Producing practically every product out there is a complex procedure that is divided into a couple of different groups, and all of these groups require attention on the behalf of those who work on it. In many industries out there, the final stage in the production process is applying a finishing touch to the product, surface finishing.
As you can presume, this is a procedure that is either done completely through the use of certain machines or manually. No matter which one of these is at hand, this is a key aspect since its works will be the first thing that attracts the future customer. Today, we want to stick to a process known as spray coating.
Naturally, this process is done through the use of a spray coater. It can be done by using one of many machines available on the market. Each of these comes with a string of rules on how to use them properly. That’s why we want to shine a light on how to use a spray coater properly.
Without further ado, let’s talk about the proper way how to use this device.
The Process
Spray coaters are devices whose goal is to use atomization as a coating method. They are used to turn the fluid into the mist, and then apply it to the surface through spraying. Since these devices are extremely sophisticated, and they come in different shapes and sizes, only professionals can handle them properly.
As we’ve said, there are different methods of spraying coating, and all of them use different methods. But one thing is common for all of them, all of them use a spray coater. The best way to describe spray coating is to say that small particles are cleaned properly, and they are applied to the surface of the product.
The idea is for these particles to create a continuous coating. These are first applied to the surface, and after that, they are flattened. That way, they make the coating firm and durable, which makes it resistant to a wide array of different problems that can occur for many reasons, caused by different occurrences.
For this process to be conducted properly, having the proper equipment and an experienced workforce is an absolute must. The equipment needed for this process is not cheap. Therefore, maintaining it properly is considered an absolute must, no matter what sort of industry we are talking about.
The number of ingredients used for the creation of the coating itself is quite high. Among the biggest group of ingredients are those made of organic ingredients. The problem with them is that they can evaporate from the film created by the device. That’s why creating these should be done with utmost carefulness.
Different Types of Spray Coating
Now, let’s take a look at a couple of different types of spray coating.
1. Combustion Flame
The first type we want to address is known as a combustion flame. Many professionals consider it to be among the most efficient ones since it was good for surfaces that are not prone to experience a lot of stress. Even though applying to the surface is not as pressing as with some other methods, it stays on the surface quite firmly.
The reason is that the spraying mechanism is supported by a method that’s known as a lower flame velocity. What does that mean? Well, that means that the flame is empowered by using oxygen mixed with petroleum. Another reason why this approach is quite popular is that it is one of the cheapest ones.
2. Two-Wire Electric
A two-wire electric arc is a spraying method that consists of creating the coating via using two wires, which are both electrically conductive. What does this mean? It means that these two have a direct electrical connection when they are close to each other. That’s why this method is easily among the most effective ones.
Some professionals address this approach as a “torch” since these two wires are creating a similar outlook. Because of the nature of this approach, we can see that it is used mainly for products that are made of zinc or aluminum. Not to mention that their use is not as costly as many approaches you can find in different industries.
3. Plasma
If you have the meanings and you are interested in using a somewhat more complex method, we advise you not to look any further than plasma spraying. With this method, it is possible to melt down the material, and then place it on the product. As a result, the color will be applied with no pressing at all.
The only potential downside to this approach is that the coating is not as thick as is with some other methods. Therefore, you cannot use it for every type of product out there. You’ll need to stick only with those where using this is a possibility. The biggest advantage is that it is adaptable to everyone’s needs.
4. Vacuum
Last but not least, we want to address the question of vacuum spraying. What needs to be said about this one is that it utilizes low temperatures as much as possible. Why is temperature important? For instance, it applies the coating to the surface properly, and it minimizes the damage inflicted on the product.
The key element for making this procedure efficient is gas. You will be able to use different sorts of gas for this process. When it comes to the cases where this approach is effective, we are talking about door mirrors or car bumpers. That’s why these are probably the commonest ones in the automotive industry.
Summary
A spray coater is an irreplaceable device in the processes we’ve named above. As we’ve said, only a professional can handle them properly. Experience is key. In this article of ours, we’ve provided you with all the important things you need to know about how to do just that. We do not have any doubt you will find this article of ours both interesting and informative.
