Powder coating: way to add more positive charge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of powder coating, specifically focusing on the charging mechanisms involved and the potential for enhancing the positive charge of the powder using a less expensive powder coating gun. Participants explore the feasibility of adding more positive charge to improve the coating process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the part to be coated is negatively charged due to grounding, and questions whether there is a cost-effective method to increase the positive charge of the powder using a budget gun.
  • Another participant references an article that discusses features enhancing charge in powder coating guns, implying that certain features may improve performance.
  • A participant with experience in a powder coating factory explains the basic principles of powder coating, including the need for a hot oven to melt the thermoset plastic and questions the practicality of performing this process at home.
  • A later reply mentions that the voltage in the gun's barrel can be increased by installing a more powerful cascade, suggesting a potential method to enhance the charge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the feasibility and methods of enhancing the positive charge in powder coating. There is no consensus on the best approach or the practicality of home powder coating.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations regarding the practicality of home setups, including the challenges of achieving the necessary temperatures and the electrical requirements for effective powder coating.

stryped
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TL;DR
Powder coating
I am thinking of powder coating at home. I know the part to be coated is negatively charged because it is grounded. I assume the powder is positively charged by the gun. I wonder if there is a way to add more positive charge cheaply to an inexpensive gun like the one at harbor freight? I think this is one of the drawbacks of a cheaper made gun. Could some sort of static charge be added?
 
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I use to work in a powder coat factory, spray on powder is thermoset plastic. Hot oven melts plastic to clean metal parts. You can order powder any bake temperature you like. I think the lowest bake temperature is about 350°f. We used 540°f power. Metal parts are electrically charged + & - to make powder attracted to parts. Call PPG they sell powder, they will mail you 1 lb free samples. House is none conductive how will you make powder stick and how will you bake your house in an oven? Heat gun will take years.
 
Last edited:
stryped said:
TL;DR Summary: Powder coating

I am thinking of powder coating at home. I know the part to be coated is negatively charged because it is grounded. I assume the powder is positively charged by the gun. I wonder if there is a way to add more positive charge cheaply to an inexpensive gun like the one at harbor freight? I think this is one of the drawbacks of a cheaper made gun. Could some sort of static charge be added?
The cascade is located in the barrel of the pistol. That will determine the voltage you get out. Simply install a more powerful one, up to 140kV.
 

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