UK’s trusted partner for aluminium powder coating services.

Powdertech Surface Science is one of the UK’s most technically advanced aluminium powder coating and pre-treatment (Titanium Zirconium Passivation) experts for automotive, medical, and other manufacturing sectors in the UK.

At Powdertech, we combine Titanium Zirconium (TiZr) passivation pre-treatment for aluminium with powder coating services and in-house laboratory testing in our facility. We were the first powder coater in the UK to adopt chrome-free aluminium pre-treatments in 2001, and today we use proven TiZr systems, including the eleven-stage Gardobond® X4591 and X4707 processes. This scientific approach, along with our in-house technical and engineering advisory support at every step, makes Powdertech the trusted partner for high-performance metal finishing services.

Our investment in Lesta robot MV A6 6 axis has enhanced the uniformity of coating on high-volume aluminium components. We have introduced robotic powder coating for consistency and precision in those areas which previously were refinished by hand.

Aluminium powder coating and its benefits.

Aluminium powder coating process

Aluminium powder coating is a surface finishing process in which a dry electrostatically charged powder, made of resins, binders, and pigments, is applied to aluminium surfaces and then cured under heat to form a continuous, protective film. It picks up an electrostatic charge as it leaves the end of a spray gun and becomes attracted to the metal substrate. The coating is then cured by heat to form a smooth, hard skin of uniform thickness on the surface of the metal. This is a very different process from wet paint spraying, with time saving and control over process variables being big advantages.

The final finish provides excellent resistance to corrosion, UV degradation, chemicals and abrasion, while allowing precise control over coating thickness, colour and texture.

Powder coating is a one-coat system, and after application, the coating can be cured in 20 minutes, whatever the weather. The powder-coated surface formed by the curing process is a bonded layer with excellent resistance to weather corrosion, scratches, abrasions, chipping and fading.

  • Powder coatings are a dry powder with no solvents and emit zero or negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

  • Powder coatings contain no halogens or heavy metals.

  • Powder coatings do not produce hazardous waste. The process takes place in sealed booths, and 95% of what is sprayed adheres to the metal or is collected, filtered, and reused. Any powder left over is safely disposed of as an inert powder.

  • Powder coating takes place in factory-controlled conditions, so there is no on-site impact.

  • Powder coating does not mean ‘end-of-life’ status for the metal. The coating can be removed and the metal recycled with no adverse effect.

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Pre-treatment with Titanium Zirconium (TiZr) passivation for aluminium powder coating.

TiZr Passivation at Powdertech

We use only chrome-free pre-treatments in our plant and were the first powder coater in the UK to install chrome-free pre-treatment in 2001.

We have extensive experience in these safe and effective systems.

Our TiZr chrome-free pre-treatments are eleven-stage Gardobond® X4591 and Gardobond® X4707 processes. Gardobond etch passivation techniques, and Henkel Bonderite M-NT 2040 give equivalent levels of protection.

Aluminium powder coating case studies

‍ ‍Typical items we coat include automotive components, EV battery enclosures, medical devices, aircraft interiors, and robotic equipment.

Why choose Powdertech powder coating for aluminium?

If you are looking for a dependable powder coating partner who cares about your business outcomes, you are in the right place.

Getting to know you and your products is at the heart of what we do. Through building a close working relationship with you, we can be responsive to your business needs – helping you to keep the promises you have made to your customers.

Your project becomes our focus

You will have our support from design and prototype stage through to full production volumes with a technical, consultative and practical approach.

You will benefit from our experience which covers small complex components to extrusions four metres in length, and specialist tasks such as masking.

We take pride in our work and have a strict quality control regime for pre-treatment and coating systems as you would expect from a Syntha Pulvin® Approved Applicator.

Exceptionally high standards in metal finishing services

We use high-performance powders and the latest automatic powder coating spray equipment to ensure a consistent finish. We regularly invest in new equipment and facilities. Your metal will be pre-treated and coated to an exceptionally high standard, and we go beyond that - our expertise extends to developing new pre-treatments and powder coatings for unique applications.

For the most delicate and intricate components and those that require precision masking, we have our INTRICOAT service, with CAD-designed masking schemes, and powder coating operated in a dedicated facility within our plant.

Powder coating plant capacity

You can send us low-volume, fast turnaround prototype parts as well as tightly controlled production components. Our facility can process small, fragile aluminium and magnesium components, as well as accommodating sections up to 4 metres long.

We have a pilot line facility for development work, prototype testing and scale-up validated to two automated production lines.

Chrome-free pre-treatment

Chrome-free since 2001, your project is processed by one of two large automated pre-treatment lines. We use:

  • Gardobond X4707 ten-stage chrome-free pre-treatment.

  • Gardobond A4917 phosphate pre-treatment (can also be used for steel).

  • Iridite NCP. Meeting ELV, RoHS and WEEE standards and qualified under MIL – DTL – 5541 TYPE II CLASS 3 and MIL – DTL – 81706

Powdertech’s final inspection and delivery of your aluminium powder coating project.

 

We carry out a meticulous final inspection - checking dimensions and visual aspects of the parts.

Direct despatch to OEM’s. We are familiar with EDI systems and online booking of transport, direct to end users.

We offer express turnaround in a matter of hours - we are set up for rapid job completion where necessary.

Dedicated warehouse facilities for raw and finished goods.

 Discuss your aluminium powder coating requirements.

or find out more about our INTRICOAT service and TiZr pre-treatment

More Metal Finishing Services