Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. Unlike conventional liquid paint which is delivered via an evaporating solvent, powder coating is typically applied electrostatically and then cured under heat. The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as household appliances, aluminum extrusions and automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle parts.
Most powder coatings have a particle size in the range of 2 to 50 μ (Microns), a softening temperature around 80°C, a melting temperature around 150°C and are cured at around 200 °C. for minimum 10 minutes to 15 minutes.
The most common way of applying the powder coating to metal objects is to spray the powder using an electrostatic gun, or corona gun. The gun imparts a negative charge to the powder, which is then sprayed towards the grounded object by mechanical or compressed air spraying and then accelerated toward the workpiece by the powerful electrostatic charge. The object is then heated, and the powder melts into a uniform film, and is then cooled to form a hard coating.
Cleaning up powder paint can be very labor intensive. Powdered paint tends to cling to the surfaces of the paint booth. It is important to clean every part of the booth to prevent cross-contamination in color changes. Tiger-Vac vacuum systems are an indispensable tool that allow you to clean every surface in your spray booth, whether it is on the floors, walls or ceilings.
The benefits of using a Tiger-Vac vacuum system to clean your paint spray booth:
Superior filtration allows facilities conform to regulations regarding cleanliness in powder coating shops. By removing harmful or irritating paint particles from the air stream, employees can breathe easier and work in a safer environment.
Stop paint from re-contaminating the booth, saving time from re-cleaning and providing more for time for spraying and productivity by reducing set-up and turn-around times.
Fully grounded static free vacuum keeps workers safe by protecting them from electric shocks that can result from the accumulation of static electrical charge build up produced while vacuuming. Tiger-Vac provides a completely grounded vacuum system. All components are bonded to together for grounding and static dissipation. This includes the filters, filter chamber, recovery tank, cart, vacuum hose, cleaning tools, compressed air hose, quick-disconnect fittings, etc.
Pneumatic models are intrinsically safe and can run continuously without overheating or wear.