PCI Certification Emphasizes Powder Coating Done Right

The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) offers two certification types: PCI 3000 certification applies to custom coaters, while PCI 4000 certification is for original equipment manufacturers that apply powder coatings in-house.

The PCI certification program focuses on powder coating operations and is designed to acknowledge coaters who understand the correct procedures and processes needed to achieve required product performance. It is an extensive audit program conducted by a PCI-authorized inspector who evaluates an applicant’s powder coating processes and procedures, equipment, maintenance practices and quality control to ensure they have the capability of producing a high quality powder-coated product . 

Among the many benefits for certified coaters are having a qualified, third-party evaluation and assessment of their powder coating capabilities, a tool to serve as a basis to create a continuous improvement process for enhancing powder coating operations; differentiation from other coaters; access to the PCI certified logo to promote their certified status; and the image elevation associated with the high standards of certification.

PCI Certified coaters have access to PCI Certification logos to promote their certification status.

Manufacturers who utilize a PCI certified coater benefit from the added assurance that the selected coater takes their powder coating needs seriously and has demonstrated they have the competency and processes in place to deliver a quality powder coated product.

“Process measurement and repeatability are key to giving customers confidence that a certified finishing operation has the processes in place to do the job well,” says Sheila LaMothee, PCI’s interim executive director. “By successfully completing the certification process, coaters demonstrate they understand that powder coating is a high-performance painting process that must be maintained and controlled to optimize the performance of the finish. This is a crucial component of powder coating done right.”

To maintain PCI certified status, annual audit procedures are required. The certification cycle consists of an intensive on-site audit, followed by two years of maintenance audits which require documentation that ensures processes and procedures evaluated during the on-site audit have been sustained to the level required for PCI Certification. In year four, the intensive on-site audit is repeated.

For information on PCI Certification, how to become certified or to locate a PCI-certified coater, visit powdercoating.org/certification.