● Pre-painted steel coils for appliances have extremely high requirements for surface quality, chemical resistance, environmental compliance, and formability. Their parameters are significantly different from those used in construction.
● Household appliance color-coated steel sheets are functional composite materials specifically designed for the appearance and structural components of home appliances. Using cold-rolled, galvanized, or aluminum-zinc alloy steel sheets as substrates, they undergo precision coating processes to form high-quality panels that integrate both protective performance and aesthetic value. These materials must not only meet stringent requirements for surface aesthetics but also possess practical characteristics, including corrosion resistance, scratch resistance, and easy cleaning. They have become core raw materials for manufacturing refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and other household appliances. Modern appliance color-coated sheets primarily utilize two mainstream processes: VCM (laminated steel sheets) and PCM (pre-coated steel sheets). PCM products achieve uniform coating through roller coating technology, suitable for flat and simple curved components; VCM products employ laminate technology to create three-dimensional textures, including brushed metal, wood grain, and fabric patterns. Surface hardness reaches pencil hardness 2H or above, salt spray resistance exceeds 500 hours, while ROHS certification ensures environmental safety. The application of special functional coatings, such as fingerprint-resistant, antibacterial (antibacterial rate ≥99%), and self-cleaning coatings, further enhances user experience and market competitiveness.
Substrate Type
Galvanized Steel (GI): Most common, cost-effective, good formability.
Galvalume Steel (GL): Used for parts requiring higher corrosion resistance, e.g., outdoor AC units, water heater casings.
Substrate Thickness
Conventional Range: 0.3mm ~ 1.2mm
Common Specifications:
Refrigerator, Washing Machine Panels: 0.5mm ~ 0.8mm
Microwave Oven, Small Appliance Housings: 0.4mm ~ 0.6mm
Internal AC Components: 0.3mm ~ 0.5mm
Coating Weight (Coating Mass)
Unit: g/m² (Total both sides)
Common Designations:
GI: Z90 (90/90), Z120 (120/120), Z150 (150/150)
GL: AZ100 (100/100), AZ120 (120/120)
Typically same coating mass on both sides.
Coating System
Primer: Typically 5-7µm, provides excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Topcoat: Determines appearance, feel, and performance.
Topcoat Resin Type
Polyester (PE): Most common, good overall performance, flexibility, and cost.
Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP): Harder and better stain resistance than PE, often used for ovens and microwaves.
Polyurethane (PU): Provides excellent scratch and chemical resistance.
Coating Thickness
Unit: µm, usually refers to total thickness per side.
Conventional Requirement: 15µm ~ 25µm
Coating thickness is usually the same on both sides.
Surface Treatment - Core Characteristic
Anti-Fingerprint (AF): Standard configuration. A transparent layer prevents fingerprints and sweat marks, making it easy to clean.
Chromium-Free Passivation: Mandatory environmental requirement. Compliant with RoHS, REACH, etc.
Color & Surface Finish
Color:
White: Most common, requires high hiding power and anti-yellowing.
Metallic: e.g., Silver, Champagne Gold, for a premium look.
Colors: Customized per appliance design.
Gloss:
Low Gloss: 5° - 30° - Most popular, comfortable feel, hides scratches.
Medium Gloss: 40° - 70°
High Gloss: ≥ 80° - For high-end models, but shows scratches easily.
Chemical Resistance - Critical
Detergent Resistance: No gloss loss, discoloration, or peeling after wiping with alcohol.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Pencil Hardness: ≥ H or 2H - Requires higher surface hardness for scratch resistance.
T-Bend: 0T or 1T - Requires extreme flexibility for complex stamping.
Reverse Impact: ≥ 8J - Ensures coating does not peel during stamping deformation.
Adhesion: Cross-Cut Test Class 0 - Best grade.
Corrosion Resistance
Salt Spray Test: Typically requires ≥ 500 hours without red rust.
Humidity Resistance: ≥ 240 hours without blistering/peeling.
| Category | Parameter | Recommended Specification | Notes |
| Substrate | Type | Hot-dip Galvanized (GI) | Mainstream choice |
| Substrate | Thickness | 0.3mm - 0.7mm | - |
| Substrate | Coating Weight | Z120-Z150 | |
| Coating | Topcoat Resin | Polyester (PE) or Silicone-Modified Polyester (SMP) | PE general purpose, SMP for high hardness |
| Coating | Coating Thickness | 180μm - 230μm (Single Side) | - |
| Coating | Surface Treatment | Anti-fingerprint (AF) + Chromium-free passivation | Mandatory requirements |
| Coating | Gloss | 10° - 30° (Matte) | Mainstream feel & look |
| Coating | Color | High-hiding white | Basic and important |
| Performance | Chemical Resistance | Resistant to alcohol, detergents, and sweat | Key usability performance |
| Performance | T-Bend | 0T - 1T | Key forming performance |
| Performance | Pencil Hardness | ≥ H | - |
| Performance | Salt Spray | ≥ 500 hours | - |
Reliable steel solutions for various industries, customized to your needs.
If you have any questions, inquiries, or concerns, our highly skilled and dedicated team of Aoguan professionals is always at your disposal, ready to offer prompt and reliable assistance and support.
aoguanthinsteel@agtst.com
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