I recently received a jig making kit as a present and i wanted to powder paint the freshly cast jigs.
Powder paint fluid bed problems.
Many people find that a single fluidized bed coating process is much easier to maintain than a bank of electrostatic spray guns.
Four chamber fluid bed for powder painting.
To get the best results with powder paint the paint needs to be fluid meaning that.
Systematically check electrical continuity from voltage source to electrode grid including cable resistors and fuses1.
Fluidized bed powder coating is a process where a pre heated part is dipped into a tank of fluidized thermoplastic powder which is typically pvc or nylon.
Film build generally occurs rapidly over the first five mils.
It is very difficult to achieve a thin coating consistently.
If the powder due to reclaiming or efforts on the manufacturer s part is too fine it can cause all manner of trouble.
It s very difficult to get the part in and out of the fluidized bed coating tank quickly and still produce a consistent coating over the entire part.
With electrostatic spray processes one needs to monitor kva humidity grounding issues powder delivery issues gun maintenance and replacement of wear parts.
Powder level too low add powder until feed hopper is filled to proper level packed or moist powder manually loosen powder and fluidize with clean dry air check compressed air for oil water and room for high humidity obstructed membrane.
1 poor charging inadequate powder build or wrap on part.
Air blowing large holes through powder surface.
With a fluidizing bed powder that is too fine can cause irregular coverage.
Rector we have customers that use both electrostatic spray and fluid bed coating methods and while each has advantages and disadvantages there seems to be far fewer technical problems with fluid bed coating.
Keeping a close eye on the powder levels and the actual amount of powder on the bed is a smart idea.