Secoa Metal Finishing

Eco-Friendly Metal Finishing: Powder Coating

Eco-Friendly Metal Finishing: Powder Coating

Are you looking for an eco-friendly metal finishing option? If you answered yes, then you should consider powder coating. Powder coating has a plethora of features that make it a top tier choice for all kinds of finishing applications; one such feature is its “green” nature. Powder coating is a lot better for the environment than many metal finishing alternatives.

Powder Coating and Air Pollution

One major reason powder coating is considered eco-friendly is because it doesn’t contribute to air pollution. Many other finishing options, like paint, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are eventually released into the air. When VOCs are released, they cause damage to the ozone layer. Powder coating does not emit VOCs, which means it doesn’t cause air pollution by releasing toxic fumes into the environment.

 Powder Coating and Hazardous Waste

In addition to producing VOCs, wet paint produces a lot of hazardous waste, because it often requires reworks that involve solvents. These solvents produce harmful fumes while in use, and then need to be disposed of (at which point they are considered hazardous waste). Retouching powder coating does not require any harsh chemicals, and since its inert on its own, the powder coating process does not produce any hazardous waste.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

During the powder coating process, there is always some powder that fails to adhere to the surface. Rather than being thrown out, this excess powder can be reclaimed and used again later. Therefore, powder coating is a good choice for anyone concerned about unnecessary waste. If you want to learn more about eco-friendly metal finishing, contact Secoa Metal Finishing at (706) 383-2893 or sales@secoatech.com. We provide a range of metal finishing services, including powder coating, in Georgia. We look forward to hearing from you.

What’s the Difference Between Corrosion and Rusting?

What’s the Difference Between Corrosion and Rusting?

In the world of metal finishing, products are often described as anti corrosion coatings, anti rust coatings, or both. Using this pair of descriptions for one product may seem redundant, as the terms corrosion and rust are often assumed to be direct synonyms, and used interchangeably as a result. However, there are a few differences between corrosion and rusting.

Defining the Terms

Technically speaking, corrosion is the process in which oxidation caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions causes a material to deteriorate, while rusting is the oxidation of iron that has been exposed to air and moisture. Rust is a type of corrosion, but not all corrosion is rust.

What Does it Look Like?

Rust has a very distinctive orange-brown color, and because rust is a type of corrosion, some corrosion does, too. But, not all corrosion is orange-brown. Some types of corrosion are other colors, like green or blue.

What Does it Affect?

One of the key differences between corrosion and rusting is the material affected. Corrosion can occur on a variety of surfaces, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and even wood. Rusting, however, occurs only on iron and iron alloys.

So, using the term “anti corrosion coating” indicates that a product can be used for applications involving a wide variety of materials, while using the term “anti rust coating” explicitly indicates that a product will work well for applications that involve iron or iron alloys.

Though most coatings that prevent rust will likely prevent other types of corrosion as well, it may prove useful to be aware of this distinction.

What is the Cause?

Another notable difference between corrosion and rust is cause. Corrosion can occur on particular surfaces when they are exposed to air or specific chemicals. Rusting occurs when an iron or iron alloy is exposed to both air and moisture.

In Conclusion

Overall, the differences between rust and corrosion are minimal, but they do exist. It is probably safe to assume that most of the time, anti corrosion coatings will prevent rust, and anti rust coatings will prevent other types of corrosion.

This is certainly true of our products at Secoa Metal Finishing. Our protective coatings are great for preventing many types of corrosion, rust included. If you would like to learn more about our corrosion resistant, anti rust coatings, give us a call at (706) 383-2893 or send an email to sales@secoatech.com

Comparing the Benefits of Anodizing, Painting, and Powder Coating

There are many different types of metal finishing; some of the most popular are anodizing, painting, and powder coating. Choosing the right type of coating for your application can be essential to achieving the desired results. If you have a piece of metal that needs to be coated, you may find yourself wondering, “Which is best? Anodizing, painting, or powder coating?”

Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that can be used to form a protective coating of oxide on a metal surface. One thing that sets anodizing apart from other finishing methods is that the coating it creates is actually a part of the metal, so it cannot peel or flake. As a result, anodizing makes metal surfaces extremely durable. Anodizing is great for applications that require high levels of corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance. Anodizing also makes metal surfaces non-conductive, which can be useful in certain circumstances. In most cases, anodizing is restricted to aluminum substrates only.

Powder Coating

Powder coating is a metal finishing process that involves applying dry powder to a metal surface, and then heating the powder until it cures. There are several reasons one might choose powder coating as a metal finishing method. Though powder coated surfaces are generally not as durable as anodized surfaces, they are still extremely resistant to corrosion, abrasions, and general wear and tear; powder coating is a quick and simple process, which makes it convenient; and powder coating comes in a huge variety of colors.

Painting

Using wet paint is the most conventional metal finishing method. Though paint is much less durable than powder coating or anodizing, it does have its advantages. For example, paint can be used to coat surfaces that can’t be heated; it comes in an even more impressive array of colors than powder coating; and it is often very affordable.

The Verdict

So, which is best: anodizing, painting, or powder coating? Well, the answer is that there is no clear answer. Each of these finishing methods is best for its own specific range of applications. If you need extreme durability, you may want to look into anodizing. If you need corrosion resistance, but you also want a lot of color choices, powder coating may be your best option. If you just want a classic coating that is simple and cost-effective, painting is the way to go.

If you are seeking out metal finishing services, make sure to do your research and choose the process best suited for your application. If you are in need of powder coating or anodizing in Georgia, contact Secoa Metal Finishing at (706) 383-2893 or sales@secoatech.com. We provide high quality metal finishing services to those in Georgia, and beyond!

What Industries Use Metal Finishing?

Metal finishing is a process that can provide a wide range of benefits, ranging from corrosion resistance to general durability. Different types of metal coating have different features that make them well suited for different applications. At Secoa Metal Finishing, we offer metal coatings with applications in a vast array of industries.

The Aerospace Industry

Friction and corrosion are big concerns in the aerospace industry. It is important for a lot of the equipment used in this sector to have a low friction coefficient, and to be corrosion resistant.

At Secoa Metal Finishing, we serve the aerospace industry with a variety of metal coatings that help address these concerns. For example, we offer a wide range of fluoropolymers that are excellent for reducing friction, and our Nylon 11 coating is extremely corrosion resistant.

The Food Processing Industry

Non-stick properties are extremely useful in the food processing industry. Fluoropolymer coatings have non-stick properties, and can be applied to cookware and bakeware to make cleanup easy, prevent corrosion, and reduce the potential of food contamination between cleaning cycles.

In addition to improving the non-stick properties of food processing equipment, fluoropolymer coatings provide a high level of heat resistance that is very useful for baking and cooking applications.

The Medical Industry

Metal finishing is often used in the medical industry to make medical instruments cleaner, safer, and more effective. Metal coatings can enhance a metal’s antibacterial properties, and make it easier to sterilize, which is important in a medical setting where cleanliness could mean a patient’s survival.

Metal coatings can also inhibit electrical conductivity. This is important because using medical instruments that are highly conductive could increase burn risk during a procedure.

At Secoa Metal Finishing, we carry Rislan Nylon 11, various fluoropolymers, and other types of coating that are commonly used in the medical industry.

Metal finishing services are extremely beneficial in all kinds of industries. Whether an application requires corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low electrical conductivity, or non-stick properties, applying the right metal coating is a smart and viable solution.

If you are in need of metal finishing in Georgia, give us a call at (706) 383-2893 or send an email to sales@secoatech.com. We look forward to helping you find the perfect metal finishing solution for your application.

Powder Coating vs Galvanizing: A Comparison of Steel Finishing Methods

Steel is a remarkably strong material, and as a result, it is commonly used for a wide variety of industrial applications. However, it is also susceptible to things like corrosion. As such, it is important to apply protective coatings to structures and equipment made of steel. Two of the most common metal finishing methods for preventing damage to steel components are powder coating and galvanizing.

Powder Coating

Powder coating is extremely popular in the metal finishing industry. The powder coating process involves applying a dry, electrostatically charged coating to a surface, and then curing it until a protective layer is formed. There are many benefits using powder coating on steel components. Powder coating is extremely durable, and can protect a surface from chipping, abrasions, corrosion, and chemical damage, among other things. It is also available in a wide array of colors and textures.

Galvanizing

Galvanizing is a metal finishing process that involves dipping steel in molten zinc, which creates a metallurgic bond between the two materials. Galvanizing results in a layer of zinc that protects the steel from the elements and prevents it from succumbing to corrosion. Galvanized steel can last for 50-100 years, and requires very little maintenance, which makes it cost effective in the long-term.

Which Is Best?

So, which method is better for finishing steel? Powder coating or galvanizing? The truth is, neither of these metal finishing methods is inherently superior to the other. While powder coating is the best choice for some applications, galvanizing is better for others.

For example, because powder coating offers so many more color options than galvanizing, it is a better choice for applications where aesthetics are important. Meanwhile, galvanizing makes steel more temperature resistant than powder coating, and so is better for applications that involve extreme heat or extreme cold.

If you have a steel component that needs a protective coating, do your research to find out which method best suits your application before committing to one or the other.

If you have questions about metal finishing, feel free to contact Secoa Metal Finishing by calling (706) 383-2893 or sending an email to sales@secoatech.com. We offer high-quality metal finishing services in Georgia and the surrounding area.

What You Need to Know About Fluoropolymer Coating

If you’re a product manufacturer or designer looking to protect your equipment with something that is highly resistant to friction, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, fluoropolymer coating may be just the thing you need. At Secoa Metal Finishing, we offer many coating options, including fluoropolymer coating to help you keep your surfaces safe.

A Highly Versatile Coating

Several fluoropolymers are often applied to metals such as steel, aluminum, brass, and alloys. They can also be applied to plastics and other materials if you rough up the surface first. Fluoropolymer coatings are often used on cookware, though there are plenty of other applications as well.

Tool Production and Technology Applications

Fluoropolymer coating is frequently utilized in the tech sector on things like circuit boards and wiring. Because these coatings have exceptionally high heat resistance and excellent insulation capabilities, it is highly sought after as a coating for cables, plugs, and jacks that contact or channel electrical currents.

Medical Instruments

In the medical field, fluoropolymer coatings are used for manufacturing medications and protecting sensitive surgical equipment. Fluoropolymer coatings are also non-reactive to biological fluids – giving them even more medical applications.

Non-stick Cookware and Food Processing

Fluoropolymer coatings are heat resistant, non-stick, hydrophobic (water repellent), and have an extremely high melting point of 620°F. For these reasons, they are often used in the food processing and cookware industries. Another reason fluoropolymer coatings are great for cookware is that they do not absorb smells or flavors from the surrounding environment. And unlike plastic, it is chemically inert.

Heavy Industrial Uses

Fluoropolymer coatings are friction resistant, which make them highly useful in many industrial settings. Fluoropolymer coatings help prevent premature wear and tear and the breakdown of moving parts, effectively extending the lifespan of machines. If it involves bearings, gears, or parts that slide, a fluoropolymer coating can improve it. For information about the fluoropolymer coatings we offer for various industrial and commercial applications, call us today at 706.272.0133 or complete our contact form.

Different Types of Anti-corrosion Coatings

Corrosion can be a threat to all manner of things, such as farm equipment, buildings, pipelines, ships, vehicles, and bridges, to name a few. The best way to protect such objects is by applying anti-corrosion coatings. These coatings can be useful in urban and rural environments, underground or in the open air. They are also useful in industrial settings like the marine and mining sectors. At Secoa Metal Finishing, we offer an extensive range of coatings that can help you protect your assets. The material you are trying to protect and the conditions to which it is exposed will help determine which anti-rust or anti-corrosion coatings will best suit your needs.

Anti-corrosion Coating Products

We offer a wide variety of coatings that protect against corrosion-causing substances like air, water, and chemicals. Each type of coating has unique features that make it particularly well suited to certain purposes.

Epoxy

Epoxy anti-corrosive powder coating holds up well even in the wettest of environments. This makes it a popular choice for applications involving waste treatment, water valves, or weather-proofing.

Plascoat

When applied to standard steel, plascoat can provide exceptional anti-corrosion protection, making it a great alternative to stainless steel. It is an outstanding option for applications in the food and architectural industries.

Nylon

Nylon polymer coating is quite versatile. It is often applied to automotive, medical, and industrial equipment, and is frequently used in the field of information technology.

Other Polymers

Polymer coatings are known for their durability and anti-corrosion properties. As such, they are very useful in industrial settings. These coating products are very useful when piping, valves, or pumps are involved. If you want to protect your equipment from corrosion, look no further. We at Secoa provide high-quality anti-rust and anti-corrosion coatings that are sure to meet your needs. For information about the anti-rust and anti-corrosion coatings we offer for industrial and commercial applications, call us today at 706.272.0133 or use our contact form.

Basics of Food Grade Non-Stick Coating

Basics of Food Grade Non-Stick Coating

Applying food-grade non-stick coatings to stainless steel and other common kitchen staples can create safe and convenient cooking surfaces. At Secoa Metal Finishing, we offer fluoropolymer coatings that have been engineered to prevent corrosion and provide easy cleanup. Our FDA approved powder coatings make for long-lasting and durable surfaces with all kinds of useful applications.

Non-Stick Food Grade Coating Benefits

Non-stick coatings allow food processing equipment to function with high efficiency and lower the risk of food contamination over recurring cleaning cycles. Those in the food prep industry will know that making sure food prep equipment is properly cleaned can be time consuming. Our coatings cut down on cleaning time and make food prep more efficient. Here are a few more benefits of using food grade coatings:
  • They protect food preparation equipment
  • They produce non-stick surfaces
  • They provide fast mold release
  • They can withstand extreme cold and extreme heat
  • They resist damage caused by water, hot oils, steam, and fats
At Secoa Metal Finishing, our non-stick coatings are authorized by the FDA and used by all kinds of businesses where safe and easy maintenance are of the utmost importance. Our coatings will protect your equipment against heat, abrasion, and corrosion. Contact our team for help determining which coating solution is right for you. To learn about how we can meet your non-stick coating needs, call us today at 706.272.0133 or send us a message via our contact form.

Release Coating Types and Properties

Release Coating Functions and Features

Release coating are used to maintain and improve production process operations in a wide variety of industrial settings.  At Secoa Metal Finishing, we provide exceptional fluoropolymer coatings that effectively stop corrosion, create long-lasting and durable surfaces, and make cleanup a cinch.

Lengthening Equipment Operations

Release coatings can be used to enhance machinery performance, and can be applied without the use of other lubricants which may attract dirt particles. Applying release coating to a machine can help it achieve smooth operation and greater efficiency, even if the machine has been dormant for extended periods of time. In some cases, release coatings can also bring down noise levels generated by equipment, and lower the amount of friction between pieces of machinery. Release coatings cure quickly, are easy to apply, and provide surfaces with protection and durability. As a result, they are used in many different industries, including automotive, national security, communications, and electronics. Release coatings are exceptionally tough , and provide a cost-effective way to ensure the longevity of your equipment.

Heat Protection

Fluoropolymer is heat resistant, and can function in temperatures up to 500°F. Because of this, it is used to protect electrical wires from sustaining heat damage.

Food Preparation

Due in part to their high heat resistance, fluoropolymer coatings are often used in the food prep industry. They also make cleaning cookware a breeze thanks to their nonstick properties. Using release coatings can increase your equipment’s lifespan and help it operate more efficiently, which will save you money in the long run. To learn how we can provide you with release coatings for your industrial applications, call our team today at 706.272.0133 or fill out our contact form.

What Are the Most Common Types of Metal Finishing?

There are many different options in metal finishing. The choices range from the specific coatings applied to the techniques and methods used to apply the coating to the surface. The goal of each metal finishing process is to provide a specific protective coating to the surface of the metal, and many of these coatings can also be used on a range of different materials.

As a general guideline, the coatings and techniques used in metal finishing make a part or component less resistant to wear. They can also provide protection from oxidation and rusting, damage from corrosive materials, and even protection from high-temperature types of applications.

The most common coatings are used across a range of different industries. Different finishing options are ideal for automotive parts and components, in the manufacturing of cooking utensils and baking supplies, in aerospace components as well as in the medical device industry. Coatings can also be used in food and beverage processing systems, water and utility companies and for coatings on industrial equipment and manufacturing devices.

Powder Coating

There are different options in powder coating based on the desired end results. Epoxy, polyester, and fluoropolymer coatings are ideal for numerous applications. Epoxy and polymer coatings are ideal for general use and for anti-corrosion protection.

The choice of fluoropolymer coatings is often recommended by our staff for high temperature, low friction requirements combined with high levels of resistance to corrosive materials. Nylon powder coating is often recommended if abrasion resistance is a key factor in addition to corrosion and chemical resistance.

Anti-Rust Coatings

For many types of parts and component, preventing rust from developing on the surface due to water or humidity, exposure is a primary concern. Depending on the additional properties required, these coatings can be very low cost for specific waterproofing, or they can include additional coating options for improved performance even in very difficult working conditions.

To discuss the metal finishing option, that is the best match for your order, give us a call today at 706-272-0133.