Application Methods for Powder Coating

The method of applying powder is reasonably simple and providing you have access to the following equipment is something that most practical people can learn. You will need access to the following equipment; powder gun, a supply of clean dry compressed air, an electrical supply and powder for spraying. Powder is sucked from the container, which can be the manufactures box or a hopper depending on the type of equipment, via a powerful pump. In order to get a constant smooth flow 2 methods are used, vibration and/or fluidisation, The vibration helps to keep the powder level towards the suction tube, and the fluidisation enables the powder to flow through the pump easily.The powder is sucked vertically

from the container to the pump where it is passed along the powder tube; this can vary in length but is usually around 3 meters. The powder will then enter the gun body. The manual gun is shaped for ease of handling and comfort and will usually allow the powder to enter at the bottom of the handle. On automatic equipment the powder will usually enter from the rear as the gun body will be straight. There are many types and variations of application equipment to suit specialised methods of application but the main two main types of gun in common use are Tribo charge and Corona charge. Both rely on the powder getting an electrical charge that in turn enables the material to attract to the surface of the object to be coated.