Why should metal be powder coated rather than painted?

When you enquire about certain products that we offer here at K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net), such as our safety barriers, you may be given the option to have them powder coated. Certainly, this is not the only finishing option that you can specify for your metal components, with zinc plating being another speciality of ours, but perhaps the most obvious alternative to powder coating is simply having the metal painted. What makes powder coating the better option for your next order with us?

Painting metal was, after all, the norm prior to the development of powder coating as a direct alternative in the 1940s and 1950s. One of the problems with paint is that it bonds poorly with items created via metal fabrication, with only a certain amount of paint also able to be applied before the maximum thickness is reached. Powder coating, in contrast, ensures a rather more uniform coating on metal. The coat can be thicker, in addition to offering greater durability and resistance against scratching, peeling, rusting and cracking.

Another major attraction for those who turn to us for metal components is our extremely competitive pricing, and sure enough, powder coating is highly cost-effective, on account of the recyclability of the overspray. This cuts down on wasted paint, not to mention hazardous waste. The powder coating process itself is easy to understand for those purchasing the likes of fall prevention products from us. First, the coat of powder material is applied to an item. Secondly, the powder needs to be cured.

The application of the powder can be done with an electrostatic gun, from which the powder is sprayed. Alternatively - and this happens less often - the item can be dipped into a fluidised bed. To cure the powder, the item needs to be heated up in a gas-fired convection bake oven. This results in the powder melting and forming a smooth film. Although it has long been customary for the powder to require curing for 10 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C), subsequent technological developments have brought further energy savings that can be passed onto the customer, with powders now able to be cured at lower temperatures of 300 to 325 degrees F (149 to 163 degrees C).

Once the curing process concludes, the products are left to cool off, leaving a very rugged and absolutely flawless finish - as is necessary given the required applications of such products in industries including construction. The inexpensiveness, environmental friendliness and long-lasting durability of powder finishes has made them widespread in metal fabrication. But whatever components you request from K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net), from hand tools to tube spanners, we can ensure that the item meets your exact specification and sports the most appropriate finish for the task in hand.

Editor’s Note: K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Could plumbing be the right job for you?

Have you ever considered becoming a plumber? It certainly has a reputation as rewarding profession, and if you are a practical rather than an academic person, it could be the perfect role for you. However, before commencing on this career path, you will doubtless need to familiarise yourself with the skills, experience and qualifications that are required or desirable, not to mention some of the most important plumbing tools, as are stocked by ourselves here at K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net).

Plumbers work across homes and businesses, fitting, servicing and repairing the water pipes and heating systems that are so important to a wide range of clients on a day-to-day basis. A professional in plumbing needs to be careful and well-ordered in their approach to work, possessing the ability to follow technical drawings and plans. Good customer care skills are also required for the great amount of time that you will spend conversing with people with particular plumbing requirements, in what can sometimes be very industrial settings.

Capable plumbers put the hand tools and other equipment that are associated with their profession to good use. Their role could include, but may not be limited to, the installation and repair of water supplies, drainage and heating systems, the servicing of gas and oil-fired central heating systems, radiators and boilers and the installation and fixing of domestic appliances like washing machines and showers. They may also be called to fit weather-proof materials, flashings and joints to roofs, chimneys and walls, or even service ventilation and air-conditioning units.

However, it takes someone with very real practical expertise to make adequate use of vital plumbing tools like tap reseaters and tube spanners, which is why a Level 2 or 3 plumbing qualification is required for those wishing to become qualified plumbers in the UK - depending on their experience. Those that have spent several years working in the industry may find that a Level 2 qualification is sufficient, although they would still be urged to follow through their training to Level 3. An Apprenticeship is another possible route into the profession.

Plumbers that have good qualifications like those above, as well as that have more extensive industry experience, might end up involved in sheet metal work for historical, industrial or commercial buildings. Hours tend to be around 40 hours a week with the possibility of overtime. The 24-hour-call-out services offered by some employers raise the possibility of fairly unsociable working hours - although self-employment is also an option for those that would prefer greater control over when they work.

All in all, plumbing could be the ideal line of work for those with an interest in the field and who combine good practical and problem-solving skills with a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to work as part of a team, as well as alone. What’s more, once you're qualified, you can turn to K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net) for some of those all-important plumbing tools, like drain test plugs and box spanners.   

Editor’s Note: K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.