PPCS Powder Coated Chassis Service

Ever wanted a purple-framed PC case, but it just wasn't available out there? Ever wanted an orange-paneled case, but you just can't quite seem to find it for sale because the color isn't popular out there? Well, we've done the hard work so you don't have to. PPCS is now introducing our new custom Powdercoating option! We can now get you that much closer to that system you've been day-dreaming about.

Powdercoating is an alternative to traditional wet-spray paint that encapsulates metal with a plastic-derivative dry particles, i.e. powder, that can be more resilient compared to traditional paint, and certainly stronger than economical rattle-can spray. Powdercoating is sometimes referred to as â??dry-paintingâ?. It's applied via electrostatic coating process that relies on the attraction between charged particles (powder) that are fused together and melted into a solid layer of color with the introduction of high temperatures to 'cure' it. It's ready to go shortly after it's completed, versus wet-spray which requires cure-time that can last up to a month, as well as dealing with noxious dangerous chemicals and fumes. This process is generally less prone to mistakes than traditional wet spray, but it's not without its faults. You are limited to basically metal only, meaning any plastic parts on a case candidate must be 'stripped down' to allow application of the powder. All parts to be coated need to be separated from each other and coated individually, and the case is reassembled. Things like PCI slot covers and any screws would be removed, otherwise it would all become 'one giant piece' when it's coated.

We will add new colors on a regular basis. Anything from smooth shiny finishes, to textured metallic finishes, to deep-layered 'candy' finishes, and everything in between!

With that said, PPCS will have to look into and decide whether a desired or requested case that we don't already list is a suitable candidate for the process taking into consideration the time to strip down and prepare said case, which will be reflected in the cost. For example, if a case candidate actually takes 4 hours just to prepare it for the process, it'll end up being a good amount of money because of the labor and time it would take, but that's the reality of the situation. If there is something you're curious about, feel free to contact the ModShop at mod-proshop@performance-pcs.com, so we can look into it for you!

Please Note: 2 Week turn around time may very depending on case and color Chosen.

Transparent Metallics--

Phanteks Shift

Fire Lights Red
Finished with a 2-step metallic process.  Color is a deep red-based color with fine metallic flakes suspended in it with solid black underneath it.


Corsair 570X

Ultra Midnight Blue
Finished with a 2-step metallic process.  Color is a deep blue-based color with fine metallic flakes suspended in it with solid black underneath it.


Cooler Master SL600M

Disco Dunes
Finished with a 2-step metallic process.  Color is a gold high-flaked top color with solid black underneath it.


Lian Li 011 Dynamic

Blackberry Sparkle
Finished with a 2-step metallic process.  Color is a deep purple-based color with fine metallic flakes suspended in it with solid black underneath it.



Solid Metallics--


Phanteks Shift X

Anodized Copper
Finished with a 1-step metallic process.  Color is a nice, satin slightly texture finish that resembles anodizing in a dark bronze/copper color.



Textured Veins/Hammertones--


Thermaltake Core P3

Black Frost
Finished with a 1-step metallic hammered process.  Color is a dark gray metallic color with black valleys in it.



Solid Colors--

Phanteks Evolv X

Flag Red
Finished with a 1-step process.  Color is a solid red color with a smooth finish.

 

FAQs:

Are all the colors the same price?

No.  Some colors are more expensive simply because of their properties, such as textured powders, candies, metallics, etc. because they require additional steps to achieve the end-product.  Cost will also be attributed to labor for processing of the parts (prepping the case, etc), which varies widely depending on the circumstances required to process each individual part and their specific requirements.  If the color is more than one-step, they will be more expensive across the board.

Can you powdercoat any case?

Not exactly.  There are many materials that simply would not survive the extreme heat alone that is involved in the powdercoating process, aside from the need to obtain an electrostatic charge.  Each part must be baked out after it has been powdered, which exposes it to temperatures in excess of 400°F.  Because of this, the case needs to be constructed with some sort of metal.  Anything that can survive the high temperatures could potentially be powdercoated.  Contact ModShop at mod-proshop@performance-pcs.com to inquire if a particular case is a good candidate for the service.

Is the finish perfect when it's completed?

Nothing is perfect, and there is always the possibility of imperfections.  We will inspect the case after completion to verify everything is within accepted parameters prior to reassembly and shipping.

The powdercoated panels are really difficult to get on and off the case frame itself.  Why?

The process adds additional layers to the material, so it makes it thicker (the more involved finishes such as candy and translucent metallics have more than one layer, making this problem more prominent; even the hammertones can do this).  Sometimes this can be a problem.  Sometimes it just takes a little more work to remove and reinstall panels on powdercoated cases because of this, and there will be scuffs and rub-marks where surfaces will touch and rub against each other.  This is not something that can be avoided.

The coating job has the occasional little bumps and pits on the finish in some spots.  Is this normal?

Yes.  Unfortunately, every piece done has the possibility of imperfections in the finish that are derived from a variety of factors, such as humidity, outside contaminates, and handling.  Sometimes you can get pinholes, cratering, dimples, etc.  Most of the time they are not noticeable.