Powder Application - Ultra Image Powder Coating

Powder Application

After pre-treatment the product is ready for an electrostatic, powder coated finish. This powder application is basically the same with manual and automatic guns and in batch or power conveyor systems.

Proper powder handling, knowledge of powders and electrostatic techniques, and trained personnel with an eye for detail are all required to give the product the quality, 'Ultra Image,' coat of powder.

"first at the finish line"

Ultra Image Powder Coating of Minnesota

Utlra Image - Big Lake
Phone: (763) 262-1500
Fax: (763) 262-1501

Powder Coating spray gun and hopper

The powder selected for the particular product is dependent on the application of the product and qualities desired. For an outdoor light fixture for instance, you may want a powder with characteristics that provide protection from fading and breakdown from sunlight and ultra violet rays. Another powder may be used that is resistant to corrosion or chemicals. Perhaps the product is for display purposes and a metallic, texture or FDA approved finish is necessary.

There are many powders available (TGIC, Urethanes, Epoxies, Hybrids,) to fulfill the desired effect and it takes trained personnel with experience and knowledge of these various powders to insure a proper coating.

The Electrostatic process of powder coating includes 'fluidization' of the powder by means of a controlled air supply through a membrane in a hopper.

The 'gun' is then set for proper air, spray pattern and electrical charge.

When the 'trigger' is pulled the powder is then introduced to the 'gun' by means of another controlled air supply where it is given an electrical charge and a pattern to follow.

Fluidization of the powder in the hopper.

When the 'gun' is properly set for the type of powder and substrate, the electrically charged powder particles (+) are then sprayed to the grounded (-) part or product.

A-High Voltage Generator B-From Control Panel C-From Hopper D-Electrode E-Airflow Pattern F-Powder/Corona G-Grounded Part or Product

All of these settings change when going from one type of powder to another and from one manufacturer to another. They are also subject to changes in climate and the type of substrate to which the powder is applied.

Positive charged powder particles are attracted to the negative substrate.

Once all of the above controls are achieved, it takes a trained 'eye' to make sure that the correct amount of powder is applied evenly to the surface of the product.

This may require frequent changes to the settings to cover different areas of the part or product.

The powder 'coating' is simply powder on the part at this stage and you can actually blow it off the part or brush it off with your finger. In the next process of 'curing', the powder will bond with the substrate and achieve all the properties and characteristics required.