Having run a powder coating shop in sunny California for a decade, I’ve seen my fair share of missteps and victories. The process is intricate, and ensuring a flawless finish can be a dance of precision. The article hit some crucial points that I’ve often emphasized to my team, and here’s my take on them, coupled with real-life examples from our shop floor and based on this great article I found.
- Chat With Your Customers: I can’t stress enough the importance of communication. I’ve seen jobs go sideways because we assumed we knew the client’s requirements. I recall an incident when my employee, Dave, assumed a shade of blue and didn’t double-check. The end result? An unhappy customer and a lesson learned.
- Metal Cleaning is No Joke: Keeping your metal clean is paramount. We once had to redo an entire batch of parts because a small patch of rust went unnoticed. Trust me, it was a pricey lesson in the importance of thorough cleaning.
- Prep that Metal Right: Our team learned that coatings don’t stick well to smooth surfaces. A job for a local contractor taught us that. We re-blasted the entire set because the finish wasn’t adhering correctly. So, always etch or blast your parts for that perfect grip.
- Grounding is Key: Keeping your racks and hooks clean has always been a priority in our shop. After Carlos, one of our most experienced guys, faced issues with powder not adhering properly, we realized the importance of proper grounding. It’s something we check and recheck now.
- Consistent Air Pressure: I remember when our air pressure fluctuated, and the uneven application caused so much rework. Consistent air pressure is the backbone of a good finish, especially with other machines running.
- Set Your Gun Right: We’ve played around with gun settings enough times to know the importance of getting it just right. Adjustments based on the powder and the part can make a world of difference.
- Consistency in Spraying: When Jake, a newbie in our team, was learning the ropes, he often missed the back areas of parts. That taught us the importance of thorough and consistent spraying to ensure a uniform coat.
- Inspect Before Baking: A flashlight has become our best friend on the shop floor. We had a batch where unnoticed excess powder caused a flawed finish. The rework taught us to always, always inspect before sending parts to cure.
- Perfect Your Curing Time: It’s more of an art than a science. We’ve had parts that were under-cured, leading to a soft finish. Getting that balance between temperature and time is crucial. Our motto? When in doubt, test it out.
- Always QC Your Products: Mistakes happen, but a solid QC process catches them before they reach the client. From solvent tests to keeping a record of defects, every step ensures that we deliver only the best.
In conclusion, the journey in the powder coating business has been filled with learning curves. But these challenges, like the ones mentioned, have honed our processes and made us one of the top shops in California. And if you ever find yourself in a bind, remember companies like Reliant are always there to lend a helping hand. Trust me, in this business, a little help goes a long way!
