Corrodere Academy launch new Powder Coating Application course
Powder coatings are a type of coating that is applied as a dry, fine powder to produce high quality and durable finishes. Unlike conventional liquid coatings and paints, which are typically applied via a brush or roller, powder coatings are applied as a free-flowing powder that streams smoothly and evenly. This application can either be conducted through electrostatic spraying or a fluidised bed dipping process, followed by a necessary heat (or UV) curing process.
Since their early development in the 1940’s, powder coatings have come to take large swathes of the protective coatings industry by storm. Today, they enjoy a dominant position in a range of markets (including architectural, industrial and transport), and this dominance is only predicted to intensify. Indeed, whilst the current global powder coatings market stands at a significant $15.2 billion in 2024, this is projected to grow by a whopping $9 billion to reach $24.26 billion in a mere eight years’ time (Chemicals & Materials Industry – Fortune Business Insights).
The soaring popularity of powder coatings can be attributed to their many advantages over alternative protective coating materials. Firstly – and perhaps most importantly, given our ongoing climate crisis – powder coatings are significantly more sustainable than their traditional liquid counterparts. This is in large part due to their exceptionally low (or often non-existent) Volatile Organic Content (VOC), eliminating the health hazards and air pollution associated with solvent emissions. Additionally, the limited overspray powder produced in the application process can be recycled and reused, ensuring minimal waste.
Powder coatings are often more economical options than their liquid counterparts. Whilst initial set-up costs can be high, their transfer efficiency is streaks ahead of traditional liquid paint methods, reaching an impressive 95% when applied using the fluidised bed technique. Furthermore, the equipment used for powder coating requires relatively minimal maintenance, making it more convenient and cost-effective.
Remarkably, the huge environmental and economic benefits powder coatings incur do not lead to diminished performance. In fact, many powder coatings – when applied as a single layer and cured by heat – provide comparably exceptional durability, chemical resistance, toughness and flexibility. Taking all this into account, it appears evident that powder coatings constitute the future of the protective coatings industry.
It is in this context that Corrodere Academy is proud to announce its new Powder Coatings application course. Expertly crafted, engaging, and informative, the course is designed to ensure high-quality training is available within the industry – an availability that is essential as the powder coatings market continues to boom. Following the course’s launch, we sat down with Brendan Fitzsimons – Corrodere’s Technical Director and leading industry expert – to hear his thoughts.
- What motivated Corrodere to design the Powder Coatings course?
Our primary goal is to address the rapidly growing demand within the industry, driven in large part by increasing sustainability concerns. As the industry expands, more and more manufacturers are looking to bring powder coating capabilities in-house. However, the surge in demand has outpaced the availability of skilled professionals. Many companies have invested in powder coating units but find themselves without the trained staff necessary to operate them effectively. This is where we step in, providing the high-quality training needed to equip these companies with the expertise required.
- Who is this course targeted at?
This course is primarily targeted at powder coating applicators and associated workers involved in the powder coating process. Our training is designed to be highly practical and hands-on, focusing on the real-world skills needed on the job rather than delving too deeply into technical or scientific theory. The theoretical components of the course are digestible, ensuring applicators gain the necessary knowledge without being overwhelmed by complex concepts.
The course will also be helpful for powder coating technical and sales staff from powder suppliers and equipment suppliers.
While the Applicators are the primary recipients of this training, it’s essential for companies to recognise that powder coating is a team driven process. From pre-cleaning to application, each step requires careful coordination and expertise. Therefore, it’s crucial for companies to invest in training across the entire team, ensuring that every stage of the process is executed with precision – a need our course is designed to fulfil.
- Why should industry professionals take the Powder Coatings course?
As the powder coatings market continues to boom, skilled application of powder coatings is an increasingly vital proficiency for anyone in the industry. Corrodere’s course ensures that students fully understand the many stages and intricacies of the powder coatings process, verifying their competence to carry out this high-skilled work effectively and safely.
For employers, offering the course to staff defends against potential costly coating failures by ensuring application is done correctly, first-time around. Investing in training is also a way to boost job satisfaction (and, by extension, job performance), ensuring employees know they are rightly perceived as an invaluable resource. Any registered Train the painter company that is engaged in powder coating application can – and should – deliver the course.
- How valued do you foresee the Powder Coatings course being by the industry at large?
Ultimately, we foresee our Powder Coatings course becoming an industry norm. The benefits of the course are simply innumerable for Applicators, companies and clients alike. Applicators benefit from verifiable expertise and enhanced confidence in their work; companies benefit from well-trained staff and an elevated reputation as a consequence of staff investment; clients benefit from knowing they are enlisting highly qualified trade personnel. Indeed, the failure of powder coatings can be costly – Corrodere’s course (the only one of its kind) ensures that rather than relying on reputation, companies and clients alike can trust their powder coating Applicators to have certifiable, accredited skills and expertise.
- Who endorses the course?
We’re delighted to say that the British Coating Federation (BCF) has endorsed the programme. Their endorsement highlights the high-quality and necessity of the course, and we’re excited to be working with them.
The Powder Coating Application course is available globally through the Corrodere Academy’s Train the painter programme. To find out more, please get in touch with the team.
