Advantages and requirements

Aluminium powder coating

Coating with powder coatings is a state-of-the-art surface finishing process. A fine powder is applied to an aluminium substrate and then heated to create a robust and even coating. The method is increasingly being used in industry to enhance aluminium surfaces not only functionally but also aesthetically.

Relevance of the powder coating of aluminium

Aluminium is a versatile material that is used in numerous industries – from the construction industry to mechanical engineering and the automotive industry. However, aluminium also has some disadvantages. For example, aluminium has a limited surface hardness and is susceptible to environmental influences.

Aluminium naturally forms a protective layer through oxidation. In many cases, however, this is not sufficient to protect the metal adequately against mechanical stress, chemical influences or abrasive wear. Additional surface treatment of aluminium is therefore essential to optimise its functionality and make it more resistant for specific applications.

Powder coating offers a first-class opportunity to improve the durability and appearance of aluminium components and at the same time benefit from the environmentally friendly advantages of this coating method.

Advantages of aluminium powder coating

Durability and resilience

Powder coatings are known for their exceptional durability. They offer excellent protection against abrasion, scratches, chemicals and weathering, making aluminium components particularly durable and resistant.

Aesthetic variety and colour options

Powder coatings can now be used to coat almost any surface structure in almost any colour. This enables a wide range of design options, from matt and glossy surfaces to special effects such as metallic or hammered finishes.

Environmental friendliness and sustainability

Powder coating is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wet painting. It contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and produces no harmful waste. The entire process is significantly more sustainable and reduces the ecological footprint.

Cost efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Powder coating not only offers high quality, but also a cost-efficient solution. The processes can be automated and enable even coating of large quantities while minimising material consumption.

Possible applications in various industries

Construction industry

In the construction industry, powder-coated aluminium profiles are often used for window frames, façade cladding and other architectural elements. Their high resistance to weathering and wide range of colours make them the ideal choice for modern construction projects.

Automotive industry

In the automotive industry, powder-coated aluminium parts are used in vehicle wheels, radiator grilles and other components where both aesthetic and functional requirements need to be met.

Mechanical engineering and industrial applications

Powder coatings offer protection against mechanical stress and corrosion. Machine components and equipment benefit from the increased service life and improved ease of maintenance.

Furniture and design industry

Powder-coated aluminium furniture parts and design objects, especially for outdoor use, are characterised by their high resistance and attractive design, which makes them particularly popular in the furniture industry.

The powder coating process

Preparation of the aluminium substrate

Before coating, the aluminium is thoroughly cleaned and pre-treated to ensure optimum adhesion of the powder coating. This includes the removal of oxide layers and impurities as well as the application of a passivation layer.

Powder coating application

The powder coating is applied electrostatically to the aluminium, causing it to spread evenly and adhere. Different types of powder can be selected depending on the requirements in order to achieve the desired properties.

Curing of the powder

After application, the coated workpiece is heated in an oven to melt the powder and cure it into a chemically cross-linked coating. This process ensures that the coating is strong and durable.

Challenges and solutions

One of the most common challenges is ensuring an even coating on complex geometries. Furthermore, inadequate pre-treatment can lead to wetting and adhesion problems with the coating. This in turn leads to a lack of corrosion protection.

These challenges can be overcome through targeted pre-treatment, the use of advanced application techniques and regular quality checks. Best practices also include selecting the right powder and adjusting the curing conditions.

Innovative coating solutions from FreiLacke

The continuous development of powder coating technology opens up new possibilities for innovative applications and sustainable solutions. FreiLacke always offers its customers state-of-the-art technology and outstanding service and focusses on constant progress.

FreiLacke not only coats aluminium, but also offers a wide range of other professional products. These include electrocoatings and industrial coatings, which are used in numerous industries. The appropriate horizontal and/or vertical coating solutions are always developed and specified for each individual customer.

Discover our powder coating solutions

Cost-efficient, environmentally friendly and highly durable.