Grounding in Powder Coating Application
The Surprising Key to a Perfect Powder Coating Every Time
Did you know it's crucial to ground parts during the powder coating process?
What is Grounding in Powder Coating?
Grounding – or establishing a reliable electrical path from the part being coated to the ground – is essential to powder coating. The grounded surface attracts negatively charged powder particles, helping them stick to the surface evenly for a high-quality finish.
Every powder shop should have a copper pole that goes 6 feet into the ground for this purpose.
Why Proper Grounding is Important for Powder Coatings
Failing to establish a reliable electrical path from the part being coated to the ground can lead to issues like powder not penetrating recessed areas (Faraday cage), uneven film thickness, and low transfer efficiency. This means wasted product and money for your manufacturing line. For your safety, your spray booth, powder equipment and carts (hang parts) must be grounded.
Application Implications
Without proper grounding – the powder will not be attracted to the surfaces of the part. Instead, powder particles will escape the spray booth or go toward the powder filters, leading to:
- Increased product waste
- Filters that need to be changed prematurely
- Poor transfer efficiency
- An uneven finish
All of this means additional rework, which adds up to unnecessary time and money spent. Most importantly, proper grounding is essential for your safety.
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How Can Sherwin-Williams Help?
Have a question about grounding? Reach out today for support.