Powder Coating Trends: Eco-Friendly Advancements
- By Echo Engineering
- Aug 22, 2017
Powder coating has long been considered an environmentally friendly alternative to wet paint. Powder coating provides a long-lasting finish, and one is able to reduce waste by collecting unused powder and reusing it. However, recent advancements have made the practice even more efficient – happy news for both profit margins and the environment!
What advancements are changing the game? Let’s explore a few.
Charge-Control Developments
New charge-control additive agents can be used to lower resistivity. This causes powder particles to charge more efficiently. The superior control over the charge allows for greater control, and consequently, lower application errors – especially around Faraday cage areas. The decreased rejection rates mean a lower amount of waste and less energy consumed in re-work.
Advanced Pump Technology
Powder coating pumps have also progressed, with recent technology allowing for improved performance. Newer pumps use HDLV (high-density powder, low-velocity air technology) to increase efficiency. Less compressed air and powder coating materials are needed to provide an even, consistent powder coated finish. Again, newer technology allows for decreased energy and resource consumption.
Color Management Systems
Traditionally, color change has required that powder coaters put forth a great deal of time and effort. New booths and management systems are changing the game, though. A smaller amount of powder is being used and it’s automatically recovered and cleaned after each use. This is cleaner and saves time, allowing for freedom of color choice. And, of course, a cleaner, waste-free powder coating process.
Surely the resourceful and effective nature of powder coating will continue to evolve as technology advances. This efficiency should continue to be a positive change for the powder coating industry, as well as the environment.
Contact Echo here to discuss how we can add even more efficiency to your paint line, and read here about how we’re making moves toward a more eco-friendly work environment!
