Powder coating conveyor systems can be valuable tools in the finishing process, helping companies to achieve high-quality, consistent, and durable finishes with exceptional speed and precision.
As a leader in the industry, Powder Coat Services regularly uses cutting-edge conveyorized solutions alongside our powder coating equipment to ensure incredible results.
Here, we’ll share everything you need to know about powder coating conveyor systems, from how they work, to the benefits they can deliver. Plus, we’ll explore how you can take advantage of the ideal powder coating machine for your next project.
What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is one of the world’s most popular dry finishing processes. It’s used in countless industries to finish products and parts thanks to its flexibility, reliability, and significant impact on the long-term durability of components.
In the powder coating process, fine, dry resin powder is electrostatically applied to a surface, using specialist powder coating equipment. The powder particles are charged and sprayed onto grounded parts, where they adhere evenly to the surface, creating a uniform coat.
The coated products are placed in a curing oven and exposed to heat, which triggers a chemical reaction, causing the powder to melt into a durable coating.
Powder coats can come in a range of forms, including thermosets, and thermoplastics. Thermosetting powders like polyurethane, polyester, and epoxy, form irreversible chemical bonds during curing, for an ultra-robust finish. Thermoplastic powders, on the other hand, melt and flow during curing, but can be remelted and reformed for different purposes.
As an extremely versatile finishing method, powder coating offers a range of benefits compared to other methods like liquid painting. It can deliver a superior finish quality, with excellent resistance to fading, chipping and scratching. Plus, powder coating is great for the environment, as it contains no solvents, and emits very low levels of volatile organic compounds.
Powder coating can even be a cost-effective solution, as unused powder can be collected and reused for a range of projects and applications.
Introduction to Powder Coating Conveyor Systems
A conveyorized powder coating system can enhance the speed and efficiency of the powder coating process. Conveyor systems allow professionals to automate key parts of the powder coating process, ensuring parts are covered consistently, and effectively.
Though the exact structure of a conveyor powder coating system can vary, all of these machines include a few key elements, such as a powder coating booth for spraying, a mechanical conveyor belt, and a curing oven where the coating is baked onto the parts.
Conveyor systems can come in various styles, such as overhead and belt conveyors. Overhead conveyors are most commonly used for bulky parts, or in areas where floor space is limited. Belt conveyors are excellent for smaller projects and lightweight components. Choosing between these options requires an assessment of various factors, like part size, shape, and production volume.
On the surface, the functionality of a conveyorized powder coating system is relatively simple. Most companies start with a pre-treatment process, where parts are cleaned and prepped to ensure excellent adhesion. The parts are then loaded into a conveyor system, where they’re gradually moved first into the spray booth, where every product detail is covered with powder.
After the powder application, the conveyor moves the part to the curing oven, where it’s subject to high temperatures that cause the finish to bond to the product.
Benefits of Using a Powder Coating Conveyor System
A conveyor powder coating system can optimize the efficiency and speed of the powder coating process, while improving application quality and consistency, minimizing overheads, and even reducing environmental impact. The main benefits include:
- Efficiency of speed: Conveyorized systems can coat large volumes of parts and components quickly, making them ideal for projects with high demands. The automated element of the system reduces overall turnaround times, and helps to ensure adherence to deadlines.
- Consistency and quality: Powder coating conveyor systems are engineered to ensure a uniform application, ensuring every part receives the same, even coating. This is crucial to reducing human error, and improving the aesthetic appeal and durability of the product.
- Scalability: A conveyorized system offers excellent scalability in a powder coating process. Whether a production involves small batches of components or large volumes, the right system can handle all kinds of varying demands with ease.
- Cost effectiveness: Conveyor systems can help to reduce operational costs for powder coating experts, as automation reduces labor requirements. These savings can then be passed onto customers. Conveyor systems can also help to reduce waste, as the precise application of powder reduces the loss of extra powder.
- Environmental benefits: Powder coating conveyor systems can contribute to environmental sustainability. The powder coating process doesn’t rely on solvents, and allows for better resource utilization, as additional “overspray” can be reused for other projects.
Applications for Conveyorized Powder Coating
Smaller projects won’t always require the use of a conveyorized powder coating system. However, there are many environments and situations in which a conveyor solution can be extremely valuable. Some of the most common applications include:
- Automotive industry: In the automotive landscape, a powder coating conveyor can be essential for quickly and efficiently covering car parts with a durable coating. The process is regularly used to coat wheels, bumpers, chassis components, and more, creating a uniform and robust finish that can withstand various environmental conditions and regular wear.
- Electronics industry: The electronics industry regularly benefits from conveyorized powder coating for large volume projects. Companies use conveyor systems to apply protective coatings to electronic housings and components. The powder coat finish offers an excellent combination of insulation, and corrosion resistance, for long-term durability.
- Furniture industry: In the furniture space, powder coating conveyor systems are usually employed to finish metal and wooden furniture pieces, enhancing both their visual appeal and longevity. These systems allow for the easy application of custom colors and textures, giving designers the freedom to create unique products.
Why Choose PCS for Conveyorized Powder Coating?
Even with a convenient, automated conveyor system, exceptional powder coating relies on a combination of expertise and experience. At Powder Coat Services (PCS), we draw on more than 40 years of industry experience to deliver exceptional results for a wide range of products.
Our skilled is well-versed in the powder coating process, and knows how to use the latest technology to improve efficiency and outcomes. They also follow rigorous quality control procedures, and use the highest quality materials, to ensure durable and aesthetically pleasing results.
Our track record in the industry has earned us the loyalty of countless companies, and we’re proud of our excellent customer satisfaction levels. We provide customized solutions to address specific client needs, and always ensure our clients have access to the latest facilities and equipment.
Plus, we guarantee an efficient, reliable service, with rapid turnaround times, ensuring we can adapt to any specific deadlines you may have for your projects.
Discover the Benefits of a Powder Coating Conveyor
Ultimately, a powder coating conveyor system can be a valuable resource in the finishing landscape, offering access to increased efficiency and speed, without compromising on high-quality finishes. With the right system, companies like PCS can offer cost-effective, scalable services that adapt to any company’s project requirements.
If you want to discover the benefits of a conveyorized powder coating solution for yourself, or learn more about our services, contact the PCS team today. We can walk you through the powder coating process, and work with you to achieve the right results for your project.
Contact our team here to request a quote.
