Kawi2strokes.com Forum

What is everyones feelings on powdercoating aluminum and the temps causing weakening of the aluminum. Typical coating temps are around 375-400 degrees farenhiet. I am no metalurigst and do not have a good understanding of it, but from what I have read it will anneal at a higher temp, but "aging" is done around these temps. I have also read that, yes heating to these temps will weaken the aluminum but how much is kind of a mystery.

Anyone feel that a stuctral part of aluminum should not be powder coated? I wanted to get my hubs done, but I am know having second thoughts. I know that there have been many of them done without any problems but...

If going with paint, what type shouild be used for a durable finish? Thanks.

i think the melting point of ali is about 700 degrees.
actuly 660.37 °C (933.52 K, 1220.666 °F)
acording to google.

i would call a trusted powder coater and see what they say.

let us know what you find out.

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she will never be pretty but she is a fun ride.

73 KAWASAKI H1 (Sold).
82 YAMAHA RD350LC
2000 KAWI KDX200H
2001 Triumph TT600

Good question. The annealing temps for aluminum can be as low as 375 F. However, the annealing process is time dependent depending on the thickness of the aluminum. So I suspect that the time in the oven is relatively short for powder coating so most people get away with it. My biggest concern would be doing brake calipers.

As you mentioned - we see it all the time on all kinds of parts. Based on experience of others it is probably safe.

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Rotortech
Indianapolis
1974 S3

I have had aluminum brake calipers done with no problem

375 F is not a problem. Al annealing is between 570 - 770 (F) depending on the type of alloy. Annealing times for those temps, depending on material geometry and the amount of stress relief desired, would be 30 to 180 minutes.

Ric
Mechnical Engineer and Rocket Scientist - I use ta couldn't spell it, now i r one....

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Busy doing more riding than wrenching.......

More than one motorcycle manufacturer powdercoats their aluminum wheels.......

I have read that powdercoating heat at a manufacturing stage may be possible to work into the aging process for aluminum. I don't know if this is how they do it, or if they are doing it after the fact like a consumer having it done.

Interestingly enough - I'm going over to a buddies house tonight to help with some car electrical issues. He's been working in a powder coating company here for years - and they do a LOT of motorcycle stuff. I'll ask him about stuff in this thread.

bb

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This is true. Where I grew up the hills were so steep and long, when your ball rolled down the hill you just said "screw it"...