Jumping the guns: Why manual coating should precede automatic application
Which should come first in the powder coating process: manual or automatic application? Many finishers would say the latter and have therefore set up their systems in such a manner. But is this really the most effective way to handle Faraday cage areas and other areas the automatic guns might not be able to handle? This article addresses these concerns and explains why manual booths should be the starting point of the powder coating process. The article presents arguments for this arrangement and addresses the skepticism people might have about switching their booth order. The article explains how to do this setup and the advantages you can gain by doing this.
The purpose of manual reinforcement in the powder coating process seems pretty clear to most finishers. They understand how it helps ensure that parts get required coverage on surfaces that the automatic guns can't coat adequately. These surfaces typically include inside corners, recesses, slots, and other Faraday cage areas, and surfaces that have obstructed access. The sole mission of the manual- reinforcement operator is to coat these most difficult surfaces, and ideally, nothing more. Consequently, you need to avoid or correct any equipment configuration or process conditions that could interfere with the operator's ability to get coverage on these areas.