Minicoat Metal Powder Coating Provides Uniform, Durable Finishes for Small Parts
Introduction
Minicoat metal powder coating is a specialized, tumble-style powder coating process designed for small metal parts—typically under 3 oz and 3″ in size. Ideal for high-volume production, it delivers uniform, durable finishes even on complex shapes using Plastonics’ proprietary Minicoat Metal Powder Coating process.
Why Minicoat?
- Precision thickness control: It achieves consistent coatings between 0.003″ to 0.009″ with options for heavier builds
- Uniform coverage: Full encapsulation without hanger marks or contact blemishes
- High throughput: Engineered for bulk runs, minimizing handling and cycle time
How It Works (Process Overview)
A. Pre‑heating: Parts are evenly heated to prepare for powder application
B. Immersion: Heated components are tumbled into a bath of ultra-fine thermoplastic powder, fluidized by air or ultrasound
C. Melting & bonding: The powder melts and seamlessly bonds to the surface, ensuring a smooth, durable finish .
D. Cooling & finishing: After cooling, optional post-fusing smooths the surface if a finer finish is required
Materials Used
- Rilsan® (Nylon 11): offers wear resistance, flexibility, and corrosion protection
- Polyolefin, Kynar, Polyethylene: chosen based on performance needs. Particle sizes average ~50 μm for precise control
Key Benefits
- Durability: Excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, sweat, heat—outperforms wet paint
Aesthetic excellence: Smooth, even finishes with no handling marks - Eco‑friendly: Dry powder reduces emissions and waste versus liquid coatings
- Cost‑effective: Lower energy use, minimal material waste, high output
Typical Applications
Minicoat excels with items like:
- Undergarment industry: adjusters, bra wires, clips
- Automotive components: springs, hooks, fasteners
- Electrical parts: connectors and small hardware
- Building hardware: hinges, brackets, fasteners
- Lighting components: items exposed to heat, moisture, corrosion
Comparing Minicoat to Other Coating Methods
| Feature | Minicoat | Electrostatic Spray | Fluid Bed | Wet Paint |
| Uniform coverage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| No hanger marks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Suitable for small parts | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | – |
| Coating thickness control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Environmental footprint | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Minicoat shines for small, high-volume parts, while other methods fit larger or bulkier items.
Is Minicoat Right for You?
Choose Minicoat if:
- You have metal parts under 3 oz/3″ needing consistent coating.
- Finish quality and uniformity are critical.
- You’re running medium to high volumes and need efficiency.
For larger parts or thicker coatings, consider fluid bed or electrostatic alternatives.
Why Choose Plastonics?
- 65+ years of powder coating expertise in Connecticut
- Advanced Minicoat system capable of high precision and throughput
- Free sample testing and quick lead times (5–10 business days)
- Eco‑friendly processes & premium powders, including Rilsan®
Final Thoughts
Minicoat metal powder coating from Plastonics delivers superior, uniform, and eco-friendly finishes designed for high-volume applications. It’s a precise, contact-free method that ensures durable encapsulation and smooth, consistent results—ideal for parts with complex shapes or delicate finishes.
At Plastonics, we exclusively coat small parts—typically under 3 inches or 3 ounces—and Minicoat is one of our most efficient solutions for achieving reliable coverage without hanger marks or overspray. Our process is optimized for speed, uniformity, and repeatability, making it perfect for industrial components, fasteners, hardware, and more.
Ready to see the difference Minicoat can make? Contact us for a free sample run and personalized quote.