Dawn Denby, Author at Production Systems

Industrial Finishing Systems For Military Applications

For manufacturers in the Defense Industry, every piece of equipment and every component must meet the most stringent requirements. Military equipment and parts must be reliable, durable, and precise. To ensure requirements are met, advanced industrial finishing solutions are extremely important. The most often used finishing solutions for this industry segment include metal plating, shot blasting, and paint/coatings application. Metal Plating Processes Metal plating is a process where a thin layer of one metal is deposited onto the surface of another material, to enhance its properties like corrosion resistance and hardness. Metal plating creates a protective coating on the receiving metal. Metal plating technology includes: Electroplating - uses an electric current to deposit the metal ions onto the surface Anodizing - thickens the metal's natural oxide layer Electroless plating - A chemical reaction that creates a uniform coating without using electricity Chemical film - A chromate-based coating that protects against corrosion and improves electrical conductivity Few industries demand more metal plating than the Defense Industry. Production Systems provides specialized solutions for the metal plating process, such as conveying systems and industrial ovens [...]

Dawn Denby2025-03-10T15:42:46-04:00March 10th, 2025|Process Enclosures & Oven Designs|Comments Off

Heavy-Duty Equipment Manufacturers Provide Exceptional Exterior Protection With Industrial Coatings

To meet the demands of harsh environments, large equipment manufacturers use powder coating to protect their products. Powder Coating offers exceptional durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals, corrosion, and impact. However, manufacturers must use the right powder coating products, and that means coatings that are tested and meet stringent specifications. But that’s not all, they must also apply them properly. Pretreatment To achieve the best results from a powder coated finish, the receiving surface must be thoroughly cleaned. It should be free of dust, oil, rust, old paint or other coatings. Any contaminant left on the surface will affect the powder’s adhesion and durability. Production Systems offers pretreatment systems, including sanding and grinding booths and parts washers, all designed to properly prepare the machine surface for the coating process. Production Systems also offers industrial ovens for those instances where drying is needed from a wash station or when a specific temperature needs to be met. Application For effective application of a powder coating, a powder spray gun system that’s made specifically for this finish is needed. The powder is blown [...]

Dawn Denby2025-03-10T13:58:28-04:00March 10th, 2025|Finishing Systems|Comments Off

In The Powder Coating Pretreatment Process, Various Methods May Be Needed

As mentioned in a previous post, pretreatment of parts in a powder coating process is the key to a successful finish. When parts are properly prepared, the powder coating adheres as it should and creates a long-lasting, corrosion-resistant, protective layer. One method for pretreatment is manually applying chemicals to the part. However, when throughput demands are high, an automated system will be a better solution. An automated pretreatment process consists of three to nine stages. In a simple three-step method, there’s a heat treatment step, a rinse step, and a sealant. A more complex system includes multiple heating and rinsing steps, and special sealants. Removing Hard-To-Remove Contaminants When the part has contaminants that are hard to remove, another step may be needed for cleaning parts. Blasting, also known as sandblasting or media blasting, this a mechanical cleaning method that uses high-velocity abrasive particles to clean and prepare a surface. Blasting removes contaminants, such as rust, old coatings, and minor surface defects. Blasting ensures an even surface for the coating and can also aid the adherence of the powder by creating [...]

Dawn Denby2025-01-06T12:17:17-05:00December 9th, 2024|Pretreatment & Surface Prep Booths|Comments Off

Revolutionizing Surfaces With Industrial Powder Coating Systems

Industrial powder coating ovens are large, high-capacity ovens used in the manufacturing industry to cure powder-coated finishes on metal and other materials. These ovens are typically equipped with precise temperature controls, airflow systems, and conveyor belts to ensure uniform heat distribution and thorough curing of the powder coating. Industrial powder coating ovens are essential for producing durable, high-quality finishes that resist chipping, scratching, and corrosion. These ovens are designed to handle heavy workloads and can accommodate a variety of part sizes and shapes, making them versatile and efficient tools for finishing processes. Industrial powder coating ovens are commonly utilized in a variety of industries for their efficiency, durability, and versatility. One of the main industries that heavily rely on industrial powder coating ovens is the automotive industry. Powder coating is used to provide a durable and attractive finish to automotive parts, such as bumpers, wheels, and engine components. In addition, the aerospace industry also utilizes powder coating ovens for coating materials like aircraft components and parts. Other industries, such as furniture manufacturing, appliance manufacturing, and metal fabrication also make extensive [...]

Dawn Denby2024-12-09T13:32:28-05:00December 9th, 2024|Powder Booths|Comments Off

Step 1 Of The Powder Coating Process: Pretreatment

The pretreatment stage of powder coating process, also known as parts prep, is crucial to the success of the finish. Ensuring that the parts are properly cleaned and prepared to accept the powder coating may be the most critical step. This step ensures the powder coating adheres properly, resulting in a long-lasting, corrosion-resistant, protective layer. Most defects in a powder coated part are due to inadequate pretreatment. Different materials require different pretreatment approaches and often, there are strict guidelines that need to be met. Step one in pretreating parts begins with cleaning – mostly with chemicals. The amount of cleaning required is dependent on the condition of the parts. Is the part brand new and relatively clean? Or has it been sitting on the manufacturing floor or outdoors for weeks and gotten rusty? Is there oil, grease, or welding spatter on the part that needs to be removed? Manual pretreatment cleaning methods, such as using a pump sprayer or spray wand, are common for most shops. With this set-up, an operator manually applies chemicals using specific equipment. Sometimes pretreatment with [...]

Dawn Denby2025-01-07T08:40:01-05:00November 11th, 2024|Pretreatment & Surface Prep Booths|Comments Off

Types of Spray Machines And The Latest In Technology

When it comes to spray machines, the various types are ideal for their respective application. Fan coaters are used most often for applications such as trim, siding, and molding. A fan coater is a compact machine that applies a mist of coating to a surface. Fan coaters are used for water-based and UV coatings on substrates up to 12 inches wide. Reciprocating spray machines are best for large-scale, continuous coating of flat surfaces. They use oscillating spray guns to apply the coating in overlapping waves. They provide an extremely high-quality consistent finish. The benefits of this precise method is that overspray is reduced and material waste is minimized. Reciprocating spray machines are often used to coat panel products like doors and cabinets. Rotary spray machines have rotating arms with spray guns that move in patterns to create a fine mist. The machine identifies the shape and size of the part as it passes under a scanner, and then adjusts the flow speed and rotation to provide a high-quality coating. Rotary spray machines can achieve feed speeds of more than 30 FPM and colors [...]

Dawn Denby2024-10-07T14:56:33-04:00October 7th, 2024|Spray Booths|Comments Off

Paint Booths & Industrial Spray Applications

Industrial paint booths play a crucial role in ensuring consistent and high-quality paint finishes by containing overspray and preventing contaminants from affecting finishes. This results in a professional-looking paint job that is both durable and long-lasting, ultimately enhancing the overall appearance and value of the product. Additionally, paint booths improve efficiency by reducing the amount of time and effort required to complete the painting process. Production Systems provide a complete line of paint booths and finishing systems including: Open face, cross draft, dry filter paint spray booths Enclosed, pressurized and non-pressurized paint spray booths Large equipment industrial paint booths, cross draft, semi-down and down draft Linear automatic paint spray booths Circulating air flow paint booths We design and build paint booths for many different industries, for various spray applications, such as: Furniture manufacturing: Paint booths are an essential component in furniture manufacturing, as they provide a controlled environment for applying paint and coatings to furniture pieces. The booths are equipped with ventilation systems to remove overspray and fumes, ensuring a uniform and high-quality finish on each piece of furniture. By [...]

Dawn Denby2024-10-07T14:23:09-04:00October 7th, 2024|Spray Booths|Comments Off

Comparing Batch vs Conveying Powder Coating Systems

In order to add value to their customers, metal fabricators are increasingly adding powder coating to their offering. In-house powder coating means the manufacturer does not have to rely on an outside source for this process. Not only does this reduce the cost, since a separate company is not handling any part of the process, but there is less risk of damage to the parts; Damage that can occur when multiple people are handling a product. Less transport and less handling before the part is coated and thus protected means less risk. In-house coating also means schedules are easier to maintain and deadlines met. However, companies interested in installing an in-house powder coating line should investigate their options. Why Powder Coating? For metal fabricators, powder coating is the preferred finishing option because of its durability and resistance to general wear. Metal parts that are powder coated do not scratch, chip, or fade. Powder coating protects metal components from environmental factors, such as moisture and sunlight. Batch vs Conveying Powder Coating Systems One of the main options available that should be [...]

Dawn Denby2024-09-02T14:13:40-04:00September 2nd, 2024|Powder Booths|Comments Off

Spray Booth Panels With Safety Edges

Production Systems offers single skin, 18 gauge, galvanized steel panels for booth enclosures featuring a safety edge. The standard width of these panels are 24", 30" and 36" and the standard lengths are 30" to 144" in 6" increments. All panels feature Production Systems' exclusive safety edge. The new safety companion flange feature a ‘tear drop safety edge’ which gives the panel more strength and rigidity while eliminating sharp edges. Production Systems design, fabricate, and install many different types of finishing systems for many different industries. We also supply various components and connections for both, spray booth panels and oven panels. Visit our website to view spray booth panel pricing and get a formal quote.

Dawn Denby2024-09-02T13:56:05-04:00September 2nd, 2024|Components & Connections|Comments Off

Regular Cleaning Keeps Your Paint Spray Booth Working Properly

Cleaning and maintaining your paint spray booth ensures the booth continues to produce a clean flawless finish. If your booth is not cleaned regularly, dust and dirt will get into what should be a controlled environment and create imperfections. Although the air in the booth enters through a filter, all air filters need replacing over time. And sometimes, dust enters the booth through the front door. Minimizing dust in the booth not only reduces the chance of imperfections, but also aids in preserving the components of the booth, such as the fan and the motor. Take the following steps to keep your booth clean: Clean and/or replace the air filters as needed. This will depend on how often the booth is used and the coatings that are sprayed. Clean the walls and the floor with a sponge mop or pressure washer. Do not use a cotton mop. Use an appropriate solvent-based solution to clean. Or install coverings on the walls and floor mats that trap dirt and overspray. Remove overspray from hoses and spray guns. Replace these if needed. Pointers [...]

Dawn Denby2024-08-05T17:05:23-04:00August 5th, 2024|Spray Booths|Comments Off

About Dawn Denby