What is fusion bonded epoxy powder coating?

Fusion bonded epoxy powder coating (FBE) is a type of coating that is applied to the surface of a material as a dry powder. The powder is made up of small particles of epoxy resin and a hardening agent. The coating is applied to the surface of the material using a process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), in which the powder particles are given an electrostatic charge, and then sprayed onto the surface of the material. The charged powder particles are attracted to the surface of the material, forming a coating.

The coating is then heated to a high temperature to cause the epoxy resin and hardening agent to melt and fuse together, forming a hard, durable coating. This process is called thermoset curing. The heat causes the epoxy resin to melt and flow, forming a uniform coating on the surface of the material.

FBE is commonly used to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and wear. The adhesion strength of FBE is very high, so it can be used to protect metal surfaces that are subjected to high mechanical stress and environmental conditions. FBE coatings also have excellent resistance to chemicals, salt water, and other corrosive agents.

How does fusion bonded epoxy work?

The electrostatic spray deposition process is a common method for applying FBE coatings. The powder is fed into a spray gun, where it is electrostatically charged by passing it through an electrical field. The charged powder particles are then sprayed onto the surface of the material, where they are attracted to the surface and form a coating. The thickness of the coating can be controlled by adjusting the spray gun’s distance from the surface and the powder feed rate.

Another method of applying FBE coating is called fluidized bed dipping. In this method, the heated material is dipped into a fluidized bed of powder, where it is coated with the FBE powder. The material is then removed from the fluidized bed and re-heated to cause the coating to cure. This method is typically used to coat large, irregularly shaped objects that cannot be easily coated using the electrostatic spray deposition process.

FBE coatings have many advantages over other types of coatings. They provide excellent corrosion resistance, high adhesion strength, and good chemical resistance. They also have good impact resistance and flexibility, which makes them suitable for protecting surfaces that are subject to high mechanical stress. They are also resistant to UV radiation, making them suitable for outdoor use.

In summary, Fusion bonded epoxy powder coating (FBE) is a type of coating that is applied to the surface of a material as a dry powder. The powder is made up of small particles of epoxy resin and a hardening agent. The coating is applied to the surface of the material using a process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) and then heated to a high temperature to cause the epoxy resin and hardening agent to melt and fuse together, forming a hard, durable coating. FBE is commonly used to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and wear.

Choose Junair for your powder coating needs

There will be many more uses for epoxy powder that haven’t been listed in this guide and you may learn more about the process by discovering the sectors we’ve worked for and provided an array of powder coating applications to. 

Our team can provide expert and specialist knowledge for your powder coating needs. You may want to consider including an epoxy coat for your spray booth or conveyor system and for that, Junair can help by assisting you from enquiry to installation. When considering the powder coating process that suits you and your business, choose Junair who are experts in powder coating by getting in touch with us.

Further reading

Written by