This article systematically introduces the concept, characteristics, functions, application fields, selection considerations, and common troubleshooting methods of ACE powder coatings. It focuses on the functions of ACE powder coatings to help readers better understand what they are, what features they have, and where they are mainly used.
What is ACE Powder Coating
ACE powder coating is a series of high-performance powder coating products specifically designed for the demanding operating conditions of the Agricultural, Construction & Equipment (ACE) industry.It is a solid powder coating applied to metal surfaces through electrostatic spraying and then cured under high temperature to form a durable protective film. Compared with traditional liquid coatings, it contains no organic solvents and is therefore more environmentally friendly.
Characteristics of ACE Powder Coatings
The main characteristics are as follows:1. Excellent weather resistance
It can withstand long-term UV exposure without fading, chalking, or gloss loss, making it suitable for outdoor equipment operating in all weather conditions.
2. Outstanding corrosion and chemical resistance
It resists salt spray, acids, alkalis, fertilizers, and oils, protecting equipment from rust and chemical attack even in harsh environments.
3. High mechanical strength
The coating has strong impact and scratch resistance with excellent edge coverage, effectively protecting equipment from mechanical wear and collision damage during operation.
4. Eco-friendly and efficient
It contains no VOCs, offers powder utilization efficiency of over 95%, and provides a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective coating solution.
Functions of ACE Powder Coatings
ACE powder coatings provide durable all-weather protection and aesthetic performance for agricultural, construction, and engineering equipment. The main functions include:1. Anti-corrosion and anti-rust protection
It isolates moisture, salt spray, and chemicals, protecting the metal substrate and extending equipment service life.
2. Weather resistance and anti-aging
It resists UV radiation, preventing chalking and fading, ensuring equipment maintains its appearance even after long-term outdoor exposure.
3. Impact and abrasion resistance
The coating is tough and durable, resisting sand, stone impact, and mechanical abrasion, reducing scratches and surface damage.
4. Decoration and identification
It provides a wide range of colors and gloss levels to meet brand identity requirements and safety marking needs (e.g., engineering yellow).
Application Fields of ACE Powder Coatings
ACE powder coatings are widely used in the following areas:1. Agricultural machinery
Tractors, harvesters, seeders, fertilizer spreaders, etc., protecting equipment from fertilizer corrosion and field impact damage.
2. Construction and engineering equipment
Excavators, loaders, bulldozers, road rollers, cranes, etc., resisting dust abrasion and salt spray corrosion on job sites.
3. Heavy-duty transport vehicles
Dump trucks, concrete mixers, flatbed trailers, etc., providing stone-chip resistance and weather protection.
4. Components and attachments
Buckets, hydraulic cylinders, track frames, chassis parts, etc., offering edge corrosion protection for critical components.
5. Outdoor fixed facilities
Drilling platforms, mining machinery, port equipment, etc., designed for long-term exposure to high humidity and high salt spray environments.
How to Select ACE Powder Coatings
When selecting ACE powder coatings, users often do not know how to choose the right product. Based on our industry experience, we recommend focusing on the following key points:
1. Consider the operating environment
Select protection level based on application conditions:
General outdoor exposure (sun, rain, weathering): standard weather-resistant type meeting Qualicoat Class 2 (≥1000h aging resistance)
Severe corrosive environments (coastal, mining, fertilizer plants): high salt spray resistance (≥1000h) and chemical-resistant formulations
High wear environments (excavation, crushing operations): high abrasion and impact-resistant coatings tested for impact and wear resistance
2. Substrate and structure considerations
Standard steel: epoxy-polyester or pure polyester systems
Galvanized steel or aluminum: requires dedicated primer + topcoat systems for non-ferrous metals to ensure adhesion
Complex structures: choose formulations with excellent leveling and edge coverage to prevent early corrosion at corners
3. Color and functional requirements
Colors can be customized based on brand VI or safety standards (e.g., RAL system)
Color stability requirement: ΔE ≤ 1
Additional functions (anti-static, anti-slip, thermal insulation) require confirmation with supplier for compatibility with mechanical performance
4. Certification and brand selection
Prefer coatings certified by Qualicoat, GSB, and other international standards. Also evaluate whether the supplier provides:
Color database support
On-site application guidance
Warranty and after-sales service
Common Problems and Solutions for ACE Powder Coatings
The most common issues during use and corresponding solutions are:1. Poor weather resistance (fading, chalking)
Symptoms: Color fading and powdery surface after months of outdoor exposure.
Solutions:
Use pure polyester or high-weather-resistant formulations with UV absorbers and HALS additives
Strictly follow curing conditions (over-curing may reduce weather resistance)
Request QUV accelerated aging test reports (≥1000h, ΔE ≤ 2)
2. Early edge corrosion
Symptoms: Rust appears first at edges, welds, and bolt holes.
Solutions:
Use powders with optimized particle size distribution for better edge coverage
Apply pre-spray treatment or double coating on edges
Ensure proper acid cleaning of edge areas during pretreatment
3. Poor impact resistance (coating peeling after impact)
Symptoms: Coating chips off after collision, exposing metal substrate.
Solutions:
Use high-flexibility formulations (impact resistance ≥ 50 kg·cm)
Avoid over-curing, which increases brittleness
Control coating thickness at 80–120 μm
4. Surface defects (craters, orange peel, particles)
Symptoms: Uneven surface with pits, waves, or particles.
Solutions:
Ensure thorough degreasing; install oil-water separators for compressed air
Sieve recycled powder and limit its ratio to ≤30%
Optimize spray parameters; maintain 60–90 μm film thickness
5. Poor adhesion (failure in cross-hatch test)
Symptoms: Coating peels off along scratches in adhesion test.
Solutions:
Improve pretreatment (phosphating or silane coating must be uniform)
Use dedicated primer systems for galvanized substrates
Ensure correct curing temperature and time; under-curing is a major cause of failure
6. Powder caking during storage
Symptoms: Powder forms hard lumps in container and cannot be fluidized.
Solutions:
Store at ≤25°C and ≤60% humidity; follow FIFO principle
Do not regrind caked powder; discard it as it will damage formulation performance
If you encounter any difficult problems during the use of ACE powder coatings, please feel free to contact us for professional technical support. We are ready to work with you to develop solutions and promote the advancement of the powder coating industry.
We hope this article provides you with a professional and reliable reference for the powder coating industry.
We sincerely welcome your inquiries regarding product performance, industry standards, application methods, precautions, or any related questions. Please feel free to contact us for detailed product data, demonstration videos, or customized solutions to help you fully understand the functions and advantages of our products.
