When it comes to industrial coatings, durability is key. But can a coating withstand the relentless abrasion of 100 tons of salt? For Fox Valley Sandblasting and the city of Chicago, the answer was a resounding “yes”—thanks to IFS Puroplaz® thermoplastic powder coating.

Fox Valley Sandblasting, a company known for providing protective finishes on a variety of items—from railings and structural steel to industrial equipment—was tasked with coating a rock salt loading chute that would face one of the harshest environments imaginable. This isn't just any chute; it’s a vital piece of equipment for the city of Chicago, designed to handle massive quantities of rock salt in an abrasive, corrosive environment.

A Tough Challenge for a Tough Coating

The chute was subjected to extreme wear, as rock salt is notorious for its abrasiveness. After two years of service, the chute needed to be coated with a solution that would stand up to the punishing effects of nearly 100 tons of salt sliding over it season after season. The solution? IFS Puroplaz powder coating in a durable black finish.

The coating process began with sandblasting the chute to white metal, followed by preheating and hot flocking before applying the Puroplaz powder. A thick protective layer—over 25 mils—was then applied to ensure a resilient finish. This coating not only filled in seams and pits but also provided a tough, elastic layer to withstand the constant impact of rock salt.

Why Puroplaz Was the Ideal Choice

Unlike traditional thermosetting powders, Puroplaz® thermoplastic powder has unique properties that make it perfect for applications exposed to extreme abrasion. Its softer, more elastic nature allows it to "bounce" back when impacted by the hard particles of salt, preventing chips and cracks that might occur with harder coatings. This elasticity, combined with its corrosion resistance and impressive salt spray rating, made it the best choice for protecting the chute from premature corrosion.

Mike Schwebke from Fox Valley Sandblasting noted, “The cohesive and adhesive properties of the Puroplaz made it a great choice for refinishing this chute, not to mention its ability to absorb shock, its salt/salt-spray resistance, and the option to apply the coating pretty thickly.”

Results: A Durable, Long-Lasting Coating

After three seasons of salt service, the chute showed little to no significant physical damage. The Puroplaz coating proved its worth, maintaining its integrity even after enduring the impact of nearly 100 tons of salt. The product’s performance exceeded expectations, providing excellent protection against the abrasive environment and ensuring the chute remained in optimal condition.

Schwebke adds, “We were so impressed with how well the Puroplaz powder has stood up to such a harsh environment and severe usage conditions. Making sure our customers are happy is the number one priority, and this powder coating job has gone above and beyond their expectations.”

Puroplaz—The Ultimate Solution for Harsh Environments

Fox Valley Sandblasting’s successful use of IFS Puroplaz powder coating in this demanding application is a testament to the coating’s outstanding durability, flexibility, and performance. Whether it’s handling the abrasive impact of rock salt or protecting against harsh environmental conditions, Puroplaz thermoplastic powder is the ideal choice for industries that require robust protection.

With its ability to withstand impact, resist corrosion, and maintain its protective properties over time, Puroplaz continues to set the standard in high-performance coatings.