Aircraft Powder Coating

Airplane parts require powder coatings that uphold the highest standards of durability, weather resistance and longevity. Most airplane parts must be coated to prevent wear, galling and other problems caused by the demands of high-friction machinery. Our oven is large enough and our staff skilled to ensure your airplane powdercoat needs are met fully. Our facility in Wasilla regularly applies powder coatings aircraft parts for restoration as well as new manufactured parts.

The Value of Aircraft Powder Coating

Many aviators, report that powder coating is ideal option for steel parts of their airplane, like engine mounts, tube airframes, or certain portions of the landing gear. The reason why it’s ideal to powder coat steel aircraft parts is that, even though powder coat curing requires 400-degree, this is far less than the overall temp steel can withstand. Thus, powder coating doesn’t weaken the part.

While plane owners may opt for spray painting their aircraft’s aluminum parts, powder coating them can be a viable option. The biggest concern with powder-coating aluminum is that aircraft components tend to use small hardware to affix them in place. It may require extra effort to achieve optimal tightness once an aluminum part has been powder coated, versus a painted piece as the mil thickness will be greater. We work with the aircraft owner to make sure that surfaces and fittings that should not be coated are protected through the coating process.
Benefits Associated with Powder coating Aircraft Parts are durability and longevity. Powder coating, if prepared correctly resists corrosion as well as if not better than spray or liquid paint with far less steps and environmentally harmful chemicals. It also improves an aircraft part’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures and are less prone to chip or peel.

Preparing Aircraft Part Surfaces for Powder Coating

To prepare an aircraft part for powder coating, the technician must use cleaners to degreasing any oils and solvents effectively removing accumulated debris, including soil and paint residue. During the pretreatment process we perform abrasive or media blasting, to adequately prepare metal for the adhesion of electrostatic powder coat paint.

Inspections during a restoration project

We offer a unique option for those restoring aircrafts. After the surfaces have been blasted, we recommend that the owner remove the components and have all exposed welds and structural components inspected making any needed repairs before returning the components to our facility for application of primer and color coat. With a deposit, restorers can use one of our enclosed trailers to transport the components as needed to inspect their aircraft before applying the power coatings.

Applying a Primer to Aircraft Parts That Will Be Powder Coated

Applying a zinc or epoxy coating is necessary before powder coat. The primer serves as a sealant or protective layer that improves the chances that the substrates, or metal parts, will be able to ward off corrosion.

Powder Coating

We use cornea guns, to apply the coating powder paint that electrostatically affixes to a metal object (the substrate). The electrical charge of the powder coating gun becomes attracted to the metal’s grounded surface during the spraying process.

The Aircraft Parts Powder Coating Curing Process

The final stage of the powder coating process involves placing the aircraft parts in the curing oven. The powder coating oven and its high heat ensure that the powders are cured, or adequately adhered, to and protect the parts long-term. Through this curing process, the powder-coated paint shifts in appearance to a more painted-on aesthetic.

Experience is key to the quality of your project

Experience is valuable to determine the end-product or outcome. Our team of experienced powder coaters thoroughly understand the ins and outs of powder coating airplane parts. This insight is critical in ensuring the powder particles properly adhere to metal surfaces.

Reach out to us by phone or email to discuss your needs, so we can share how we can best meet them.