Fluid Bed Powder Coating Provides Robust Protection for Small Metal Parts
Fluid bed powder coating delivers thick, uniform, and durable finishes—perfect for small metal components exposed to abrasion, corrosion, or high heat. Plastonics specializes in coating small parts under 3 in or 3 oz, bringing precision, protection, and reliability to industries that require high-performance finishes.
What Sets Fluid Bed Coating Apart
Fluid bed coating immerses preheated parts into a bed of fluidized thermoplastic powder. As the heated part is submerged, powder melts on contact, creating a thick film. The result is a full 360-degree encapsulation, ideal for parts where coverage and thickness matter. Typical coatings range from 8 to 125 mils, offering solid barrier protection and smoothing out imperfections—for parts like wire baskets where uniformity is vital .
Key Industrial Applications
Fluid bed powder coating is a go-to choice across various industries:
Wire Goods and Baskets
Wire racks, mesh baskets, and metal fixtures are uniformly coated, preventing corrosion and metal-to-metal abrasion—ideal for dishwasher racks or industrial baskets
Electrical Insulation (Bus Bars & Coils)
Electrical components such as bus bars, stators, and coils benefit from thick, electrically insulating thermoplastic layers
Furniture & Outdoor Hardware
High-build coatings on brackets, hinges, and valves withstand UV, weather, and wear—perfect for outdoor and industrial environments
Valves, Pipes & Chemical Equipment
Epoxy or nylon coatings applied via fluid bed protect components in harsh chemical or high-moisture environments
Medical & Food-Contact Items
Thick, chemically stable coatings on trays, wire tools, and utensils prevent corrosion and aid sterilization
Automotive Small Parts
Small engine accessories, valve covers, and hardware achieve consistent high-build protection—originally the founding use of fluid bed technology .
Advantages Over Other Coating Techniques
Fluid bed coating stands out due to its:
Thick, Uniform Film
Builds 0.008–0.125 inches in one dip, ideal for parts where protection matters
Complete Coverage
Encapsulates edges, recesses, and wire structures without Faraday cage effects seen in electrostatic spray
Low Waste, High Efficiency
Near-total powder utilization, minimal cleanup, no VOC
Smooth Surface Finish
Independent of humidity or powder conductivity, the coating produces even, drip-free finishes .
How It Works in Practice
Preheat Phase
Parts are typically heated to 350–450 °F to ensure proper powder melting upon contact .
Fluidization
Air is pumped through the powder bed, creating a fluid-like state that enables full coverage
Dip and Submerge
Heated parts are dipped to build up the desired film thickness based on immersion time.
Post-Heat Cure
Parts are reheated to fuse the coating into a smooth, continuous finish .
Cooling and Inspection
Parts are cooled, then visually and dimensionally inspected to ensure coverage and thickness criteria are met.
Selecting the Right Powder
Fluid bed processes can use a variety of thermoplastics or thermosets:
- Nylon for wear resistance and UV stability
- Epoxy for chemical protection on utility components
- Vinyl for softer-touch or insulated finishes on handles and wire goods
- Polyethylene or polyolefin for outdoor fixtures requiring weather resistance
Practical Considerations
Fluid bed coating works best for:
- Metal parts capable of withstanding preheat cycles.
- Components requiring film thicknesses above 10 mils.
- Items where surface barriers or electrical insulation are key.
- Parts without small text or serial numbers, which may be obscured.
The process requires oven and handling equipment and may overcoat tight details.
Why Plastonics for Fluid Bed Coating
Plastonics stands out by providing focused fluid bed powder coating on small parts with unmatched precision:
- Expert systems engineered for small components under 3 inches or 3 ounces.
- Tailored preheat and dip timing to optimize thickness and finish.
- Custom powder selection—nylon, epoxy, vinyl—for specific functional demands.
- Eco-friendly operations, full powder recovery, and zero VOC emissions.
- Free sample runs and typical 5–10 day delivery timelines.
Final Thoughts
Fluid bed powder coating is the premium solution for delivering thick, uniform, and fully protective finishes on small parts. Its 360-degree encapsulation, environmental benefits, and ability to use heavy-duty powders make it ideal for wire goods, electrical insulation, medical trays, and automotive components.
Plastonics specializes exclusively in fluid bed coatings, using fluid bed techniques designed for consistency, reliability, and durability. Our expertise ensures your components receive top-tier protection in high-volume production.
Reach out today for a free sample run and quote to enhance the durability and quality of your small metal parts.