Electrostatic Powder Coating System
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Electrostatic Powder Coating System
The Electrostatic Powder Coating System is the most commonly used system in industrial coating today. It works on the principle of electrostatic attraction, where powder particles are electrically charged and sprayed toward a grounded metal surface. The charged particles stick to the object due to electrostatic forces and are then cured in an oven to form a durable, even coating.
A corona discharge spray gun generates high-voltage (up to 100 kV), charging the powder as it exits the nozzle. A properly grounded workpiece attracts the powder, which adheres uniformly. This process ensures high transfer efficiency, minimal overspray, and consistent finish — even on complex geometries.
Fluidized Bed Powder Coating System
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Fluidized Bed Powder Coating System
The Fluidized Bed Powder Coating System is a dipping process where preheated parts are immersed into a tank of fluidized powder. The system uses compressed air to suspend fine powder particles, creating a “fluid-like” state inside the bed. When a preheated metal component is dipped into the bed, powder particles instantly melt and bond to its surface, forming a uniform, thick coating.
Unlike spray systems, this method delivers exceptionally even coverage, especially for flat or rod-like parts. It is also ideal for parts requiring corrosion resistance or electrical insulation, making it popular in agriculture, electrical, and heavy industry.
Electrostatic Fluidized Bed System
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Electrostatic Fluidized Bed System
The Electrostatic Fluidized Bed System is a hybrid powder coating technology that combines electrostatic charging with fluidized powder behavior to deliver a highly efficient, wrap-around coating.
In this method, powder particles are fluidized using compressed air and simultaneously charged using an embedded high-voltage grid within the bed. As components are passed over or partially immersed into the bed, the electrostatically charged particles are attracted to the grounded surface, forming a highly uniform layer — even on recessed areas and internal cavities that are hard to reach with spray guns.
Unlike conventional spray or dip systems, this approach allows for non-line-of-sight coverage and high material utilization.
Tribostatic Powder Coating System (No HV)
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Tribostatic Powder Coating System (No HV)
The Tribostatic Powder Coating System charges powder particles using friction (triboelectric effect) rather than high-voltage corona discharge. As powder passes through a PTFE-lined spray gun, it gains a positive charge by rubbing against the walls. These charged particles are then attracted to the grounded workpiece, forming a uniform and efficient coating.
Unlike traditional electrostatic systems, no high-voltage power supply is required, making this system safer for operators, easier to maintain, and ideal in flammable or restricted areas. Tribostatic systems also minimize back-ionization and orange peel effects, leading to smoother finishes, especially on smaller or simpler components.
Comparison Matrix – Powder Coating Systems
Feature / System | Electrostatic Spray | Fluidized Bed | Electrostatic Fluidized Bed | Tribostatic Spray |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Coating Method | Spray with HV gun | Dip into fluidized powder | Powder fluidization + HV grid | Spray with tribo-charged gun |
Voltage Requirement | 0–100 kV (gun) | None | 0–80 kV (embedded grid) | None (tribo only) |
Part Complexity Handling | Moderate | Simple shapes | High – internal & hidden areas | Moderate – flat/tube parts |
Coating Thickness (typical) | 60–120 µm | 250–500 µm | 100–350 µm | 60–100 µm |
Transfer Efficiency | 70–90% | ~100% | 80–90% | 60–80% |
Powder Types Supported | Epoxy, Polyester, Hybrid | Nylon, PE, Epoxy, FBE | Epoxy, Polyester, FBE | Tribo-compatible only |
Equipment Complexity | Medium | Low | Medium–High | Low |
Color Change Time | Fast (modular hopper) | Slow (manual clean) | Moderate | Fast (manual swap) |
Best For | Versatile mass production | Thick, protective coatings | Coating complex/recessed parts | Simple operations, HV-restricted zones |
Air Requirement | 4–6 bar dry air | 1.2–1.5 bar | 1.3–1.6 bar | 4–6 bar |
Decision Guide – Which System Should You Choose?
If You Want To… | Recommended System |
|---|---|
Coat thin/medium sheet metal with decorative finishes | Electrostatic Spray System |
Apply thick, protective coatings in one go | Fluidized Bed System |
Coat complex parts with internal bends or hidden surfaces | Electrostatic Fluidized Bed |
Operate in HV-restricted or low-maintenance environments | Tribostatic Spray System |
Quickly change colors or switch between jobs | Electrostatic or Tribostatic |
Eliminate powder loss completely | Fluidized Bed |
Maintain simple, dip-based workflow with no spray gun | Fluidized Bed |
Use FBE or dielectric coatings on electrical parts | Fluidized or Electrostatic FB |
Handle jobs with frequent operator change (skill agnostic) | Tribostatic |
Automate the process over conveyor/robotics | Electrostatic or Electrostatic FB |