CUSTOM INDUSTRIAL POWDER COATING EQUIPMENT

Powder coating is a dry finishing process in which a powder paint is applied by spray or dip to the surface of the part then heat cured to melt and flow resulting in an attractive, durable, high-quality finish. The powder coating process is environmentally friendly; no solvents are used to transport the powder, little or no volatile organic compound (VOC) is released into the air and residual powder can be disposed of as a non-hazardous solid. Overspray powder can be captured, filtered and reapplied to achieve a high transfer efficiency. Sprayed powder uses an electrostatic charge to attract the powder to a grounded part and generally apply a 1-6 mil coating. Dipped parts are generally pre-heated such that powder begins to melt and build up when the part is dipped to achieve a thicker, 6-40 mil film build.

BOOTHS

Powder coating booths consist of three basic components: a cleanable smooth housing, a powder collection/filtration system and a powder application system. The housing encloses the powder application guns and contains sprayed powder. The filtration system is sized to provide a minimum of 125 fpm at the booth openings and typically employs a cartridge or cyclone primary filter with a HEPA final filter. Guns apply an electrostatic charge to the powder and can be manual hand-held guns or automatic guns mounted on a fixed gun bar or reciprocating gun mover. HERR works with the powder booth manufacturers to incorporate their equipment into the system design and assure that the part size and line speed match the other equipment. HERR then installs the booth complete but typically you purchase the booth direct from the manufacturer for a capital savings. HERR has provided and installed over 140 booths in a wide variety of configurations including those with the following features:

ENVIRONMENTAL ROOM

HERR designs and builds insulated, controlled-environment rooms to house the powder booths and stored virgin powder. Powder is hygroscopic and forms “clumps” that can clog guns and pumps. In addition, when powder is recycled, it is also subject to contamination from outside sources of weld smoke and dust. HERR positively pressurizes the rooms with a complete HVAC system that keeps contaminants out, as well as dehumidifies, humidifies and filters the air as it is circulated. HERR’s environmental rooms are designed and built with the following features:

FLUID BED

Fluid bed application is used to apply thick film builds ranging from a minimum of 6 mil up to as much as 40 mil or more. Fluidized powder beds (tanks) consist of two-chambers separated by a porous plastic membrane. The lower chamber is the supply air plenum, the upper chamber holds the powder. When low pressure air is applied to the plenum, the powder fluidizes, i.e., it is lifted and acts like a fluid that parts can be dipped in. The parts are pre-heated prior to dipping so the powder immediately melts and flows. Excess powder is shaken or blown off and returned to the bed. A lip vent or cartridge style powder collector is typically used to capture blown off powder or powder drifting off the bed surface from the fluidizing air.