● Production & Knowledge

A Look Behind the Scenes of Production.

From formulation to quality-assured delivery: Our powder coatings are developed and produced by our premium partner, IBA Kimya—a second-generation family-owned business. Here, we’ll walk you through the individual production steps and explain the key basics of powder coatings.

1977

founded in Ankara

2.

Generation Family Business

45+

Exporting Countries

Aerial view of the IBA Kimya production facility with solar panels on the roofs of the buildings

● Production

From the formula to the finished powder.

Powder coating is a solvent-free coating material that consists of 100% solids—with no solvents and no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To ensure that it can be applied evenly and provide reliable protection, it undergoes several precisely coordinated production steps.

Application Technology at IBA Kimya: Powder coating is applied to the die of a hot press

Step 1

Development & Formulation

We create the right formulation for every application—developed and tested under real-world conditions, such as in the hot press for in-mold and press-curing coatings. The components:

  • Binders & Hardeners – Determine Durability and Applications
  • Pigments – for color and opacity
  • Fillers – Affect Flow and Gloss Level
  • Additives – Control Flow, Degassing, and Structure
Production Step 2: Weighing and Mixing the Raw Materials

Step 2

Weighing & Premixing

The raw materials are weighed precisely according to the formula and processed in a mixer into a homogeneous premix—the basis for a consistent color from batch to batch.

Production Step 3: Extrusion

Step 3

Extrusion

The premix is melted in the extruder. During this process, pigments and fillers are finely and evenly distributed throughout the binder.

Broken powder coating chips after cooling the extruded material at IBA Kimya

Step 4

Cooling & Crushing

The hot mixture is rolled out on the cooling conveyor, cooled, and broken into small chips.

Production Step 5: Grinding and Screening

Step 5

Grinding & Screening

Sifter mills grind the chips into a fine powder with a defined particle size distribution—the median particle size is typically between 30 and 50 µm. Oversize particles are recirculated, while fine particles are separated out.

Spectrophotometric Color Measurement in the IBA Kimya Laboratory

Step 6

Quality Control

In the laboratory, test panels are coated and baked. Color, gloss, particle size, and finish are tested—the color is measured spectrophotometrically and compared to the target value.

Production Step 7: Filling and Delivery

Step 7

Filling & Delivery

The inspected powder is packaged, labeled, and shipped to our central warehouse in Stuttgart—from there, we reliably deliver it to you.

IBA Powder Coatings building, housing production and administrative offices
IBA Powder Coatings – Production and Administration

Quality from the Lab

Before a powder coating is approved, it undergoes a series of tests in the laboratory—from baking the test panels to color measurement and thermal analysis.

Test specimens are fired in the laboratory furnace at IBA Kimya
Test specimens are fired in a laboratory furnace.
Thermal Analysis of a Powder Coating Sample Using DSC in the IBA Kimya Laboratory
Thermal Analysis (DSC) – for testing glass transition temperature and cross-linking behavior.
Erichsen penetration test on a coated test panel in the IBA Kimya laboratory
Erichsen Indentation Test (DIN EN ISO 1520) – how much the coating can be deformed without cracking.

● Chemistry

The main types of powder coatings.

Exterior · Architecture

Polyester

The standard for outdoor applications: UV- and weather-resistant, used in architecture, steel construction, and for outdoor components. Highly weather-resistant grades (Superdurable) meet the increased requirements of QUALICOAT Class 2. TGIC-free systems are also available, such as those based on hydroxyalkylamide.

Interior · Corrosion Protection

Epoxy

Excellent resistance to chemicals and corrosion, as well as electrical insulation—but not UV-resistant. Epoxy powder coatings are therefore used indoors and as primers that can be overcoated with polyester.

Interior

Epoxy-polyester (hybrid)

For most indoor applications: good chemical and mechanical properties and a wide range of gloss levels and textures—typically used for furniture, shelving systems, appliances, and control cabinets.

Smooth surfaces

Polyurethane

Excellent flow properties for exceptionally smooth surfaces; good weather and chemical resistance. This also allows for the creation of graffiti-resistant surfaces. Polyurethane systems generally require higher curing temperatures.

● Processing

This is how a powder coating is applied .

Step 1

Pre-treatment

Adhesion and corrosion protection begin before painting: The surface is degreased, cleaned, and treated with a conversion coating—for aluminum, this is usually a chromium-free wet chemical process; for steel, it is typically achieved through iron or zinc phosphating or blasting.

Step 2

Application

The powder is electrostatically charged and adheres to the grounded component. Corona guns operate at high voltage (approx. 30–100 kV); tribo-charging through friction reaches internal corners and recesses more effectively. Overspray is collected, screened, and reused.

Step 3

Baking

In the oven, the powder melts, flows, and cross-links. The key factor is the object temperature—the temperature of the part itself. A typical curing time is, for example, 15 minutes at 180 °C; the specified curing window is listed in the technical data sheet.

Step 4

Check

Tests include, among other things, coating thickness, gloss level (60° according to DIN EN ISO 2813), and adhesion (cross-cut test according to DIN EN ISO 2409). Typical coating thicknesses range from 60 to 100 µm; for facades certified under QUALICOAT, a minimum of 60 µm generally applies.

A test panel is electrostatically coated with powder paint in the IBA Kimya laboratory booth
Electrostatic application: A test panel is coated with powder paint in the laboratory booth.
Two IBA Kimya employees at a hot press for powder coating applications
Application Technology: Powder coating is applied to the mold of a hot press—for in-mold and press-curing coatings.

Corona or Tribo?

Corona charging is the standard high-power process. However, in corners and deep recesses, the so-called Faraday cage can hinder powder deposition, and more material builds up along edges. Tribo-charging does not require high voltage and is particularly well-suited for complex geometries—but it does require a powder that is suitable for this process.

● Quality

Quality Classes and Certifications.

There are independent quality certifications for facades, windows, and steel structures. The standard for weather resistance is outdoor weathering testing in Florida: high levels of UV radiation, heat, and humidity make this location a globally recognized benchmark for testing. The primary factors evaluated are gloss retention and color stability.

Quality ClassFlorida WeatheringUse
QUALICOAT Class 11 year, minimum residual gloss of 50%Architectural Standard
QUALICOAT Class 23 years, annual evaluationSuperdurable – Higher Standards for Color and Gloss Retention
QUALICOAT Class 310 yearsHyperdurable – the highest standards
GSB Standard · Master · PremiumStandard: approx. 12 months; Master's: approx. 36 monthsPremium is the highest GSB level

QUALICOAT & GSB

International quality standards for the coating of architectural components—including specifications for powder coatings, pretreatment, and coating operations. We offer QUALICOAT- and GSB-certified powder coatings for architectural applications.

QUALISTEELCOAT

Quality mark for coatings on steel and galvanized steel. It is based on the corrosivity categories specified in DIN EN ISO 12944—up to C5 for environments with very high corrosion exposure.

● Surfaces

Shine, texture, and effects.

Degrees of Gloss

From high gloss to satin gloss, silk matte, and deep matte. Gloss is measured in gloss units (GU) at a 60° angle in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2813. Matting agents such as IBA Frost can be used to specifically reduce the gloss level of smooth powder coatings.

Structures

Fine and coarse textures conceal imperfections and are durable in everyday use. The Tex-Add texturing additive can be used to add texture to smooth powder coatings.

Metallics: bonded or dry-blend?

In dry-blend metallics, the effect pigments are simply mixed in and may separate during application and recovery. In bonded metallics such as IBA Bond, they are firmly bonded to the powder particles—ensuring a uniform effect and reusable overspray.

Special Effects

Hammered, Antique, Moiré, Crocodile, Woodgrain, Soft-Touch, Flip-Flop, Chrome, Glow, and Neon effects, as well as transparent clear coats. All Special Effects

Functional Powder Coatings

Antibacterial (IBA Clean), ESD-dissipative (IBA Ground), thin-film (IBA Thin), outgassing-stable (IBA Release), barrier protection (Corrshield), and powder coatings for glass and busbars. All Smart Coatings

● Practice

Benefits and Practical Tips.

Why Powder Coatings?

  • Solvent-free – no VOC emissions
  • Overspray can be recovered and reused
  • Thick layers in a single pass
  • Sturdy, durable surfaces
  • Ready for further processing immediately after cooling
  • Wide selection of colors, gloss levels, and effects

Here's what you should keep in mind

  • The substrate must be able to withstand the curing temperature—for heat-sensitive parts, there are low-temperature powder coatings such as IBA Fast; for wood-based materials such as MDF, there are special solutions such as TRUEFUZE.
  • Very thin coatings require special thin-film powder coatings.
  • Color changes require cleaning of the booth and the recovery system.
  • Always follow the technical data sheet for the firing window, layer thickness, and pretreatment.

Store Properly

Store in a cool, dry place in the original container, generally at a maximum temperature of 25 °C and away from direct sunlight. The shelf life is specified in the technical data sheet.

Calculate Usage

Consumption (g/m²) = Density (g/cm³) × Layer thickness (µm)

Example: 1.5 g/cm³ × 70 µm = 105 g/m² – theoretical value, plus application losses.

Are you planning a coating project?

We provide personalized advice—from selecting the right powder to delivery.

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