Capabilities · Finishing
Powder coating aluminum
RAL and custom powder coating for aluminum — a thick, durable, uniform finish that resists chips, chemicals and weather better than liquid paint. We apply, cure and verify in-house.
When to powder coat
Powder coating aluminum is the default for enclosures and outdoor frames where durability and color consistency matter. We apply the powder electrostatically and cure it in an oven, forming a continuous film that bonds to a pretreated surface. Choose it over anodizing when you need a wide color range, a thicker film, or a specific gloss and texture.
Unlike anodizing — which grows from the metal — powder sits on top as an organic coating. That difference decides where each finish belongs.
Typical specs
- Colors: full RAL + custom
- Film: ~60–100 µm
- Adhesion: cross-cut (ISO 2409)
- Pretreat: chrome-free conversion
Confirm exact film and gloss against your spec.
How a part is powder coated
- Clean & pretreat. Degrease, then a chrome-free conversion coating that keys the powder to aluminum — this step decides adhesion.
- Apply. Electrostatic spray charges the powder so it wraps the part evenly, including edges.
- Cure. Oven cross-links the film (typical cure around 180–200 °C for a defined dwell).
- Inspect. Film thickness, cross-cut adhesion and color check against the standard.
- Masked features. Threads, bores and seats masked before coating stay to tolerance.
Capability & typical specs
Numbers below are typical; confirm exact limits against your drawing.
| Parameter | Typical capability |
|---|---|
| Colors | RAL / custom / textured |
| Film thickness | ~60–100 µm |
| Adhesion | cross-cut, ISO 2409 (grade 0–1 typical) |
| Finish | matte / gloss / texture |
| Pretreatment | chrome-free conversion coating |
Powder coating vs anodizing
Both protect aluminum, but they are different finishes. Use this to choose:
| Factor | Powder coating | Anodizing |
|---|---|---|
| Layer | Organic film on top | Integral oxide grown from metal |
| Look | Any RAL, matte/gloss/texture | Metallic, machined feel |
| Color range | Full RAL + custom | Clear / black / selected dyed colors |
| Film thickness | ~60–100 µm | 5–60 µm |
| Heat sink use | Insulating — avoid on fins | Thin oxide, generally suitable for thermal surfaces |
| Best for | Color-matched, outdoor, non-thermal | Heatsinks, enclosures, premium metallic |
Many projects use both — anodized fins inside, powder-coated shell outside. The two finishes are not mutually exclusive.
DFM notes for powder coating
Design for coating
- Avoid sharp outside corners. Powder builds thicker there and can "orange-peel"; a small radius gives a cleaner film.
- Mask threads and seats. The 60–100 µm film will lock fine threads — mask or tap after coating.
- Specify the color standard. Give a RAL number or signed sample; custom matches carry a tolerance band.
- Watch trapped air. Hollow or cast parts can outgas and pit; vent or pre-bake where needed.
- Flatness after cure. The oven cycle adds heat — allow for minor relaxation on thin parts.
Where powder coating is used
Outdoor enclosures
UV-stable polyesters for frames and housings exposed to weather.
Architectural & trims
Color-matched profiles and panels with uniform gloss.
Industrial equipment
Chemical- and abrasion-resistant shells and guards.
Consumer & EV
Branded color, texture and durable surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Powder coat or anodize — which should I specify?
Choose powder coating for a wide color range, thicker film and strong outdoor durability; choose anodizing for a thin metallic finish where the part must stay thermally conductive (heatsinks) or read as machined metal. Many designs use both: anodized fins, powder-coated shell.
What film thickness can you hold?
Typical cured film is around 60–100 µm, controlled by application and verified by thickness gauge. Tell us the target and any masked-area tolerance; we measure at inspection. Very tight-tolerance bores should be masked.
Can you match a specific RAL or sample?
Yes for color. Powder carries a shade tolerance band (not a hard paint match), so for critical assemblies we recommend coating the parts in one batch against an approved sample. Custom colors are mixed to order.
Does powder coating insulate a heat sink?
Yes — a 60–100 µm organic film adds thermal resistance, so avoid powder on fins. For thermal parts, anodize (thin oxide) is the better choice. You can powder-coat the non-thermal shell while leaving fins bare or anodized.
How do you ensure adhesion?
Adhesion starts with pretreatment: we clean and apply a chrome-free conversion coating that keys the powder to aluminum, then verify with a cross-cut test (ISO 2409). Skipping or weakening pretreatment is the usual cause of poor adhesion, so we treat it as a controlled step.
Powder coat your parts
Send color (RAL) and part — we coat and cure, with masking where needed.