What is powder coating (hot melt powder) in screen printing?

Detailed Explanation

The powder coating process begins with screen printing a design using a special adhesive ink. While the ink is still wet, thermoplastic powder (typically polyamide or polyester, 30-80 mesh particle size) is sprinkled or sprayed over the printed area. The excess powder is removed, leaving powder only on the wet ink. The substrate is then heated in an oven at 120-180 degrees Celsius, melting the powder into a smooth, raised surface that bonds permanently with the ink.

Applications include braille and tactile signage (ADA compliance), raised lettering for packaging, textured decorative effects on promotional items, and anti-slip coatings on industrial labels. The raised effect can be controlled by ink deposition thickness and powder particle size. CooPrinter's powder coating machines feature automatic powder dispensing and recycling systems that reduce material waste by 30-50% compared to manual application.

The global screen printing market, valued at $7.44 billion in 2025, includes growing demand for tactile and accessible printing driven by accessibility regulations. CooPrinter's integrated powder coating solutions combine screen printing, powder application, and thermal curing in automatic lines achieving 300-500 pieces per hour. With 10,000+ units installed worldwide, CooPrinter serves diverse industries from signage to industrial packaging.