Aluminum Cups and Powder Coating

Last season (2018) we had an issue with powder coating coming off our aluminum cups much quicker than it should. This was surprising to us as nothing had changed in our manufacturing or powder coating process.

As we put our heads together we realized that we were using a new mold for the tooling of our cups. This became the interesting fact, as because the tool was new, the operators were adding more lubricant than expected. This excess lube was helping to eject the cups from the tool, but had a side affect – not allowing the powder coating to properly adhere to the cups.

Once we had realized this to be the case, we were able to add an additional cleaning method to the cups before powder coating began. In addition to this cleaning method, we picked up the frequency and quantities of testing the finished cups.

Video: Watch Standard Golf Perform the Cross-Cut Test

Today, we use the “Cross-Cut” or “Cross Hatch” testing method to spot check (5 out of every 1,000 cups) that are produced at Standard Golf.

Cross-cut & Pull-off tests

The cross-cut test is a method of determining the resistance of paints and coatings to separation from substrates by utilizing a tool to cut a right angle lattice pattern into the coating, penetrating all the way to the substrate. Apply adhesive tape to cover the cut area and remove vigorously. Observe the area to determine the result.

Wikipedia – Paint Adhesion Testing

We were able to correct this problem in late summer 2018, and the vigorous testing being in earnest in the fall of last year. Since then, knock on wood, we have not had any issues with powder coating coming off the cups.