Spray Gun Systems Available Through CoaterONE

CoaterONE has a large selection of spray guns with many combinations of gun platforms and feed systems. Here is some information to help you decide on the best feed system for your shop:

Gravity feed systems use cups attached to the top of the gun and use gravity to feed the coating into the gun. Gravity feed guns can have different coatings switched out quickly and require less pressure to operate. However, the cups are usually small and do not hold much coating, so they are best for coating small parts.

 

Siphon feed systems use cups attached to the bottom of the gun and create a vacuum that sucks the coating into the gun. Siphon feed guns are heavier that gravity feed guns, but the cups hold more coating.

Pressure feed systems use pots that utilize air pressure to push the coating through a tube into the gun. No fluid can leak from the pot, so you don’t have to worry about wasting coating. The gun itself is lighter than gravity and siphon feed guns because there is no cup attached to the gun at all. You can also spray with the gun upside-down or at sharp angles and not worry about the coating coming out of the cup.

Whether you know you need an HVLP siphon feed gun system, or you have no clue where to start with your gun purchasing, CoaterONE can help. CoaterONE makes shopping for spray equipment, spray accessories, and other coating products easy because all the supplies you need for your shop are just a click away in a single location. If you're not sure what you need, call 302-366-8530 for help selecting products.

Teflon Technical FAQ: Mudcracking

Every day at Intech we receive requests for technical help with DuPont™ Teflon® industrial coatings.  If you have a technical question, please feel free to call and speak to one of our technical sales representatives.  Once a month, we post a frequently asked question here on our blog. 

Question: My DuPont™ Teflon® industrial coating looks like the bottom of a dry pond, with lots of deep cracks running through it. How do I fix it?

Answer: Mudcracking can be due to excessive film build or the material not being uniformly mixed. Products used may not be compatible. Also, the substrate may be too hot or too cold.

If you need more help, call us at 302-366-8530.

Should I Purchase a Used Industrial Oven?

There are many questions involved in purchasing an industrial oven.  One question some consider is whether to buy new or used.  While used industrial ovens are usually less expensive than new ones, there are many pitfalls tied to used ovens, which can wind up making the overall price come close to or surpass the price of a new oven. 

 

Here are some things to consider before purchasing a used industrial oven:

• End Use – A used industrial oven may not be equipped or may not have the options needed to support your process.  Adding options or retrofitting the oven to meet your needs may be required and can be costly.

• Performance – With used ovens uniformity, ramp time, and airflow may be unknown, whereas a new oven is guaranteed to perform to manufacturer performance specifications.  

• Safety Requirements – Older equipment may not comply with the most recent safety requirements.  Updating a used oven to meet current NFPA-86, NFPA-70, OSHA & UL requirements can be expensive. 

• Missing Parts and Oven Condition – Used ovens may also be missing parts and actual oven condition can be difficult to determine.  Although an oven may be the right model number you’re looking for, many times changes have been made customizing the oven to its previous process.

• Incompatible Power Source – It can be very costly to convert an incompatible power source between the used oven and the new facility. 

• Warranty – Buying a used industrial oven can limit the support you receive from the manufacturer and may mean going without a warranty on your investment. 

Buying a used industrial oven is not always a good deal.  By the time the used oven is modified and updated, the cost is usually close to or has exceeded the purchase price of a new oven.  Already purchased a used oven?  Intech Services is proud to represent Precision Quincy Ovens who offers oven refurbishment which can rebuild the equipment eliminating the above issues.  Contact Precision Quincy for an evaluation today, call (302) 602-8738 or email sales@pqovens.com.  

Getting The Right Oven: Temperature Requirements

Operating temperature has a direct effect on oven selection.  Here are some questions to think about when considering operating temperature and oven selection: 

• What are the minimum and maximum temperature requirements for your application process?
• What is the required ramp time and cycle time?
• What is the product type and amount of product load?
• Does the heat-up time need to be controlled?
• Are there any cool down requirements?

Precision Quincy Ovens can create an industrial oven to fit any application and need you may have, from large conveyor ovens, to small bench ovens, and everything in between.   Contact a Precision Quincy representative today to guide you through the oven selection process at (302) 602-8738 or sales@pqovens.com.

Spray Guns Platforms Available Through CoaterONE

CoaterONE has a large selection of spray guns with many combinations of gun platforms and feed systems. Here is some information to help you decide on the best platform for your shop:

Conventional spray guns use a basic high pressure. The coating is blasted onto the part at this high pressure using an air compressor. The high pressure finely atomizes the spray giving the coating a very smooth finish. Transfer efficiency for Conventional spray guns is typically 50% or less.

High-volume low-pressure (HVLP) spray guns increase transfer efficiency, typically to about 65%, meaning more of the coating actually makes it to the part instead of being wasted. With HVLP guns, air is delivered at much higher volume than conventional guns, but with a much lower pressure, so that more finish ends up on the part instead of in the air. HVLP guns are compliant with the California South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Trans-tech spray guns use low volume, medium pressures. Transfer efficiencies are normally about 60% or better. Trans-tech guns are the best of both worlds: the finish quality is almost that of a conventional spray gun with close to the efficiency of an HVLP spray gun. Trans-Tech is used where compliance is not required but cost savings is important.

Whether you know you need an HVLP siphon feed gun system, or you have no clue where to start with your gun purchasing, CoaterONE can help. CoaterONE makes shopping for spray equipment, spray accessories, and other coating products easy because all the supplies you need for your shop are just a click away in a single location. If you're not sure what you need, call 302-366-8530 for help selecting products.

Welcome Baby Chayse!

 After much anticipation, Chayse Ann McCall has arrived.  Account manager, Nicole McCall, gave birth to her second child on September 21^st at 10:47pm.  Chayse weighed in at 5 pounds 18 ounces.  Nicole, her husband Roger and big sister Rylee couldn’t be happier with the new addition to their family.

Congratulations to the McCall Family!

TCI Powder Coatings: TruZinc

In a partnership with TCI powder coatings, Intech is now offering more than 300 of the most popular TCI powder coatings in 1, 3, 5, and 10 pound boxes through a program called TruPak.  These products come from TCI's extensive portfolio and are available in a variety of textures and effects that meet the quality demands that you would expect from a powder coating supplier. There are several powder coating products offered through the TruPak program, and this article focuses on the TruZinc line. 

TruZinc primers protect ferrous substrates by two mechanisms. First, they act as a physical barrier to water and electrolytes increasing the electrical resistance of the corrosion cell. Second, they provide zinc which acts as a sacrificial anode. TruZinc primers are manufactured in a unique process that allows a significantly greater amount of zinc, which increases the protection of the substrate against corrosion. TruZinc primers can be used as a one-coat system or as a primer in a multi-coat system. Topcoats applied over the primer may be solvent or water-based coatings. Typical applications include coil springs, suspension components, outdoor furniture, control arms, trailer hitches, and wheel weights.

Click here to view available TruZinc products.
Click to see our posts about TruHammer, TruIllusion, TruPeel, and TruWrinkle.

Trades Associations Membership - Because It's Worth It

Professional and technical associations are a worthwhile investment for the numerous benefits they provide industrial coating companies.  Some of the reasons why industrial coating associations can be an advantage to YOUR company include: 

• Ability to share best practices and learn up-to-date information about the coating industry
• Allow access to participate in educational programs and workshops offered by the association
• Opportunity to have influence over decision making within the association
• Open doors to potential customers
• Qualify for discounts on products/services
• Bolsters reputation as a member of associations

Below, are some industrial coating related associations and their links. Be sure to check out the information for these associations and the benefits they offer to the industrial coating industry.


NACE International
NACE International offers corrosion control solutions to members through technical training and certification programs, conferences, industry standards, and many other resources. Click here for more information about NACE.


Chemical Coaters Association
The Chemical Coaters Association International provides information and training on surface coating technologies using educational meetings and seminars, training manuals, and more. Click here for more information about CCAI.


Powder Coating Institute
The Powder Coating Institute promotes powder coating technology and communicates the benefits of powder coating to manufacturers, consumers, and government. Click here for more information about PCI.

The American Coatings Association
The ACA is a voluntary, nonprofit trade association working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry.  The organization represents paint and coating manufacturers, raw material suppliers, distributors and technical professionals.  ACA provides advocacy and advancement of the industry through educational and professional development services. Click here for more information about ACA.


The Society for Protective Coatings      
The SSPC is the only nonprofit association focused on protection and preservation of concrete, steel and other industrial and marine structures and surfaces through high performance protection, coating selection, coating application, environmental regulations and health and safety issues that affect the protective coating industry. Click here for more information about SSPC.


The Plastics Industry Trade Association             
Founded in 1937, SPI, The Plastics Industry Trade Association is the association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States.  They promote industry growth while providing outstanding industry representation and services to members. Click here for more information on SPI.

Properties of Teflon: Cryogenic Stability

DuPont™ Teflon® industrial coatings are highly durable and long lasting performance coatings that have a distinct application process and qualities that offer solutions in a variety of industrial markets.   This series of blogs will highlight one of these inherent properties of Teflon®  coatings and how these properties can solve a variety of problems. 

Cryogenic Stability: Many DuPont™ Teflon® industrial coatings can withstand temperatures as low as -454°F without loss of physical properties. Their ability to withstand sub-freezing temperatures means that Teflon® coatings will not lose any of their other characteristics when exposed to such low temperatures. One-coat systems are not recommended for low temperatures because the binder resins in the coatings are not able to adhere to the substrate when temperatures drop too low. 

To see all properties of DuPont™ Teflon® industrial coatings, click here.

More Spray Techniques That Save You Money

Film thickness consistency plays a big role in saving money in the coating shop. Having inconsistent thicknesses means you're probably wasting coating, and therefore wasting money. By using these simple techniques, you'll be able to cut out the waste, as well as achieve a better, more consistent finish for your DuPont™ Teflon® industrial coatings.

Click here to see the first 3 tips from last week.

Spray Pass Speed: Adjust the spray gun speed to achieve consistent films. Before pulling the trigger, consider the coating flow rate and the target wet film thickness. Adjust the equipment before spraying to find a flow rate that lets the applicator move at a controllable, comfortable speed. Spraying too fast can lead to decreased film thickness, and sometimes extra coats will be needed to make up the deficit.

Trigger Control: Maintaining a consistent trigger pull on each spray pass directly impacts the flow rate, spray pattern size, and transfer efficiency. Start triggering immediately before the lead edge of the part and release the trigger immediately following the lag edge. Fully pulling the trigger provides constant flow rate control. The fluid knob on your spray gun can be adjusted to restrict the trigger travel distance so you can always pull the trigger all the way. Partial triggering, however, can be very useful for blending and touching up.

Edge Banding: Partially pull the trigger to spray a light coat around the edges of the part. Then spray the center of the part, blending the edges into the first coat. Banding can increase transfer efficiency and increase film thickness on the edges. This technique ensures the edges get coated completely while maintaining consistent film thicknesses.

Getting The Right Oven: What Is Your Application?

Your application will help determine your industrial oven selection.  Precision Quincy Ovens can create an industrial oven to fit any application and need you may have, from large conveyor ovens, to small bench ovens, and everything in between.   Contact a Precision Quincy representative today to discuss your application and to guide you through the oven selection process at (302) 602-8738 or sales@pqovens.com.

At Precision Quincy Ovens we manufacture industrial ovens
 for any coating, curing, heating, or drying process:

• Annealing
• Aging
• Curing
• Dehydrating
• Drying
• Heat Setting
• Heat Shrinking
• Pre-heating
• Stress Relieving                                 
• Powder Coating
• Teflon® coating
• Baking
• Bonding
• Burn-in
• Curing
• Sterilizing
• Testing

TCI Powder Coatings: TruWrinkle

Through partnering with TCI powder coatings, Intech is now offering more than 300 of the most popular TCI powder coatings in 1, 3, 5, and 10 pound boxes through a program called TruPak.  These products come from TCI's extensive portfolio and are available in a variety of textures and effects that meet the quality demands that you would expect from a powder coating supplier. There are several powder coating products offered through the TruPak program, and this article focuses on the TruWrinkle line. 

TruWrinkle powder coatings come in both epoxy and polyester versions that apply easily, perform well, and look excellent. The issues around “starring” have been virtually eliminated, “puddling” has been drastically reduced, and the formulation has been optimized to provide you a consistent wrinkle finish. TruWrinkle products are formulated to create a unique look in a single step, from a deep orange peel texture to a coarse rolling ridge appearance. These coatings can be applied at a broad film range, using multiple style guns and a variety of gun settings. Typical applications include fitness equipment, lawn mower decks, shelving, cabinets, switch gears, outdoor furniture, and playground equipment.

Click here to view available TruWrinkle products.
Look for our upcoming blog on TruZinc powder coatings.
Click to see our posts about TruHammer, TruIllusion, and TruPeel.

Tony's Recipe of the Month: Fall Burgers

Tony Abato, our VP of Sales here at Intech Services, and an amazing Italian chef, will be sharing one of his delicious recipes every month. Trust us, you don't want to miss out on what Tony's cooking! 

Ok, its over.  Summer that is.  April’s hope - nature’s respite.  Plans for the beach, time on the lake, have given way to raking leaves and stacking wood.  All those breezeless, flat-line hot, flip flop wearing backyard BBQs are now a distant glance in the rear view mirror of a defrosted drive to your daily grind.

Wait a minute, that’s just ridiculous. 

Yes, the summer season we all look so forward to all winter long is over, but let us not minimize the many splendid attributes of autumn.  Our air is crisp, clean . . . there’s a romance to it.  Just feeling it on your face, your fingers, brings memories of football games with “the old man,” Homecoming weekends, co-eds in sweaters.

So call up some pals and some family and tell them to come over for drinks around the fire and Fall Burgers on the grill.

-Tony

Fall Burgers

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef, 85% to 90 % lean

1/3 cup peach preserves

1/4 cup parsley, washed and chopped

Bread crumbs                      

1 extra large egg, lightly whisked

4 tbsp ketchup

2 tsp. salt, kosher or sea

Pepper, freshly ground

American cheese

Preparation: 

Mix all ingredients except cheese together in a bowl. Shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized balls using your hands. Press the balls down to make flat burger shapes about ½ inch thick. Throw them on the grill like you would with normal burgers, add some buns and cheese, and you're done!

Keep checking the blog to see Tony's Recipe of the Month.  Did you try this recipe?  Let us know what you thought of it or if you have questions for the chef, post them below!

Spray Techniques That Save You Money

Film thickness consistency plays a big role in saving money in the coating shop. Having inconsistent thicknesses means you're probably wasting coating, and therefore wasting money. By using these simple techniques, you'll be able to cut out the waste, as well as achieve a better, more consistent finish for your DuPont™ Teflon® industrial coatings.

1. Spray Distance: The spray distance is based on the spray equipment, coating, complexity of the part, and spray environment. By keeping the gun at the same distance from the part the entire time you’re spraying, you can improve the consistency the film thickness over the whole part. Increasing the gun distance increases the pattern fan size, and the coating thickness decreases as it is distributed over a larger area.

2. Gun Angle: Maintain controlled gun angle to the part. Yaw and pitch spray angles will result in a non-uniform spray pattern distribution, causing inconsistent film thicknesses.

3. Spray Pass Overlap: Each spray pass should overlap 50-75% of the previous pass. Overlapping below 50% results in “striping,” or variations in the film thickness. The more you increase the overlap, the thicker the coating, so overlapping above 75% requires more spray passes and more coating.

More tips are on the way! Check the Intech Insider for more spray techniques coming soon!

TCI Powder Coatings: TruPeel

In a partnership with TCI powder coatings, Intech is now offering more than 300 of the most popular TCI powder coatings in 1, 3, 5, and 10 pound boxes through a program called TruPak.  These products come from TCI's extensive portfolio and are available in a variety of textures and effects that meet the quality demands that you would expect from a powder coating supplier. There are several powder coating products offered through the TruPak program, and this article focuses on the TruPeel line. 

TruPeel powder coatings create a unique one-step “peel” look, which is a deep orange peel, and is very desirable when applied to large surface areas to help overcome surface defects and welded areas. In many cases, peels can be difficult to apply due to the narrow application window, but TCI TruPeel combines the benefits of appearance while offering the widest application for these type of textures in the industry today. With a robust formulation and a unique manufacturing process, TruPeel allows the coater to apply at a broad film range, using multiple style guns with a variety of gun settings. TruPeel has been used to coat large parts and small parts, and is very reclamation friendly. Typical applications include fitness equipment, lawn mower decks, shelving, cabinets, switch gears, outdoor furniture, and playground equipment.


Click here to view available TruPeel products.
Look for upcoming blogs on TruWrinkle and TruZinc powder coatings.
Click to see our posts about TruHammer and TruIllusion.