Powder Coating User Guide: Difference between revisions
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(Initial outline of power coating user guide page) |
(Added content to safety, reference procedure and troubleshooting sections) |
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| width="33%" |'''Date''' | | width="33%" |'''Date''' | ||
9/15/2026 | |||
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=GENERAL= | =GENERAL= | ||
Powder coating is a finishing process that creates a durable corrosion and weathering resistant layer on | Powder coating is a finishing process that creates a durable corrosion and weathering resistant layer on metal parts. In addition to the practical benefits of powder coating it also has several cosmetic applications. Compared to other finishing processes such as painting, mistakes are easy to deal with and clean up is generally straightforward and less messy. Powder coating also lends itself to certain techniques such as gradients which are incredibly difficult or impossible with other finishing methods. Powder coating is also generally cheaper than spray paint in terms of | ||
metal parts. In addition to the practical benefits of powder coating it also has several cosmetic | |||
applications. Compared to other finishing processes such as painting, mistakes are easy to deal with | $/sqft of coverage. | ||
and clean up is generally straightforward and less messy. Powder coating also lends itself to certain | [[File:Powder coating.png|thumb|Powder Coating Spray Booth Fixture Dimensions: 30" Width x 70" Height]] | ||
techniques such as gradients which are incredibly difficult or impossible with other finishing methods. | =SAFETY= | ||
Powder coating is also generally cheaper than spray paint in terms of $/ | |||
Some powders may produce hazardous fumes. Because of this, only TGIC free powders are allowed for use in the spray booth and oven. Shop ventilation and respirators are required while spraying and | |||
curing powder coated projects. | |||
NEVER LEAVE THE BUILDING WHILE THE OVEN IS ON!!! | |||
=REFERENCE= | |||
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFeMX1O6Epk&t=458s The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Powder Coating - How to Powder Coat at Eastwood] | |||
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u71sidwXFPQ How do you know Powder Coating is Cured | Prismatic Powders®] | |||
=PROCEDURE= | |||
'''Preprocessing & Setup''' | |||
# Open the oven and remove the fixture and verify the oven is free of debris. | |||
# Preheat the oven to specified curing temperature on the powder TDS. | |||
# Clear a path from the spray booth to the oven that allows the door of the oven to open fully. | |||
# Lay a sheet of craft paper over an area where projects can be set in between work steps. | |||
# Use the sand blast cabinet or isopropyl alcohol to remove contaminants. Use gloves to handle projects after cleaning. | |||
# Use the IR thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the oven. Do not begin spraying until the curing temp has been reached. | |||
'''Spraying/Coating''' | |||
# Before spraying, check the desiccant indicator. Too much moisture in the supplied shop air can impact the curing of the powder. | |||
# Connect the compressed air line to the spray gun | |||
# Always keep the end of the spray gun at least 4 inches away from the part to avoid arcing. | |||
# 20psi is the recommended spray pressure. | |||
# Clean the spray gun prior to and after use. | |||
# Sweep up left over powder and throw away, do not just sweep into the spray booth. | |||
'''Curing''' | |||
# Suspend the project on the fixture using metal wire or place the project on a metal stand | |||
# Open the door of the oven and quickly move it over. | |||
# After 1 minute measure the temperature of the project. Once the project temperature has | |||
# reached the curing temperature start a timer for the specified curing duration. | |||
# When the timer goes off use the dedicated oven mitts to quickly and carefully remove the project from the oven and let it air cool until it can be handled. | |||
* '''Buying Powder at Vector Space''' | |||
# Weigh the powder can before use and make sure it matches the weight on the top of the can. Round to one decimal place ex 8.387 oz → 8.4 oz | |||
# Use the powder as necessary. | |||
# After use weigh the powder and subtract the new weight from the old wight. | |||
# Round to the nearest oz ex. 4.2 oz → 4 oz, 4.5 oz → 5 oz | |||
# multiply the oz used by the price listed on the can and pay using the PayPal QR code. Add a note listing the powder name and the rounded weight of powder used. | |||
* '''Self-Sourced Powder''' Self sourced powders must meet the following criteria; | |||
* Must be TGIC free. | |||
* Must send a Technical Data Sheet to shop captain for review. | |||
* A 3D Printed powder canister needs to be printed. Shop captain will provide the file. | |||
=TROUBLESHOOTING= | =TROUBLESHOOTING= | ||
'''If powder is not adhering to project:''' | |||
Verify the ground clamp is directly attached to the metal frame of the spray booth and ensure the project is free of contaminants such as rust, oil and adhesives. If this continues, attach the ground clamp directly to the spray fixture or the wire used to hold the project. | |||
'''If powder is not spraying:''' | |||
Verify the compressed air line is open to allow for air to flow to the spray gun. | |||
Latest revision as of 21:51, 15 September 2026
This page is under construction, check back soon!
| Shop Area: Metal Fab Shop
Tool: Powder Coating Booth & Oven Requires in-person training: Yes |
Procedure Number
UG 120-03, Rev. 0 |
Date
9/15/2026 |
GENERAL
Powder coating is a finishing process that creates a durable corrosion and weathering resistant layer on metal parts. In addition to the practical benefits of powder coating it also has several cosmetic applications. Compared to other finishing processes such as painting, mistakes are easy to deal with and clean up is generally straightforward and less messy. Powder coating also lends itself to certain techniques such as gradients which are incredibly difficult or impossible with other finishing methods. Powder coating is also generally cheaper than spray paint in terms of
$/sqft of coverage.
SAFETY
Some powders may produce hazardous fumes. Because of this, only TGIC free powders are allowed for use in the spray booth and oven. Shop ventilation and respirators are required while spraying and curing powder coated projects.
NEVER LEAVE THE BUILDING WHILE THE OVEN IS ON!!!
REFERENCE
The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Powder Coating - How to Powder Coat at Eastwood How do you know Powder Coating is Cured | Prismatic Powders®
PROCEDURE
Preprocessing & Setup
- Open the oven and remove the fixture and verify the oven is free of debris.
- Preheat the oven to specified curing temperature on the powder TDS.
- Clear a path from the spray booth to the oven that allows the door of the oven to open fully.
- Lay a sheet of craft paper over an area where projects can be set in between work steps.
- Use the sand blast cabinet or isopropyl alcohol to remove contaminants. Use gloves to handle projects after cleaning.
- Use the IR thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the oven. Do not begin spraying until the curing temp has been reached.
Spraying/Coating
- Before spraying, check the desiccant indicator. Too much moisture in the supplied shop air can impact the curing of the powder.
- Connect the compressed air line to the spray gun
- Always keep the end of the spray gun at least 4 inches away from the part to avoid arcing.
- 20psi is the recommended spray pressure.
- Clean the spray gun prior to and after use.
- Sweep up left over powder and throw away, do not just sweep into the spray booth.
Curing
- Suspend the project on the fixture using metal wire or place the project on a metal stand
- Open the door of the oven and quickly move it over.
- After 1 minute measure the temperature of the project. Once the project temperature has
- reached the curing temperature start a timer for the specified curing duration.
- When the timer goes off use the dedicated oven mitts to quickly and carefully remove the project from the oven and let it air cool until it can be handled.
- Buying Powder at Vector Space
- Weigh the powder can before use and make sure it matches the weight on the top of the can. Round to one decimal place ex 8.387 oz → 8.4 oz
- Use the powder as necessary.
- After use weigh the powder and subtract the new weight from the old wight.
- Round to the nearest oz ex. 4.2 oz → 4 oz, 4.5 oz → 5 oz
- multiply the oz used by the price listed on the can and pay using the PayPal QR code. Add a note listing the powder name and the rounded weight of powder used.
- Self-Sourced Powder Self sourced powders must meet the following criteria;
- Must be TGIC free.
- Must send a Technical Data Sheet to shop captain for review.
- A 3D Printed powder canister needs to be printed. Shop captain will provide the file.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If powder is not adhering to project:
Verify the ground clamp is directly attached to the metal frame of the spray booth and ensure the project is free of contaminants such as rust, oil and adhesives. If this continues, attach the ground clamp directly to the spray fixture or the wire used to hold the project.
If powder is not spraying:
Verify the compressed air line is open to allow for air to flow to the spray gun.