Attached are a few parts that I have done lately. The two black ones are an Illusions coating where the metal flakes "flop" changing color depending on how the light hits it... pictures of it don't show it off well.

wow pretty cool looking.

Sweet. how many other colors you gonna do Hankster? :thumbsup:

We have over 50 available

http://www.hobbyshopper.com/shop/pages.php?pageid=4

Hey Hankster!

I know that powder coating has been a round for quite some time, and know that it's very durable. Now that I know someone that actually is involved in this process, I was wondering if you could expand my (our) knowledge of this process by answers a few questions I have?

How hard is powder coating, and does it chip very easily?
With metals, there is a hardness or toughness value associated with them. Is there a hardness value for the powder coating?
Are you able to control the thickness of the coating, and if so, how do you control it?
What buildup thickness on a part can you expect, after the process is completed?
After cleaning and spraying the powder on the part, how long, and at what temperature do you have to cook the part to complete the process?
What does this process cost for someone that needs this type of coating? Can you give a few examples of what various size parts would cost to powder coat?
Thanks!:thumbsup:

I can answer some of this... the other I just don't know.

I the surface of the metal is prepared properly it is very resistent to chipping. I've hit some of my test pieces with hammer and it just dents along with the metal.

You can control the thickness to some extent... just apply more or less powder. I have found that you have about .002" thickness as a minimum

The temp and time depends on the type of powder but on average it will be about 400 deg for 15 minutes (that is part temp so total time depends on how long you estimate it takes the part itself to reach that temp.).

Small parts are tough to cost out because the prep time far exceeds the time to do the actual powder coating. I normally try to lightly sandblast the part to give the surface some "bite" for the PC, then clean it with non-petro based solvent before it is PCed.

For cast parts you also have to pre-bake it as the casting traps air which you have to get out of the surface of the casting. So you'd have to pre-bake at about 450 deg for 30 minutes or so and let it cool before you PC. If you don't you'll end up with pits in the PC as the part "out gases" as it bakes.

If someone wanted some RC parts done (hubs, motor mounts, etc. ) I would charge $7.50 for the first piece and $3.50 of each additional piece done in the same color and at the same time. Stuff like chassis might be a couple bucks more.

From what I understand for getting things like a "real" car intake manifold done costs about 40 to 50 bucks. Bike and ATV frames can run about $150.

There is nothing more fulfilling to me, than learning something new!

Thanks Hank for the info, and the offer to help with powder coating. May take you up on that offer sometime!