Arcdura PU 520 Polyurethane Powder
Polyurethane powder cured through a blocked isocyanate, giving a smoother, thinner and harder film than a polyester of the same gloss, with exterior durability in its own right. It is chosen where the surface itself is the product.
Grade Arcdura PU 520 | Range Powder Coatings | Technology Thermosetting polyurethane powder, blocked isocyanate cure, solvent-free
Technical Data Sheet
Arcdura PU 520
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Polyurethane powder cured through a blocked isocyanate, giving a smoother, thinner and harder film than a polyester of the same gloss, with exterior durability in its own right. It is chosen where the surface itself is the product: fascia panels, trim, lighting and fittings, and thin-film work where a standard polyester would look orange peeled. As the isocyanate de-blocks, the blocking agent leaves the film as vapour, so the oven must be extracted and the extract handled, and the schedule has to be held at the top of the window for de-blocking to complete and the blocking agent to clear the film.
2. Features
- Smooth thin film without the orange peel of a thin polyester
- Harder film than a polyester of the same gloss
- Exterior durable
- 40 to 60 microns dry film
- Cure held at the top of the window with active oven extraction
3. Recommended uses
Fascia panels, trim, lighting and fittings, and thin-film work where a standard polyester would look orange peeled.
Substrates. Pretreated aluminium, pretreated mild steel, electrogalvanised steel.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Thermosetting polyurethane powder, blocked isocyanate cure, solvent-free | Formulation |
| Appearance and finish | Fine, free-flowing powder; cures to a smooth thin film, colour to order | Visual, against the agreed colour standard |
| Particle size distribution, d50 | 30 to 40 microns, suited to thin-film application | ISO 8130-13, laser diffraction |
| Specific gravity | 1.2 to 1.8 g/cm3, set by pigment and filler loading | ISO 8130-2 or ISO 8130-3 |
| Gel time at 180 degrees C | 60 to 120 s, at the long end of the range, consistent with the de-blocking cure | ISO 8130-6 |
| Inclined plate flow | 30 to 40 mm | ISO 8130-11 |
| Specular gloss | 5 to 95 gloss units at 60 degrees, to order; matt finishes read at 85 degrees and high gloss at 20 degrees | ISO 2813 |
| Adhesion | Cross-cut classification 0, no detachment, at 40 to 60 microns | ISO 2409 |
| Cupping and conical mandrel bend | 5 mm cupping and above without cracking; mandrel bend without cracking at the stated build | ISO 1520 and ISO 6860 |
| Exterior durability | Exterior grade; exposure period and retention stated against the project specification | ISO 16474-3 fluorescent UV, or ISO 16474-2 where a xenon cycle is specified |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Electrostatic corona or tribostatic spray |
| Surface preparation | Pretreated aluminium, pretreated mild steel or electrogalvanised steel, clean and dry |
| Dilution or thinner | None; applied as supplied, solvent-free |
| Dry film thickness | 40 to 60 microns, checked to ISO 2360 on aluminium and ISO 2178 on steel |
| Cure schedule | 15 to 20 min at 180 to 200 degrees C object temperature, held at the top of the window so de-blocking completes and the blocking agent clears the film; confirmed with a data-logging oven profiler |
| Oven extraction | Active oven extraction is required during cure and the extract is handled; refer to the Safety Data Sheet |
Process. Electrostatic corona or tribostatic spray, 40 to 60 microns dry film. Typical cure 15 to 20 minutes at 180 to 200 degrees C object temperature with active oven extraction.
6. Storage and handling
Store sealed in the original packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and let cartons reach workshop temperature before opening so that condensation does not form on the powder. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.