What is a powder coating system?

Finishing metal parts and other surfaces can be challenging, and although painting is commonly used it has many drawbacks. It is imprecise and there are high chances of runoff. Powder coating cuts on your finishing cost and labor as you only require to apply a single coat.  It eliminates most of the problems and is environmentally friendly.

If you are looking to start a powder coating business, it is essential that you are familiar with how the system works. This allows for enhanced safety and component performance. Read on for some fundamentals of this finishing process.

 

Powder Coating System: What Is It?

All steps of the powder coating process require different components. The stages are:

Pretreatment - Any dirt or foreign objects on a surface can negatively affect the quality of your coating. For this reason, always ensure you prepare the part beforehand. Pretreatment equipment comes in handy in cleaning the debris and old paint so you can achieve a perfect finish. The most common pretreatment methods are chemical cleaning and abrasive blasting.

Application - You require several pieces of equipment for this step. The feeder gun ensures a steady supply of the coating substance to the gun, which then sprays charged particles on the surface of your parts. Additionally, spillage is likely to occur during application. This is where the powder coating booth comes in. It prevents the overspray from other areas of the facility. Curing - The curing temperature is a crucial aspect of the drying process. It reduces the risk of overbaking which can affect the quality and durability of the finish. Curing is done in an oven for a set duration. Curing ovens can either be traditional or advanced depending on the complexity of your powder coating project.

 

Batch Powder Coating Systems vs. Conveyor Powder Coating Systems

Each type of powder coating system has unique advantages. It is essential that you are familiar with the convenience of each system as you determine their suitability for your application. For instance, the conveyor system is commonly used for powder coating large bulks of products because of its faster finishing rate.

The batch system is used for single client powder coats or small-scale production. If you are working on a project that requires keen attention to details, or complex parts like hidden spots, and tiny pieces the batch system is an ideal choice.

 

How Do I Choose Powder Coating Systems?

You should carefully choose your powder coating systems if you want to achieve top quality finishes. Some factors you should evaluate are:

 

Suppliers

There are several ways to determine the suitability of a supplier. Seek information on their reputation in the industry so you know whether they are trustworthy. Additionally, the higher their experience, the better. A supplier with a variety of powder coating equipment allows you more flexibility during selection.

 

Ensure you select a supplier who provides top quality powder coating systems so you get value for your money. Good customer support is important as it enhances communication between clients and the company.

 

Safety and Compliance

Like with any other industrial process, some risks might arise during powder coating. Following safety regulations minimizes these risks and ensures enhanced efficiency. There are no shortcuts when it comes to powder coating system compliance.

The protocols set by regulating bodies are meant to protect people in the facility. For this reason, operators should have a clear understanding of any compliance requirements at every step of the finishing process. Examples of some safety measures are:

●       Protective gear like goggles and gloves should always be available in your facility

●       Ensure adequate ventilation to reduce harmful fumes.

●       Exercise proper storage of hazardous materials

●       Comply with waste disposal regulations

●       Keep up with on any dynamics in the workplace safety regulations

 

Quality Assurance

Powder coating system operators are always looking to achieve excellent outcomes and consistency. Regular inspections, efficient systems and intensive employee training are some ways they can achieve these goals.

Also, record keeping is a great way to keep tabs with any potential hazards of the powder coating process. Understanding different quality assurance aspects enables the operator to achieve exceptional results.

 

Conclusion

Powder coating is a complex process. Nevertheless, with the right equipment and information, you can indulge in your DIY projects or provide products more effortlessly. We hope our basic guide on powder coating systems helps you navigate your upcoming project.

 

The quality of your system determines the efficiency of the finishing process so ensure you work with a reliable supplier.

At Ramseier Koatings, we are ready to provide you with assistance on any of your powder coating system queries, and high-performance spraying equipment.