Paint Finishing Systems
Paint Finishing Systems typically combine multiple pieces of equipment to form an integrated system designed and built to your specific requirements for part size, production rate, cleaning and curing characteristics. Finishing Systems often include a Parts Washer, Drying Oven, Paint Application Equipment, Curing Oven and a Material Handling System. INFRATROL Parts Washers are used with a wide variety of substrates including metal, rubber, plastic and composites. Typical paint and coatings applied include solvent-based paint, water-borne paint, high solids and powder. Below is just a sampling of some of the Cleaning Systems we have built.
Paint Finishing Systems (System)
Paint coatings are applied for product appearance and protection. To achieve the proper application of the selected coating requires a paint system designed specifically for the products to be finished. Considerations include quality, capacity, energy, space, labor, maintenance and operating costs. The paint system depends not only upon the individual pieces of equipment, but also on the related process of cool down, flash-off, dust control, etc. Typical system equipment may be heated by gas, steam, oil, or electricity.
Typical Powder Coating System
Typical Liquid Paint Finishing System
Load-Unload Area
The ultimate capacity of a paint system is tied closely to the efficiency of the load-unload
area. Space should be provided for the handling of parts and the movement of containers.
When these operations are concentrated in one area, labor and floor space will be conserved.
However, consider loading near the fabrication area and unloading near the assembly
or packing area for a more efficient use of the conveyor.
Conveyor
The paint system conveyor is designed to properly position and carry the parts through
the finishing process while traveling at a speed necessary to achieve the desired production
rate. The type, length and arrangement of the conveyor system depends upon the process,
the floor space available, the size of the work package and the required system capacity.
Most paint finishing systems utilize and overhead monorail conveyor because of its versatility.
Spray Washer
Surface preparation is critical to the adhesion of the coating. The multiple stage spray
washer has spray zones with individual tanks and pumps. the nozzle spray pattern provides
full coverage of the part surface. Drain zones between the stages minimize solution
contamination. The length, temperature and number of stages will depend upon the product,
surface treatment and type of coating to be applied.
Moisture Dry-Off Oven
The dry-off oven exposes the part to heated air for evaporation of moisture. The time
and temperature cycle depends upon the part material, thickness, and ability to drain.
A large volume of heated air is distributed through a duct system providing uniform
heat in the oven. The oven enclosure is insulated and air seals at the openings minimize
heat loss. A cool down area is required following the oven to obtain an acceptable part
temperature prior to painting.
Coating Area
A variety of coatings can be used in a paint system and they are applied in many different
ways. This system shows parts being sprayed automatically using an electrostatic disk
followed by manual touch-up in a separate spray booth. By locating the booths in a
paint spray room, control of the temperature, cleanliness and air movement can be achieved.
A heated and filtered air make-up system replaces the air exhausted by the booths and
creates a positive pressure inside the room. Flash-off can then be accomplished in
a dust controlled area.
Bake Oven
The bake oven is provided to cure the applied coating on the part surface. A properly
designed oven will provide the required time and air temperature in the heat zone.
The insulated oven enclosure is equipped with an air heat system, a circulating fan
and air supply ducts to distribute heated air on the product. Air seals at the openings
minimize heat loss. Provisions are included to exhaust paint fumes and products of
combustion. Ovens can be installed on the floor, as shown, overhead to provide space
beneath, above the roof, or outside a building wall. Heat recovery devices are available
for increased efficiency.
Testing Capability
Our testing facility is capable of simulating a wide range of production conditions with
a combination of heat sources to demonstrate the results required for your needs. An
Infratrol test washer is available to determine the most effective method of handling
and cleaning your product. Contact your Infratrol representative or our office for
more information.