Advantages of In-House Powder Coating in OEM Metal Parts

At Metal Works of High Point, Inc., we pride ourselves on being a premier manufacturer of custom-fabricated metal components and assemblies. We offer a range of manufacturing capabilities and fine-tune our powder coating and finishing services to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

This article explores the benefits of powder coating and its growing impact on quality control, cost savings, and overall efficiency.

What is In-House Powder Coating?

Powder coating involves applying dry paint to a surface. Unlike traditional wet paint applications, powder coating involves spraying a solid powder coating directly onto the base material to create a hard, highly protective layer. This reliable, cost-effective method is widely used in different industries.

The powder used in this process is made from finely ground pigments and resin that are electrostatically charged and then sprayed onto the grounded metal parts. The charged powder particles cling to the metal surface, allowing for even coverage with minimal waste.

The parts are then cured in an oven to melt the powder into a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish. This process is environmentally friendly, producing fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than traditional liquid coatings.

Advantages of In-House Powder Coating in OEM Metal Parts

Cost Savings

Keeping powder coating services in-house allows for more accurate project quoting, eliminating unexpected expenses and additional markups. We work to fully understand project requirements and realize cost-effective in-house powder coating solutions that meet your specific needs.

We intentionally reduce our dependence on third-party schedules, mitigating the potential delays and additional costs associated with outsourcing. We then pass these cost savings on to our customers.

Quality Control

Outsourcing powder coating can compromise quality control, especially with metal finishing projects. Offsite processes often result in surface imperfections and uneven paint coverage, particularly with gloss finishes.

Our in-house powder coating specialists can identify and address these issues before painting. This close supervision prevents problems like color mismatches and non-uniform thickness, resulting in a high-quality finish.

Having an in-house team also allows for continuous improvement and fine-tuning of the process, ensuring that the highest standards are consistently met and client needs are met.

Reduction of Waste & Rework

Offsite powder coating often leads to overlooked imperfections, only discovered after returning to the fabricator, increasing lead time and costs. Shipping metal parts to and from an offsite vendor can cause damage, further adding to waste and rework.

Specialists at our metal fabrication facility can quickly detect and correct defects before painting, reducing waste and rework and maintaining the integrity of the parts used in the fabrication process. Our streamlined approach reduces material wastage and minimizes environmental impact for more sustainable manufacturing practices.

Speed & Efficiency

Outsourcing powder coating extends lead times and can delay product delivery by days or even weeks. With in-house powder coating, the fabrication process can be completed in as little as a day depending on order size.

Outsourcing powder coatings also creates fluctuations in lead times. When you choose in-house powder coating, you can count on us to deliver finished products faster than the competition.

Customer Service & Satisfaction

In-house powder coating allows fabrication teams to oversee the entire project from start to finish. This direct management results in higher-quality manufacturing outcomes.

Investing in in-house powder coating is a significant value-add for fabricators committed to offering clients better service and superior products. This approach guarantees that any issues are promptly communicated and addressed. Customer feedback is directly integrated into the process, fostering a collaborative and responsive service environment.

Conclusion

In-house powder coating offers numerous advantages, including cost savings, improved quality control, reduced waste and rework, and faster turnaround times. At Metal Works of High Point, we’re equipped to handle all your custom finishing needs, including high-quality decorative or protective finishes fabricated to your exact specifications.

For more information about our custom finishing capabilities, contact us. You can also request a quote based on your project’s requirements.