UV Powder Coating
A World's First in Part Finishing
Together with Keyland Polymer, Streamline 3D has developed the world's first ultraviolet-curing production painting process for 3D printed models. Many customers do not believe that this process is possible or exists for standard polymers. Let us assure you - this is possible, and we do it every day! This special process is done at a low temperature of 220F, yet is cured as strong as any standard powder coating thanks to the UV curing system.
Enjoy higher quality, better surface adhesion, better deep-recess paint penetration, UV resistance, faster lead times, and lower costs compared to traditional painting or Cerakote.
The Process
- Submerge the parts in a specially formulated electrolyte primer, which makes the plastic conductive and prepares the surface for incredible adhesion.
- Hang or clamp the models and apply powder coating with a special application gun.
- Suspend the model in our custom-fabricated 16' continuous oven and UV curing system.
- The model will travel through the continuous oven at about 2 feet per minute, through a convection oven, and finally in front of an EXTREMELY powerful UV lamp, which instantly cures the melted powder.
- After the UV curing, the model is ready for inspection, packing, and shipping.
Tips and Tricks
- Coating thickness is about .002", so please allow for appropriate clearances in your models. Outside edges and corners may be thicker than this.
- White powder coating often requires 2 coats, so thickness could be closer to .003-.005".
- All models must be hung in our system. Please make sure there are 2 holes in the model at least .080" (2mm) in diameter. Two holes is ideal, since we will coat the part using one hole, then transfer to the second hole with another hook to get complete coverage.
- If there is a section of the model where paint is not needed, then we will use surgical clamps here and we do not need holes.
- Most parts do not have any issues hanging
- It is possible on many models to powder coat, then blow off powder from tolerance-sensitive areas before melting and curing. Let us know if this service is needed.
- As of today, all colors are satin
- Currently available colors are: Black, White, Green, Red, and Orange. We will add colors over time
- Custom colors can be developed, which takes roughly 1 month and carries a development cost.
Use Cases
Use UV powder coating anywhere you need:
- Vibrant colors
- Perfect color consistency or color matching
- Outdoor weather resistance
- Surface smoothing
- Sealed and protected surfaces
- Production-level aesthetics
Common Uses:
- Drone manufacturing
- Consumer electronics
- Automotive manufacturing
- Outdoor hardware and equipment
- Sports products
- In 3D printed assemblies, where multiple printed pieces fit together and need to match color perfectly