Overview
EN ISO 8130-14:2019 (Coating powders - Part 14: Vocabulary) is the CEN-endorsed vocabulary that defines special terms used in the field of coating powders. Its scope is explicitly limited to terminology for powder coatings; related general terms for paints and varnishes are provided in ISO 4618. The second edition of the standard updates and expands the list of terms to reflect current practice in powder formulation, handling and application.
This vocabulary supports consistent communication across testing, manufacturing, procurement and regulatory contexts. It is maintained by ISO/TC 35 (Paints and varnishes) and was adopted by CEN as EN ISO 8130-14:2019.
Key Topics
The standard lists concise, normative definitions for terms commonly used in powder coating technology. Representative entries include:
- Coating powder: finely divided particles of resin (thermoplastic or thermosetting) with pigments, fillers and additives that fuse and, if required, cure to form a continuous film.
- Particle size and particle size distribution: linear dimensions of particles and the spread of particle sizes in a powder sample.
- Deposition efficiency: proportion of powder mass deposited on a substrate relative to the mass sprayed.
- Electrostatic powder spraying: application process in which powder particles are electrically charged and attracted to an earthed workpiece.
- Charge-to-mass ratio: ratio of electric charge on a powder sample to its mass (used to characterize electrostatic behavior).
- Shelf life and storage stability: terms describing how long a coating material remains stable under specified storage conditions.
- Particle strength, agglomeration, powder blocking, sieve blinding, and reclaimed powder: practical terms addressing handling, recycling and process reliability.
The 2019 edition also notes editorial changes from the 2004 edition, additions (for example, particle strength, sieve blinding, shelf life) and relocation of some entries (e.g., obscuration moved to ISO 8130-13).
Applications
This vocabulary is valuable for:
- Formulators and manufacturers specifying powder properties and acceptance criteria.
- Test laboratories interpreting method results and maintaining traceability.
- Procurement and quality teams writing or enforcing specifications for powder coatings.
- Process engineers optimizing electrostatic application, reclaim systems and storage.
- Standards writers and auditors ensuring consistent terminology across documents.
Using the standard helps reduce ambiguity in technical documents, improves comparability of test data, and supports trade and regulatory compliance.
Related Standards
- ISO 4618 - Paints and varnishes: general terms and definitions (cross-reference for related terminology).
- ISO 8130-13 - Coating powders: particle size analysis by laser diffraction (related test method and the location of some terminology).
For detailed definitions and the complete term list, consult the official EN ISO 8130-14:2019 text through your national standards body or the ISO Online Browsing Platform.
