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Issue link: https://pf.epubxp.com/i/213540
POWDER COATING provides technical services for all powder coating applications, Hartzell also wanted to install two manual powder coating guns from Parker Ionics in Westland, Mich. The other parts of the puzzle included ovens from Rapid Engineering in Comstock Park, Mich., and wash equipment from PEM Corp. in Mankato, Minn. Rapid Engineering specializes in building air management and industrial process and finishing equipment, which included the large batch ovens Hartzell needed. "Our rep worked with them on the design based on their process and needs," says David Roberts, director of sales for Rapid's industrial process and finishing equipment. Rapid's dry-off ovens are designed with energy-efficient, air-impingement, high-velocity ductwork that shears moisture from the part at lower temperatures and reduced drying times, which Roberts says helps reduce operating costs. The large ovens with conveyor slots are designed with energy efficient burner boxes, controls and ductwork, he says, but also with minimal turbulence promoting, so that even oven temperatures will balance for high-quality drying and curing results. "They also have a fully-modulating burner system with a 25-to-one turndown ratio that results in increased energy efficiency and reduced 'thermal shock," Roberts says. New Pretreatment STS installed PEM's SprayWand pretreatment system, a P-300 model that was set up a separate alkaline cleaner injection system, a phosphate injection system and a fresh water rinse feature. John Kapsner, president of PEM, says the system can replicate a seven-stage washer and has the flexibility of a manual system. "It produces the same high-quality results of high-end, multi-stage pretreatment systems, at a fraction of the cost," he says. "The P300 is the only system in the industry that can apply chemicals at either heated or ambient temperature and at high pressure for maximum cleaning." The fixed orifice injectors can deliver precise chemical metering for maximum performance and savings, says Kapsner, and the downstream injection provides better, faster cleaning. Plus, the pump components are not exposed to chemical, he says. Chris says it was important to work with companies that he has a lengthy relationship with, especially when it came to his first integration project. "It gives you great peace of mind to know who you're working with and what type of equipment they can provide you with," he says. "I've known a lot of these companies and their people for a long time. And they know me, too, and the quality of work I demand." 22 DECEMBER 2013 — pfonline.com The PEM SprayWand pretreatment system is an alkaline cleaner injection system, phosphate injection system and a fresh water rinse feature. Seeing Results The addition of the powder coating operation increased product consistency and quality control, says Tom Gustafson, Hartzell's CTO. The company also likes that the process is gentler on the environment compared with liquid paints, since it doesn't contain any solvents. "Our powder coat paint booth has many advantages," says Gustafson. "The process is inherently safer and cleaner than other paint lines and the powder covers our products better, even in tiny crevices as well as around edges." Steimle says the new powder booth also improves production efficiency due to its quicker curing process. And he likes that the powder coating doesn't involve additional premixing, stirring, solvent additions or viscosity adjustments, all of which equates to less product variation and better quality control. "This curing and cross-linking process bonds the powder coating to the surface of the substrate and creates a very durable and long-lasting finish," he says. For information on Sustainable Technology Solutions, visit ccc-sts.com; Parker Ionics, Parkerionics.com; Rapid Engineering, Rapidengineering.com; and PEM Corporation, Pemnet.com. Adding E-Coat to an Existing Powder Coating Line If sales for your finishing business have been declining, you may need to consider adding a new coating line to bring in new business. An option may be to add an electrocoat system to your current powder line to increase your coating capabilities. pfonline.com/articles/adding-e-coat-to-an-existingpowder-coating-line