The strategy for the development of powder coating equipment was first initiated in 1953 when a German scientist designed a process of applying organic coating on metal without mixing it with a solvent carrier. This strategy was devised from a laboratory experiment and the result became a multi-billion dollar commercial industry.
Photo: Coating Systems, Inc.
The 1960s
Most people think that powder coating equipment is a recent development of technology, the evolution of powder coating equipment has passed through many phases over the years. It further evolved through several phases of trial and error between 1961 and 1962.
Later on, powder coating equipment adopted mixing, extrusion and milling in a single manufacturing process. Low gloss textured powders are still being manufactured from this process. But, the process is characterised by poor particle size control and as a result, the products have poor application qualities (transfer efficiency, impact fusion and fluidization)
The evolution of powder coating equipment also involves the sigma mixers for melt mixing and the two-roll mills' methods. Each phase has its flaws. Firstly, they both have low product output, and at the end of each batch, the sigma mixers needed through cleanup.
The 1970s to 1980s
During the late 1970s and 1980s, the evolution of powder coating equipment witnessed a new era which was initiated by the growth rate across many industries who were early adopters of the process. Powder coating was used as an industrial finishing process. Manufacturers of electrical components and water heaters all started using powder coating equipment.
As a result of the success recorded, more industries joined and started using the new process, moving away from solvent-borne paints and porcelain enamel. Automobile companies, shelving and lawn furniture companies, and large appliance companies replaced their old method of paint lines with powder coating.
The 1990s
Powder coating went through another innovative phase in the 1990s. Creative technologists had proper financial backing for research and development and were empowered to explore every facet of the new process. So with their research, they came up with UV-curable powders on many products such as automotive radiators, vinyl flooring, assembled motors and medium-density fibreboard (MDF). Gas grill and exhaust parts industries developed high heat resistant powders that were based on silicone resins. Hyper durable specifications of 10 and more years of outdoor exposure were formulated by the transformation of fluoropolymers into powders.
The 2000s to Present
As of today, the evolution of powder coating equipment is evident in many industries for metal parts and equipment. Also, items like Signage, household appliances, boating and marine supplies, military applications, window and door frames, are examples of powder coating application.
The powder coating equipment industry has also experienced several phases of growth with regards to powder coating guns, which has increased the efficiency of application of powder coatings.
If you are installing a powder coating unit, ensure that you install the appropriate spraying extraction to prevent dust and spraying particles from getting into the operator’s eyes.
Benefits of Powder Coating Equipment
· It is economical with lower operating costs.
· Saves costs on energy consumption and labour.
· Highly durable and produces variation in texture, coating and colour
· Powder coating equipment produces a much thicker coating for surfaces which prevents running or sagging, unlike liquid coating.
· The appearance difference in powder-coated items is not as obvious as in liquid coated items between vertically coated surfaces and horizontally coated surfaces.
· Special effects can be achieved easily with powder coating equipment which is impossible with other coating methods.
· UV cured powder coating has a faster curing time than liquid coatings.
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