The plasma arc cutting process 05-20-04
This article will provide some general technical knowledge of how our metal art is cut from a solid sheet of steel from a process called plasma arc cutting . There are several different cutting methods , but we will discuss this particular application because it directly applies to our manufacturing process .
Plasma arc cutting uses the principle of passing an electric arc through a quanity of gas traveling through a restricted outlet. The gas is heated by the electric arc to such a high temperature that it turns what physicists call a plasma .Plasma is the fourth state of matter
Powder Coating 07-27-04
The following artical will provide some general knowledge about powder coating finishes . Powder coating is the current choice of finishes for our metal art here at NW Metal Designs Inc.
We are surrounded by items that are powder coated. For example, patio furniture , garden tools, mail boxes, kitchen appliances, automotive trim, wire closet shelving and of course metal art ,are just a few of many! Highway and bridge construction materials must be epoxy powder coated for corrosion protection.
Powder Coating is an advanced yet simple way of spray-painting a very fine, dry plastic powder paint onto a metal surface. As the powder paint cloud gently leaves the front of the spray gun, it is charged with static electricity. The charge attracts the powder paint to the part that requires coating. The part is then placed in an oven, where it bakes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. While in the oven, the powder paint melts and flows into a beautiful and durable finish. Primers are not necessary. And there are no unsightly runs or drips, as often results with the use of wet paint. Prior to baking, powder coating is very forgiving of coating mistakes. Because it is powder, the paint can be blown with a low-pressure air nozzle, quickly and easily covering up the mistake.
Even more important, powder coating is environmentally friendly. That's because the over-spray is reused. And with no solvents, powder paint does not pollute the air.
There are different types of powder for different jobs. There are two basic types of powder: epoxy and polyester. Both epoxy and polyester powder paints come in a rainbow of colors, glosses, and textures, and both outperform most wet paint finishes. The epoxy finish is the most durable, but has one drawback: It will chalk and dull from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The same is not true for polyester paints. Therefore, most indoor powders are made of epoxy, while most outdoor powders are made of polyester.
Kitchen and Bath Products for the Cabin and Lodge 09-30-04
I would like to take the time this month and discuss some of our new rustic home furnishings that we have incorporated recently into our cabin d