Machinery and Equipment Used in the Coatings Industry

Manufacturing Equipment – Curing Systems

While some coatings, adhesives and sealants can cure at room temperature without assistance, many require a curing step in order to achieve their final desired characteristics. The specific equipment needed (e.g., lamps, conveyors, ovens) depends on the material to be cured and the curing method, such as electron beam (EB), LED, ultraviolet (UV), infrared curing or convection curing. (Source: Equipment Handbook, Adhesives & Sealants Industry, June 2020)

Manufacturing Equipment – Infrared Curing Equipment

Infrared energy is a form of radiation that falls between visible light and microwaves in the electromagnetic spectrum. Like other forms of electromagnetic energy, IR travels in waves and there is a known relationship between the wavelength, frequency and energy level. That is, the energy (temperature) increases as the wavelength decreases. Unlike convection, which first heats air to transmit energy to the part, IR energy may be absorbed directly by the coating. It may also be reflected or transmitted to the substrate. Infrared cure is gaining increased attention from coaters as a result of shorter cure cycles and the possibility of smaller floor space requirements when compared to convection oven curing. (Source: Products Finishing website, https://www.pfonline.com/articles/understanding-infrared-curing)

Manufacturing Equipment – Laboratory Mills

Mills are used for bulk chemical grinding to reduce particle size. Processes in a variety of industries now routinely demand particle sizes with an absolute maximum well below 1 micron. Manufacturers are challenged to integrate a repeatable method of production that is capable of this level of size reduction while controlling labor and energy costs. The system must also be robust enough to handle the most abrasive raw materials. Some types of mills include ball mills, vertical mills and horizontal media mills. (Source: Modern Wet Milling and Material Processing, by Custom Milling & Consulting, Inc., in Paint & Coatings Industry, https://www.pcimag.com/articles/97055-modern-wet-milling-and-material-processing)

Manufacturing Equipment – Mixers

Mixers are machines that blend, emulsify, homogenize or otherwise mix material into a single substance. Mixers thoroughly combine virtually any solid or liquid that is necessary to form a final product. Mixer selection is based on a number of factors, including viscosity profile, shear requirement, order of addition and throughput. Types of mixers include high-speed dispersers, high-shear mixers, ultra-high-shear mixers, multi-shaft mixers and planetary mixers. Understanding their differences is an important step in choosing the right mixer for your process. (Sources: Thomas Publishing Company website, https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/process-equipment/types-of-mixers/; and High-Speed Mixers for Coatings and Inks, by Charles Ross & Son Company, Paint & Coatings Industry, February 2015)

Manufacturing Equipment – Powder Coating Curing Systems

Powder coatings require a certain amount of thermal energy applied for a certain time to produce the chemical reaction needed to crosslink the powder into a film. Various methods can be used to supply the energy needed for cure, including convection ovens; infrared (IR) ovens; combination ovens; and a variety of radiation curing technologies, including near-infrared, ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB). (Source: Products Finishing website, https://www.pfonline.com/articles/fundamentals-of-powder-coating)

Test and Measurement Instrumentation – Accelerated Weathering

Accelerated weathering is the simulation of the damaging effects of long-term exposure of coatings, materials and products to outdoor conditions. There are a number of different types of outdoor conditions accelerated weathering addresses, including wind, rain, icing, sand and dust, and of course, UV exposure. (Source: National Technical Systems website, https://www.nts.com/services/testing/environmental/accelerated-weathering/)

Test and Measurement Instrumentation – General Laboratory Equipment

Among the many items that would be considered general lab equipment are pipettes, scales, centrifuges, Bunsen burners, freezers, hot plates, incubators, coolers, stirrers, water baths, and fume hoods — to name a few. (Source: Labcompare website, https://www.labcompare.com/General-Laboratory-Equipment/)

Test and Measurement Instrumentation – Light Booths

A light booth is used to simulate various lighting conditions and to provide a consistent and accurate viewing environment for the visual evaluation of color. Industry viewing standards, ASTM D1726
and ISO 3668, specify the conditions for visual color appraisal and matching. The key factor when selecting a light booth is conformance to these standards. (Source: GTI Graphic Technology, Inc.)

Test and Measurement Instrumentation – Misc. Testing Instruments

Equipment used to test various aspects of coatings, including flow, hardness, resistance to abrasion or scratching, bond strength, thickness, tack, etc. (Source: Equipment Handbook, Adhesives & Sealants Industry, June 2020)

Test and Measurement Instrumentation – Viscometers

Viscometers measure the viscosity and flow properties of fluids. Viscosity arises from the internal friction of a fluid and is defined as a liquid’s resistance to flow or shear stress. (Source: Labcompare website, https://www.labcompare.com/10-Featured-Articles/143121-Viscometers-The-Science-of-Measuring-Fluid-Flow/0)

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