Powdertech Surface Science has invested in Lesta robot MV A6 6 axis to enhance the consistency of finish on high-volume aluminium components. They have introduced robotic powder coating for consistency and precision in those areas which previously were refinished by hand.
In components with deep holes and recesses, the electrostatic charge required to attract the dry powder to the metal surface can create the ‘Faraday effect,’ partially repelling the powder from the edges of holes. In order to achieve complete coverage, prior to oven curing, these areas were carefully coated by hand.
Now Powdertech Surface Science is using robotic refinishing, bringing important benefits-
For customers:
- Consistent thickness of finish across edges and into recesses.
- Repeatability – every batch of components will meet the same high standards.
- Intricate and complex designs, often requiring masking, will be dealt more easily – robots can be configured to follow intricate paths and coat areas that would have been difficult for manual operators to reach adequately.
For the business:
For Powdertech, using the robot for this phase of coating operation provides reassurance that the finished product reaches the high standards demanded by the team at Powdertech on behalf of their customers. The robot can be programmed for each design, making it easy to switch between projects. Bottlenecks are reduced as the robot can work without needing breaks! – and the capacity of the plant is increased.
Powdertech’s Production Director Phil Tyler said: “At Powdertech our aim is to help our customers deliver their promises to their own customers. Reliability, precision and consistency are central to achieving this. Our manual application for tricky areas has always been excellent but the robot just takes it one step further. And with that part of the process in good hands, our powder coaters can concentrate on other requirements. We invest in premium equipment, and talented people, to ensure that we remain at the cutting edge of the aluminium surface finishing sector in the UK.”
Discover how Powdertech supports their customers with high quality innovative solutions HERE
