Posted by TWP on | Comments Off on Optimizing Your Metal Fabrication Process with Powder Coating

As covered in The Fabricator article “Powder Coating Basics for Metal Fabricators—Part I,” presented at FABTECH 2023 by Nick Dawson of George Koch Sons LLC, the decision to outsource or bring powder coating in-house depends on key factors, such as customer requirements, delivery timelines, and the availability of local coaters. For those looking to establish an in-house powder coating department, understanding the basics is crucial. 

Planning the Space for Powder Coating
A well-planned powder coating area requires ample space for staging, cleaning, coating, and curing parts. A typical setup might span 100 ft. by 100 ft. with a height of 30 ft. to accommodate both batch and automated systems. Structural factors, such as roof trusses and building supports, must also be considered to maximize the working area. Depending on the products being fabricated, additional space may be required for surface preparation processes like blasting or aqueous pretreatment, which ensures optimal paint adhesion.

Batch vs. Automated Systems
The choice between a batch system and an automated inline system depends on several factors:

  • Throughput: A batch system may work well for low-volume jobs (e.g., 20 parts per day), while automated systems are better suited for high-volume needs (e.g., 20,000 parts daily).
  • Part Size and Weight: Large, heavy parts (like custom trailers) are often better handled with a batch system, while smaller, lightweight parts may be efficiently coated using an automated conveyor.
  • Product Variety: In high-mix environments, a batch system offers flexibility for coating a diverse array of parts, while an automated system is often designed for high-volume, repeatable jobs.

For some operations, a hybrid approach may be necessary—using batch systems for larger parts while utilizing automated systems for smaller, high-volume components. Outsourcing specific coating tasks can also be a strategic solution when space or budget constraints exist.

Click here to learn more about Trans-ACC’s powder coating and metal finishing services.

Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com.