Phosphate Pre Treatment
The most important step to any coating process – yet the one most often overlooked – is proper pretreatment.
Steam units are intended for use as a cleaning appliance for metal substrates prior to paint or powder coating. They consist of two parts – a boiler and a steam wand.
By using pre treatments on new metal parts it allows for better adhesion and quality in the finish for the customer. This is a process that sets us apart from our competitors who don’t have a pre treatment. By adding a phosphate and letting it sit and react with the metal it is also adding additional corrosion protection to help extend the life of your parts when exposed to the elements.
Phosphate pretreatment is a process used to prepare metal surfaces for painting or coating, enhancing adhesion and corrosion resistance. It involves creating a thin, crystalline layer on the metal surface through a chemical conversion process. This layer provides a better base for subsequent coatings, improving their durability and lifespan.
Key aspects of phosphate pretreatment:
Purpose:
Primarily used to improve paint adhesion and corrosion resistance of metal parts.
Process:
Involves cleaning the metal surface, conditioning it for coating, and then applying a phosphate solution (often zinc or iron phosphate).
Benefits:
Enhanced Adhesion: Creates a rougher surface for better bonding with paint or other coatings.
Increased Corrosion Resistance: Forms a barrier that protects the metal from rust and degradation.
Improved Durability: Extends the lifespan of the coated surface by preventing premature failure due to corrosion or poor adhesion.
Types of Phosphate Coatings:
Zinc Phosphate: Provides excellent corrosion protection, often used for parts exposed to harsh environments or requiring long-term durability.
Iron Phosphate: Commonly used as a pretreatment for powder coating and painting, offering good adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Applications:
Widely used in industries like automotive, appliance, and construction, where durable and corrosion-resistant finishes are essential.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Our steam unit from Powder-X steam includes a water feed solenoid valve and a steam wand with a 25 foot hose. They are equipped with adjustable pressure control and manual reset hi-limit control, heavy-duty magnetic contractors, combination low water cut-off and water controller, 150-pound forged steel flange-mounted heating elements with stainless steel sheathing, solenoid valve, strainer, pressure gauge, ASME safety valve, check valve, blow down valve, 2-inch fiberglass insulation and encased with 20-gauge stainless steel jacket. Also includes high-pressure feed water pumping system assembled and wired to boiler.
Fire/Safety Information
Powder-X boilers are built to the ASME/CSD-1 Boiler Code. Each boiler is UL listed for the United States and C-UL listed for Canada. A commissioned National Board Inspector inspects all boilers. These approvals ensure ease of installation and ready acceptance by jurisdictional and insurance inspectors.
The importance of cleaning in the powder coating process cannot be overstated, as it lays the foundation for achieving superior finishes. A thorough cleaning regimen ensures that surfaces are free from contaminants, oils, and dust, which can compromise the adhesion and appearance of the powder coating. By utilizing advanced cleaning techniques and equipment, manufacturers can create a pristine environment that promotes optimal coating results. This meticulous preparation not only enhances the durability of the finish but also minimizes the risk of defects, leading to higher customer satisfaction. Investing in effective cleaning processes is crucial for maintaining quality standards and boosting overall productivity in the powder coating industry.