, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including food processing equipment, kitchen utensils, medical instruments, as well as construction and automotive parts, architectural features, window frames, and more. 

316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel is a type of corrosion-resistant stainless stel with a high level of molybdenum and a lower carbon content than 304 stainless stel, making it exceptionally corrosion resistant and ideal for marine environments, medical implants, chemical processing equipment, as well as high wear construction and architectural applications. 

A36 Steel

A36 steel is a low-carbon steel with good formability and weldability, making it suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including structural components, tanks, and welded bridges, as well as in the construction of buildings, automotive parts, and other fabricated products like pipes, rods, and beams. 

Hot Rolled Steel

Hot rolled steel is a type of steel formed by rolling at high temperatures (> 1700 °F), resulting in a stronger and more malleable material useful for structural steel bars, sheet metal, and other stock for piping, beams, and automobile parts. 

Tool Steel

Tool steel is a high-carbon, high-alloy steel that is specifically designed for tool manufacturing. Its ability to be heat-treated and withstand high levels of wear and abrasion make it ideal for punches, dies, cutting edges, hand tools, power tool bits, and automotive parts. 

Improved Durability & Lifespan

Powder coating provides a protective layer on the surface of the material that is more durable and resistant to wear, abrasion, and corrosion than liquid coatings. Powder coating can also extend the lifespan of the material, as it is less prone to chipping, peeling, or fading than liquid coatings.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Powder coating can provide a smooth, even finish that enhances the appearance of the coated material and can be applied in a variety of colors and finishes.

Environmental Friendliness

Powder coating is a dry process that does not produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option than liquid coatings.

Cost-Effectiveness

Powder coating can be a more cost-effective option than liquid coatings, as it requires less material and produces less overspray, leading to lower material and disposal costs. 

• Tolerances & coating thickness:  The thickness of a typical powder coat adds .006”-.012” of surface thickness, which can throw off some low-tolerance builds or through-hole diameters. The thickness of the powder coat should also be appropriate for the intended use of the part – too thin of a coat may not protect the part, while too thick of a coat may result in warped tolerances and uneven surfaces.
• Material surface: parts with porous surfaces may require special primers or other treatments to ensure proper adhesion of the powder coat. Also, ensure that all surfaces are properly degreased, cleaned of contaminants, and are dry and smooth to achieve the best results. 
• Color: color can impact the overall appearance of the finished part, so it is important to carefully consider the desired color and ensure every part is powder coated in the same method and with the same coating powder. Different powder blends will result in different end colors, which may cause unintended color mis-matching and an inconsistent look. 
• Cost: though economical, powder coating and its cost can vary based on the size and complexity of the part, as well as the desired finish and color. Some complex parts will require more attention, and therefore labor and time to powder coat, where it may take less resources to simply plate the part.