Electromagnetic brush powder coating: From the lab to commercial production
Application of powder coatings on flat substrates by a process called electromagnetic brush, or EMB, might change the future of the powder coating industry. The process can apply powder coatings on flat conductive and nonconductive substrates such as coils and sheets at relative high speeds with a very controllable and even powder layer. The first installation of an EMB process is now a fact, with a pilot production line applying powder on flexible flat substrates. This article traces the principles of the process, explains the background and initiatives, discusses the benefits of the process, and touches on the relevant issues for implementation.
The EMB process can revolutionize the coatings industry in three ways. First, it can replace wet coating on flat reel-to-reel or sheet applications, resulting in lower solvent emissions and reduced energy consumption by the coating industry. Second, it can significantly reduce the cost of coating per square yard. And third, it can produce a higher quality of coating in terms of thickness variance without loss due to overspray.