The aluminium will be checked for any scratches, any that are found will be removed using a fine sanding paper. Other contaminants, such as adhesives from packaging tapes will be removed with a panel wipe degreaser.
The material will be suspended from a flight bar using wires or a jig. The flight bar has two purposes, firstly it enables the material to be easily transferred from one stage of the process to the next, and secondly it provides method to earth the metal. Where there are no obvious hanging points it may be that we contact a customer to ask permission to drill small holes for this purpose.
The aluminium undergoes a multi-stage process that includes acid etching, and rinsing before it is dipped into a conversion coating. This adds a microscopic ‘glue’ layer for the powder to adhere to. The aluminium will then be placed in an oven to dry.
Once the material has cooled the coating will be inspected and measurements will be taken to ensure that it meets the requisite quality standards. It will then be packaged to ensure that the coating is protected during transport.
The powder picks up a positive charge on exiting the gun and is attracted to the earthed aluminium forming a uniform powder layer. The flight bar is then placed in a large oven to cure for 18-20 minutes. The powder flows and cures as the metal heats up in the oven.
Previous Image
Next Image
info heading
info content
Colourcoat Capabilities
For items to be a candidate for the Colourcoat process they should weigh no more than 750 kgs and should not exceed overall dimensions of 7m x 3m x 1.1m.
e.g. an item with overall dimensions of 6m x 1.8m x 0.5m is ok but an item 3m x 1.8 x 1.5 would be unsuitable.
Most moving parts, such as hinges, are unsuitable as the coating will seize the action. It is possible to mask off selected areas with heat resistant tape
For more information on design please visit the technical section. If you are at all uncertain on the suitability of an item please give us a call on one of the phone numbers above.
