The Versatility of Minicoat Metal Powder Coating for Small Parts
Minicoat metal powder coating provides a consistent, high-performance finish for small metal components—typically under 3 in or 3 oz—by using a tumble-style application that ensures full coverage, fine thickness control, and no handler marks. This makes it ideal for industries where quality, uniformity, and durability matter most.
What Is Minicoat Powder Coating?
Minicoat coating uses a heated, tumbling process to apply fine thermoplastic powders—such as Rilsan PA11—for small parts en masse. Underground resistances in the powder aid in providing consistent thickness and complete encapsulation without hangar marks, making it a premier choice for items with complex geometries or delicate finishes.
Key Advantages for Small Components
Uniform Encapsulation
Tumbling ensures powder wraps around every surface evenly—especially critical on spring clips, hooks, fasteners, and small hardware—with no contact blemishes or patchiness.
Thickness Control
Typical coating thickness is around 0.003–0.009 inches, ensuring a fine yet protective layer. Rilsan PA11 fine powders, commonly used in Minicoat, maintain this level of precision .
High Throughput
Designed for small parts, Minicoat maximizes productivity. Hundreds or thousands of parts can be coated simultaneously, reducing handling time and improving cycle efficiency.
Durability & Flexibility
Thermoplastic powder coatings such as nylon offer robust resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and heat, while retaining part flexibility—beneficial for parts under mechanical stress
Eco-Friendly Process
There are no VOC emissions, and overspray is minimal—excess powder can be reclaimed and reused.
Typical Applications of Minicoat Coatings
Minicoat serves industries where protective, uniform finishes are essential on small-scale components:
- Apparel Hardware: Clips, adjusters, wire forms used in bras and lingerie are classic examples, benefiting from delicate, uniform coating.
- Electrical & Electronic Components: Terminals, connectors, and wire bonding fixtures require uniform insulation and corrosion resistance.
- Automotive Fasteners: Springs, brackets, and small mechanical parts need consistent protection to prevent corrosion.
- Medical Equipment: Small surgical or diagnostic tools benefit from sterile-friendly coatings with precise control.
- Hardware & Mechanical Parts: Springs, hinges, brackets—any part under repetitive motion benefits from Minicoat’s protective finish.
Though Minicoat excels on small parts, it is not designed for large sheets or automotive panels—that’s where fluid bed or electrostatic processes fit best.
How It Works in Practice
Minicoat combines preheating, tumbling, powder immersion, and cooling:
- Preheating: Parts are heated evenly to ensure the powder melts on contact.
- Tumble Bath Immersion: Heated parts are dropped into a fluidized bed of fine Rilsan powder (approx. 50 µm particle size), which adheres immediately upon contact due to heat and tumble action
- Post-Heat Smoothing: Post-heat cycle ensures melted powder levels out for a smooth, uniform finish.
- Cooling & Inspection: Final cooling followed by visual and thickness inspections guarantee every part meets specs.
Comparing Minicoat With Other Coating Methods
| Feature | Minicoat | Electrostatic Spray | Fluid Bed |
| Ideal Part Size | Small (< 3 in, < 3 oz) | Small–large parts | Usually larger parts |
| Coverage Uniformity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| No Hangar Marks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Thickness Precision | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Throughput Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Material Reuse | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Minicoat’s strengths lie in small part uniformity and production efficiency. Electrostatic spray and fluid bed offer versatility for larger or differently shaped parts.
Choosing Plastonics for Minicoat Services
Plastonics specializes in small-part powder coating, offering:
- Advanced Minicoat systems tailored for high output on small parts with precise, uniform finishes.
- Expertise in Rilsan fine powders for exceptional coating quality and performance.
- In-house surface treatment systems and calibrated post-heat cycles.
- Eco-conscious operation with powder recycling and zero VOCs.
- Sample runs and rapid turnarounds (typically 5–10 business days).
Final Thoughts
Minicoat metal powder coating is the ideal solution when you need high-quality, durable finishes on small metal components. It offers precise thickness control, complete encapsulation, and efficient batch processing—perfect for industries relying on small clips, fasteners, connectors, and medical or hardware parts.
At Plastonics, we specialize exclusively in coating small parts—typically under 3 in or 3 oz—using our Minicoat systems optimized for speed, repeatability, and reliability.
Ready to experience superior small-part protection? Contact Plastonics for a free Minicoat sample run and a custom quote.