Surface preparation and coating of metal coils by using a fully integrated manufacturing system

The current paper deals with the definition of a novel fully integrated system for cleaning, pre-treatment and powder coating of metal coils based upon two subsequent fluidized beds: the former employed in items surface preparation by peening with glass beads and the latter in coating process by electrostatic deposition. An approach based upon design of experiments was employed to find the best processing windows for each phase of coil coating processes. Besides, the experimental trends of operative parameters were also sought. Special attention was paid to the influence of leading process parameters on the performance of the starting surface as well as on the aesthetic aspect and some functional properties of the polymeric coatings. Finally, some useful aspects concerning the best way to lead the process were also discussed in detail.