Glossary of powder coating terms
Powder coating is often referred to as a "dry painting process." Though the technology has been around since the mid-l95Os, in the last 5 years it has made a major impact on the finishing industry. Today powder coatings are used on metal, plastic, and glass products. Because of their superior quality, powder coated finishes are fast replacing liquid paints as the finish of choice in major markets such as automobiles and appliances.
As the powder coating industry has matured, a number of terms and definitions peculiar to the technology of powder coatings have been born. While some are unique to the powder coating industry, others are aberrations of terminology associated with the plastics and liquids coating industries. As a result, these borrowed terms have, in many instances, acquired different meanings than might be seen elsewhere. This glossary is meant to clarify terms used by equipment and materials suppliers. In all instances, the simplest and least cumbersome definition has been offered.