Powder Coating Process

What should you know about Powder Coating ?
As far as production and utilisation of Powder Coating is concerned VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) are in least numbers owing to the application and clean up are processes devoid of solvent, the Powder Coating can easily be considered a 100% solvent free dry Paint.

What are the benefits of using it ?
If you use Powder Coating, you are rewarded with following benefits :
* Primer will not have to be included in your plan.
* Huge Reduction in the Over Spray Losses.
* No need for cleaning a wet booth.
* This is a ready to use Product. It does not require thinning or mixing at all before application.
* Exremely Low Rate of Rejection.
* Lesser Space will do for plant, no vast space is needed as it was used to be traditionally.
* Cost-effective storage.
* There is no necessity of any Flame-Proof equipments.
* The Powders possesses a very high mechanical strength.
* Compared to liquid paints, it has better finish, smoothness and a longer shelf life.
So why not start using Powder Coating right now ?

Powder coating is a method by which electrically charged powder coating material is spray-applied to a work piece. Electrostatic attraction holds the powder to the part to be coated until heat is added to flow the powder together and cure it.

Since powder may adhere to the part for several hours, heat curing can be done at the user's convenience. Should the uncured powder coat become damaged or blemished during handling, the powder can be simply blown off with air or vacuumed, and a new coat applied.

IDEAL OROCEDURE FOR SMOOTH COATINGS

A clean & dust free atmosphere is a must around the work area. Make sure that both gun and booth are clean before beginning the work.

Have a good look at the work area and remove every possible particle of dirt on the roof and other equipments so that it can be kept off from blowing or falling over work place.

Special Note : Never mix powders purchased from two different suppliers / manufacturers.

Be careful on clean, dry and oil free compressed air supply, at the given pressure. From time to time always drain off water from the compressor tank and flush in order to keep the airline dry.

Clean sieved reclaimed powder should be mixed in small proportions as the work goes on, to avoid accumulation and gathering of dirt and moisture.

Store powder in a tightly sealed container, in a cool and dry place. Always make sure that the powder is not left in an equipment for a long period of time, when not in operation. It is very essential that the earthing of the job as well as the equipment is good enough. Proper condition and the correct strength of the pre-treatment chemicals should always be examined. Ensure no sludge accumulated at the tank bottom.

Surface pre-treatment of a work piece should be done appropriately i.e. with standard 7 tak zn phosphate of iron phosphate for ms & yellow chromate for aluminum. Ensure that the job is duly cleaned of surface contaminants, blow holes and cavities are filled and finished, de-greased, de-rusted, duly passivated and dried. Particularly in the case of castings greater care is required for cleaning out the blow holes/ porous surfaces. After pre-treatment ensure that dirt and dust does not settle on the job, and it is coated and cured at the earliest.

Metallic powders should be used with the charging voltage set to minimum, ideally 70 to 100 KV for electrostatic spray as recommended by the customer.