Powder Coating Over Laser Cut Metal

One of the questions we get asked is “How do you prepare parts after they are laser cut”.  The answer below is courtesy of The Powder Coating Magazine:

 

Question: How do you prepare parts after they are laser cut?

Answer: Laser cut part have a carbon deposit on the edge that must be removed. Iron phosphate and degreaser don’t remove the carbon buildup in most cases. Powder coating over steel with the oxide is similar to trying to powder coat hot rolled steel with scale. It can be done, but the part fails from impact or handling. The best way to treat it is to prevent it by switching to nitrogen and slowing down the feed rate in the laser cutting operation. If you can’t prevent the scale from occurring you must mechanically remove it by sanding, wire brush, or edge blasting of some kind.