Anyone need some powder coating done?

[Dietrich]

I might have a couple small parts that I want to get coated black (probably matte or semi-gloss finish).  Usually the shop I use charges a minimum, so if you combine a batch of parts it can be really inexspensive.  Like under $10 for each of us if you have a couple small parts.

Post up...let's talk... 

[Raux]

I might have a couple small parts that I want to get coated black (probably matte or semi-gloss finish).  Usually the shop I use charges a minimum, so if you combine a batch of parts it can be really inexspensive.  Like under $10 for each of us if you have a couple small parts.

Post up...let's talk... 

can he do any prep work first? need my swingarm smoothed and then PC.

[Dietrich]

I think they can do minor prep, rough sandblasting, etc.  If you want a nice finish you might want to do some/most of the prep yourself.  Also, a swingarm is big enough I don't think it's something that would see much savings going in with other parts.  I use Arizona Powder Coat.  They have pics on the wall of some very nice show quality projects, but the quality of things I have had done with them are just OK.  The finish is durable, the price is right (cheap!) and they are perfect for small parts, which have been great for the several things I have had done. 

[brickdogg]

What type of parts would qualify as small? A few parts I can think of off the top of my head at this late hour that I am interested in is the swingarm (clearly not small), the subframe (also likely not small), the rearsets, and maybe the cans, though I am not sure on that yet. Let me know if any of that meets your requirements.

[easye_az]

I want to warn anyone that is powder coating structural components on their bikes, power coating negatively impacts fatigue life. So, make sure not to power coat structural welds which are normally stress concentrations. The reason that it impact fatigue life is due to the increase in surface roughness due to the sand blasting of the surface. Increased surface finish roughness creates locations for fatigue cracks to initiate.

[Dietrich]

What type of parts would qualify as small? A few parts I can think of off the top of my head at this late hour that I am interested in is the swingarm (clearly not small), the subframe (also likely not small), the rearsets, and maybe the cans, though I am not sure on that yet. Let me know if any of that meets your requirements.

The rearsets are along the lines of what I had in mind.  As long as we want the same color... Not sure if standard powder coating would hold up to the exhaust cans, you should look into ceramic coating for that.  I'm pretty sure there is a place in town that does ceramic coating specificaly for exhausts. 

The colors I'm thinking about are matte/semi-gloss black (for my passenger pegs) and possibly a silver/aluminum color for some brackets if anyone is interested in that.  I might also have a need for gloss black soon if anyone would rather have the gloss finish. 

[Monster Dave]

When are you planning on doing this D?

Now I need to go and check to see what I could take off of my bike that could be powder coated!! 

[pennyrobber]

I want to warn anyone that is powder coating structural components on their bikes, power coating negatively impacts fatigue life. So, make sure not to power coat structural welds which are normally stress concentrations. The reason that it impact fatigue life is due to the increase in surface roughness due to the sand blasting of the surface. Increased surface finish roughness creates locations for fatigue cracks to initiate.

Damn, I was going to powder coat my frame. I guess I better start putting the bike back to gether.

[Raux]

I want to warn anyone that is powder coating structural components on their bikes, power coating negatively impacts fatigue life. So, make sure not to power coat structural welds which are normally stress concentrations. The reason that it impact fatigue life is due to the increase in surface roughness due to the sand blasting of the surface. Increased surface finish roughness creates locations for fatigue cracks to initiate.

so the frames aren't powdercoated?

[YellowMonster]

My father was one of the first pioneers to bring powder coating to the US.  The EPA regulations were written off of his shop and his process control.  It was originally developed by Nazi Germany during WWII as a steel tank coating process.  Some of the first gun/transformer systems were the size of a VW bus.  Now they are down to an 8oz handgun (use certain polymer plumbing to generate the required KV of static electricity). 

I will say this from looking at most powdercoat work... no shop in this valley does it correctly.  When done correctly it is the strongest coating you can have.  If not done properly it is one of the worst.  If you do not have proper adhesion you can have pockets form under the surface, which will draw moisture and cause corrosion.  Also, they do not properly cure the material.  To do so the surface temperature has to reach a certain point, which is specific for the powder you are using.  I can go on about this all day but bottom line is... just use a rattle can of rustoleum.  You will get just as good adhesion and durability as powdercoat jobs in this valley; and save some money in the process.  Plus, if you happen to scratch the part (which proper powdercoat should not scratch off... one of our quality checks involced a coin scraping as hard as you could press against the surface with no marring) it is not a big deal... just respray it.

And yes, Ducati does not use powdercoat on any parts.  Nor does any of its suppliers (wheels, suspension, etc.).

[Dietrich]

Hmm....I can tell you the powdercaoting I have had done is WAY more durable than any spray can or even some professional conventional spray jobs I have seen or done.  THe finish isn't as "nice", as in if you are looking for a show car gloss I haven't seen that with powdercoat, and that's not what I would use it for.  Swingarm?  Perfect application.  Pegs, brackets, etc...also perfect.  I'm not doubting your expertise, just noting my own first hand observations and the use of powdercoat industry wide. 

By the way....my frame fell apart on the last ride....got a couple rock chips near a weld. 

[Michael]

Wait, what about your frame? 

[Dietrich]

Wait, what about your frame? 

Yeah...I'm thinking on sandblasting all the paint off and then take it a little further to save some weight on the metal too before re-coating.  I'll weld 'er up with my little 110v Harbor Freight line-feed welder, tell the powder coater to go extra thin on the paint (save weight), and then extra hot in the curing process to help with paint adhesion and heat treat the metal.  Sound about right boys?

                  

 

[Michael]

By the way....my frame fell apart on the last ride....got a couple rock chips near a weld. 

Are you saying that part of your frame broke? What do you mean "my frame fell apart"? Did it happen on the way back last Saturday?

Show some photos. I want to see your broken bike. 

[hoyden]

Yeah...I'm thinking on sandblasting all the paint off and then take it a little further to save some weight on the metal too before re-coating.  I'll weld 'er up with my little 110v Harbor Freight line-feed welder, tell the powder coater to go extra thin on the paint (save weight), and then extra hot in the curing process to help with paint adhesion and heat treat the metal.  Sound about right boys?

                  

 

You know, I've heard that it's good to ride with only a half tank of gas in order to save weight too.
Also, definitely take off your blinkers - they add some serious unnecessary weight.
I'd also recommend changing your tire air while you are at it. I hear that Perelli is now selling some X-tra light tire air.