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Powder coating ovens harden dry paint coatings on metal objects through a chemical reaction that adheres the coating to the surface. There are two types of ovens: convection and infrared. The powder coating process involves cleaning the object, applying the powder, and heating it in the oven. The powder is typically made from polyester or epoxy resin and creates a durable, environmentally safe barrier.
Powder coating ovens are devices used in the dry painting process. After an item has been dry coated, it is placed in one of these ovens, where the coating hardens. This causes a chemical reaction which causes the coating to adhere to the surface of the workpiece. After the coating is fully cured, it is almost part of the original article. There are two main types of powder coating ovens, convection ovens and infrared ovens.
Convection ovens work much like a common household oven. Heating elements, or vents, create areas of intense heat. This heat warms the air and creates air movement. As the air moves, it moves within the oven and eventually heats the entire interior area.
Infrared powder coating ovens work much like a convection oven with a few minor exceptions. The most important difference is the focus on an infrared oven. The elements used in these systems have a more focused method of channeling heat. The result is that more heat enters the object and less is lost to the air.
The powder coating process typically begins with a metal object. Some types of powder coating will work on non-metallic materials, but that makes up a small fraction of the powder coating industry. The work piece has any molding material or burrs removed to make it as close to finished quality as possible. Subsequently, it is cleaned with industrial solvents or sandblasting.
The next step in the powder coating process is applying the actual powder. There are several ways to do this, but most shapes involve generating positive or negative charges in the piece or powder. One of the more common methods is called electrostatic coating. In this process, the piece is grounded and the powder is negative. Dust is naturally attracted to the workpiece due to the difference in polarity.
After the material is powder coated, it enters the powder coating ovens. During this part of the process, the work piece is heated to a temperature hot enough to melt the powder but cool enough to prevent damage to the object. As the powder melts, it coats the work piece evenly and changes both mechanically and chemically. Often the piece remains in the oven for less than 20 minutes.
In most cases, the powder is made from a man-made material such as polyester or epoxy resin. As this material melts, it flows into the little nooks and crannies of the work piece. This mechanical change creates an environmentally safe barrier. In addition to the mechanical protection, the molten material forms a molecular lattice shape. This reticle is exceptionally resistant to damage and wear.
