Powder coatings are among the most versatile and efficient processes in industrial surface finishing today. Whether in the chemical industry, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering – the process offers a combination of chemical resistance, mechanical robustness and outstanding non-stick properties. The use of specialized fluoropolymers and high-performance thermoplastics creates functional surfaces that are tailored to demanding operating conditions – economically, sustainably and precisely controllable. 

Properties and advantages of modern powder coatings 

Powder coatings open up a wide range of technical functionalities through the use of specialized materials: 

Temperature, chemical and weather resistance 

Powder-coated surfaces offer exceptional resistance to thermal and chemical stresses. Depending on the coating material used, continuous temperatures of up to 280 °C are possible, and even higher for short periods. Fluoropolymers such as PFA or PTFE in particular are characterized by almost universal chemical resistance, even to aggressive media such as strong acids, alkalis or aromatic hydrocarbons. 

These properties make the coatings the ideal solution for applications with high process loads. The protective effect of the coating is maintained even under extreme environmental influences – such as UV radiation, moisture or temperature fluctuations. Materials such as ECTFE or PVDF also offer excellent resistance to weathering and even radioactive radiation. 

Non-stick effect, slip resistance and electrical insulation 

A key feature of many powder coatings is their low surface energy. This means that foreign substances hardly adhere, which is particularly advantageous in food processing, conveyor technology or for components with cleaning intervals. Due to their low coefficient of friction, materials such as PTFE, FEP or PFA enable particularly good sliding properties – a decisive factor for components with moving contact surfaces. 

In addition, numerous coating systems have excellent electrical insulation properties. Materials such as ECTFE or ETFE offer high dielectric strength combined with a low dielectric constant, making them suitable for applications in the electrical industry. These properties remain stable even under demanding conditions, such as temperature changes or in humid environments. 

Environmentally friendly and sustainable processes 

Compared to traditional wet painting, powder coatings are characterized by a particularly environmentally friendly process. They do not require solvents and do not release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This reduces emissions during production and simplifies compliance with statutory environmental regulations. 

There are also sustainable advantages in the life cycle of the coated component: Worn or damaged powder coatings can be selectively removed and reapplied – without having to completely replace the substrate material. This extends the service life of technical components and saves resources. In addition, a large proportion of the energy we use comes from the company’s own solar system – a further contribution to ecologically responsible production. 

The plastic coating process 

When your component is delivered, we carry out a thorough incoming goods inspection for any damage such as corrosion or pitting and for coating conformity. If repairs to your component are necessary, we will repair them in consultation with the customer. The components are then sent for the appropriate pre-treatment. 

Depending on the coating material and the component, the actual coating process is carried out using either a wet paint process, electrostatic powder coating, whirl sintering or powder flame spraying. 

After the coating process, the component is sintered (several times in the case of powder coating) so that the coating cross-links and develops its actual properties. If necessary, mechanical reworking or further surface finishing processes such as glass bead blasting and electropolishing are carried out after the coating process, as well as assembly work if required. 

At the end of each plastic coating process, a quality check is carried out. 

Coating thickness, pore testing with high voltage, cross-cut and conductivity are measured and recorded. All measurement and test reports as well as the corresponding approvals can be sent to the customer on request.  

Materials and their specific properties 

The choice of suitable coating material significantly determines the functionality and service life of the powder coating. Depending on the requirements for temperature resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical strength or electrical properties, different high-performance and engineering plastics are used. In many cases, fluoropolymers are used, which are characterized by particularly versatile properties. Thermoplastics and special system coatings are also available to meet specific application requirements. 

High-performance fluoropolymers: PTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE 

Fluoropolymers are among the most efficient coating materials and are used in particular where extreme chemical or thermal requirements prevail. Their special molecular structure gives them exceptional inertness to external influences. 

Typical representatives and their properties at a glance: 

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) 

• Temperature resistant from -270 °C to +260 °C 
• Universally resistant to chemicals 
• Extremely low coefficient of friction 
• Excellent non-stick properties 

PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) 

• Very high temperature resistance up to 260 °C 
• Resistant to almost all chemicals (except alkali metal melts) 
• Low adhesion, high corrosion protection 
• High sliding wear resistance and diffusion protection 

FEP (fluoroethylene propylene) 

• Excellent sliding properties 
• Hydrophobic, non-stick 
• Sterilizable (gamma, ETO, e-beam, autoclave) 
• Temperature-stable up to 205 °C 

ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) 

• Resistant to chemicals, including aromatic hydrocarbons 
• High mechanical strength 
• Temperature range up to 155 °C 
• Used e.g. for valves, fittings, chemical containers 

ECTFE (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) 

• Very good electrical insulation properties 
• Excellent impact resistance, even at low temperatures 
• High abrasion resistance 
• Resistant to weathering, UV, chemicals and radioactive radiation 
• Temperature range: cryogenic up to 150 °C 

These materials are used in particular in chemical, pharmaceutical and process engineering, where extreme environmental conditions require a permanently reliable coating system. 

Engineering thermoplastics: PEEK, PEKK, PA, PE, PVDF, PUR 

In addition to fluoropolymers, engineering thermoplastics are also used when specific mechanical, thermal or chemical requirements need to be met. These materials offer versatile properties and can be processed in complex geometries. 

PEEK (polyether ether ketone) 

• Operating temperatures up to approx. 280 °C 
• High strength, rigidity and notch resistance 
• Very good hydrolysis resistance, even in steam 
• Low permeation of gases and liquids 
• Good creep and fatigue resistance 

PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) 

Similar properties to PEEK, but: 

• Better high temperature performance 
• Significantly lower shrinkage stress 
• Higher compressive strength 
• Lower moisture absorption (up to 6× lower than PEEK) 
• Also suitable for geometries that are difficult to coat 

PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) 

• High chemical resistance and good thermal stability 
• Used for membranes, measuring probes, packaging, etc. 
• Frequently used in chemical and measurement technology 

PUR (polyurethane) 

• Very good mechanical properties 
• Excellent abrasion resistance 
• Flexible and elastic at temperatures from -30 °C to +80 °C 
• Can withstand temperatures of up to 135 °C for short periods 
• Used e.g. for hoses, bending rollers, grippers 

PA / PE / EP (polyamide / polyethylene / polyester) 

• For specific applications with medium technical requirements 
• Used e.g. as insulators or in areas subject to less chemical stress 

These materials are often the first choice when robust mechanical properties, temperature resistance and dimensional stability are required – for example in conveyor technology, mechanical engineering or for highly stressed molded parts. 

Special coatings: Sol-gel systems and silicones 

In addition to classic fluoropolymers and technical thermoplastics, functional special coatings are also used in certain fields of application. They are used for the targeted modification of surface properties and significantly expand the range of powder coating applications. 

Sol-gel coatings 

• Based on inorganic-organic hybrid polymers 
• Surface modification through targeted chemical functionalization 
• Particularly suitable for glass, metal and ceramics 

Realizable effects: 

• Hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties 
• Self-cleaning (“easy-to-clean”) 
• Anti-fog (anti-fogging) 
• Anti-fingerprint 

Silicone coatings 

• Extremely low surface energy 
• Cost-effective non-stick effect 
• Often used as a supplementary sealant for thermally sprayed coatings 
• Limited temperature and chemical resistance, but high elasticity 

These coating systems are often used in the consumer goods industry, medical technology and in optical or electronic applications where special surface effects are required – such as anti-fog, low adhesion or easy cleaning. 

Typical areas of application 

The areas of application for powder-coated components are as diverse as the material properties themselves. Thanks to the combination of thermal stability, chemical resistance, non-stick effect and electrical insulation, powder coatings can be used in almost all industrial sectors, especially where there are high demands on operational safety, cleaning or material resistance. 

Chemicals, mechanical engineering and automotive engineering 

Powder coatings are considered indispensable in the chemical industry. Components such as reaction vessels, pipelines, valves or fittings are coated with highly resistant fluoropolymers such as PFA or ETFE to protect them from aggressive media and diffusion. The electrical insulation of coated components is also used in potentially explosive areas. 

In mechanical engineering and vehicle construction, the low coefficient of friction is particularly appreciated. Sliding guides, sealing surfaces or components subject to dynamic loads benefit from the increased wear resistance and improved energy efficiency. Polyurethane or PEEK coatings are used here when a combination of mechanical robustness and thermal resilience is required.  

Electrical industry, medical technology and food processing 

The electrical and electronics industry relies on materials with excellent insulating properties such as ECTFE or PVDF. Printed circuit board carriers, sensor housings or high-voltage components are protected against leakage currents and environmental influences by powder coating. The low moisture absorption of certain materials also contributes to electrical safety. 

In medical technology and food processing, the focus is on hygienic cleanability. Non-stick coatings such as PTFE or FEP prevent adhesion and enable quick cleaning without aggressive chemicals. In addition, many of the materials used are physiologically harmless and can be sterilized – for example by autoclaving or irradiation.