Some common sources of airborne contamination during powder coating application

Electrostatically applied powder can entrain airborne dirt and deposit it on the parts. They are the hardest to track and eliminate because they can come from so many different sources. Keeping a clean environment around the system is one of the best ways to reduce air borne dirt.The list below names some of the common sources of airborne contamination during powder coating application

• Process Equipment – The conveyor, the oven, the washer or other operations within the coating line can generate or concentrate dirt that will create a defect. With all of these potential sources, the job of coating a part with no defects is a challenge to say the least.
• The Building – Concrete floors may wear and give off dust.
• Manufacturing – Mechanical operations in the manufacturing process of powder coating powder may generate dust, metal shavings, or wood dust.
• Nature – Pollen, road dust and other outdoor dirt are sometimes brought into the plant through doors, windows and unfiltered air supply systems.
• People – Air sampling of enclosed coating systems has shown that as much as 80% of the airborne contamination comes from the clothing, hair and shoes of personnel.