Monday, February 22, 2016

The Problem-Solution Series: Part 2


Cross Stage Contamination



Problem:
Cross stage contamination (during any of the processes that parts go through, the parts are not properly transitioned, or they maintain elements from the last station that contaminate the next).

Origin/Cause:
This usually means that the geometry of the part is not optimized, and the part density is too high.

Solution:
Make sure to configure the parts for maximum cleaning and rinse coverage first. If this is unsuccessful, allow sufficient time for adequate rinse and drainage between stages.

For additional information on powder coatings, visit our website at tcipowder.com. Feel free to contact us today to have someone with our experienced team answer your powder coating questions or to see how we can help you with your powder coating needs.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Kyle Kubat, New Field Service Technical Representative



We are pleased to announce that Kyle Kubat will be joining TCI as a member of our field technical support team.

Kyle will be helping us continue to expand and grow our technical service group. Previously, Kyle worked for Truth Hardware as a manufacturing/coatings engineer for two and a half years. With the addition of Kyle to our team, TCI Powder Coatings will be able to continue company growth and expand our offer of premium service to customers. As a graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.S. in chemical engineering, Kyle will be focused on supporting customers in the Midwest. He currently resides in Kasson, MN.

Kyle’s official title is Field Service Technical Representative. He will be working to better the accounts in the Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa region through hands-on troubleshooting and working on customer projects.

Kyle says, “Problem solving and doing whatever I can in the field to make TCI products the best is my main focus.” He hopes to further his knowledge of powder coating and associated processes as well as maintain quality relationships with colleagues and customers. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys playing golf and hockey and spending time with his 7-month old English Cream Golden Retriever, Jaxon.

Please join us in welcoming Kyle to the company.

Monday, February 15, 2016

The Problem Solution Series: Part 1


Dirty Powder Coating Parts- Even After Cleaning!?

Problem:
We know it’s frustrating when you’ve cleaned your powder coated parts and they still look dirty. We’re here to help you figure out why this is happening.

Origin/ Cause:
Most often, powder coated parts remain dirty because the soils are not being properly removed. So, what can you do to ensure this does not happen?
Solution:
First, check to ensure that all soils have been identified. After checking the soils, test all of the stages. Be sure to determine if the proper choice of chemicals and process conditions has been chosen. Remember:
  • acid conditions clean inorganic soils
  • alkaline conditions clean organic soils
The next step is to orient the parts for maximum coverage. It may be as simple as not having the parts positioned in an efficient way. If you’re still stuck, clean and adjust the spray nozzles and spray pressure to gain the maximum coverage. In addition, make sure to measure and maintain high rinse tank water purity.


Second Origin/ Cause:
If soils are not the direct cause of the problem, it may be that the temperature is too low for cleaning soils.

Solution:
In this case, simply increase the operating temperature, remaining at a safe heat.


Third Origin/ Cause:
You may ask, “what is it if it isn’t the soil or temperature that is causing the problem?” It might be that the chemical concentrations are too low.

Solution: To fix this imbalance, increase the chemical concentrations.


For additional information on powder coatings, visit our website at tcipowder.com. Feel free to contact us today to have someone with our experienced team answer your powder coating questions or to see how we can help you with your powder coating needs.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Introducing: The Problem-Solution Series

At TCI Powder Coatings, we strive to provide materials that will help our coaters be able to apply products with ease. To ensure this, we offer several resources to access troubleshooting information and problem-solving techniques through our newsletters, blog posts, application guides, videos, and website resources.

We are eager to introduce our newest set of ongoing blogs, “The Problem-Solution Series.” Each month, we will provide several possible problems and their (occasionally multiple) solutions to guarantee the best experience for coaters and end users.

For additional information on powder coatings, visit our website at tcipowder.com. Feel free to contact us today to have someone with our experienced team answer your powder coating questions or to see how we can help you with your powder coating needs.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Powder Curing Process Series: IR Curing Sources

IR Curing Sources


Today, many companies use infrared (IR) ovens because of their fast pace, small floor space, and other benefits. In some applications, IR systems can cure powder coatings in as little as 30 seconds! To further understand the IR curing process, here is a look at the three types of energy used during the process:
  • Reflected Energy: The energy in the system that bounces back.
  • Absorbed Energy: The energy absorbed by the coating (usually by the pigment).
  • Transmitted Energy: The energy that passes through the film where the modified material either absorbs or reflects energy.

 
Wavelength Properties
When a company chooses to use IR ovens, they are also given several options of specific wavelengths. These three wavelengths are chosen based on certain trade-offs of the emitter. Below is a list of several wavelength properties to consider:
  • Short Wave: A 0.76 to 2.3 micron wavelength with a source temperature of 2000° to 5000° F.
  • Medium Wave: A 2.3 to 3.3 micron wavelength with a source temperature of 860° to 2000° F.
  • Long Wave: A 3.3 to 1,000 micron wavelength with a source temperature of 100° to 860° F.

In addition, organic coatings with C-H (Carbon-Hydrogen) and O-H (Hydrogen) bonds have a peak absorption in the 2.2 to 3.3 micron wavelength range. The peak absorption is categorized by intensity and frequency.

For additional information on TCI’S powder coatings, visit tcipowder.com. For more oven designs and troubleshooting information, click here to see the troubleshooting guide.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Powder Curing Process Series: Bake Oven Designs

Bake Oven Designs and Energy Consumption


As a valued TCI Powder Coatings customer, we would like to ensure that you know which ovens are best for curing powder-coated materials. This way, our materials are being cured to their fullest potential, and your company is providing long-lasting products. The industrial ovens that you are using could be designed in various ways to expose powder coatings to heat. As you probably know, the heat helps the powder coating to obtain the desired properties inherent in its thermoset coating formulation. In order to cure TCI powder coatings, the heat within a bake oven can originate from one of several processes.

Oven Designs and Processes:
  • Convection Ovens: use transfer heat from circulation of heated air to cure powder coating.
  • Infrared Ovens: use radiant energy of several wavelengths to cure the powder coating.
  • Ultraviolet and Electron Beams: use available electric energy to harden solvent-free compositions.
  • Induction Ovens: primarily used to preheat parts prior to powder coating to elevate the film build.
Several of our coatings hold unique properties that already help to enhance the curing process, yet different oven designs and heating methods have their pros and cons. Here are a few of these positives and negatives of each type to have in mind:
Convection Ovens:
                                  Pros                                                          Cons
Better on complex, curved products
Some heat waste on underlying materials
Not as sensitive to reflective coating properties
Not as efficient as IR emitters on flat items
Lower cost
Large floor space

Infrared Ovens:
                                  Pros                                                          Cons
Can deliver heat to specific areas in exact amounts (line of sight technology)
Not as efficient for curved products
Reduce emissions of VOCs
Sensitive to reflective coating properties
Less heat loss
Higher cost
  
Ultraviolet and Electron Beams:
                                  Pros                                                          Cons
Reduced use of natural gas (uses available electric energy)
Need traditional solvent
Reduced floor space
Needs to be precise (ensure voltage is not too low or high)
Quick process
High equipment costs

Induction Ovens:
                                  Pros                                                          Cons
Focuses energy to the part only
Can be difficult to control
Lower hazard due to lack of flame
High costs
Faster and more energy-efficient than conduction ovens
Large floor space


Something to consider when curing powder coatings is the possible loss of heat. The oven’s heat can leave through wall loss, radiation loss, and conveyor loss. The net output (heat to lead) is often reduced because of these losses. See chart below for further heat loss details.
To ensure even heat distribution and less heat loss when curing, TCI has a technical team to perform audits on ovens and other curing machines using a program called Datapaq, which can be found here.

For additional information on TCI’S powder coatings, visit tcipowder.com. For more oven designs and troubleshooting information, click here to see the troubleshooting guide.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Quaker and TCI: Bringing Quality to Our Customers' Windows and Doors


Quaker Windows & Doors has over 65 years of success providing quality products aimed at residential, commercial, and architectural markets. To illustrate their enduring motto, “The Quaker Difference”, Quaker decided to look for a long-lasting alternative to wet paint. That’s when TCI knocked on their doors (and windows) and showed them how they could take their products to the next level. With a dedication to providing first-rate products, Quaker is always reaching out for the best materials that will yield highly valued results.

TCI recently teamed up with Quaker to provide them with TruDurance™ architectural powder coatings. By aiding in Quaker’s transition from wet paints to powder coatings, TCI has helped to create a greener, overall more superior environment for Quaker. TCI’s powder coatings have almost zero VOCs, provide a solvent-free workplace, low overall line costs, and easy cleanup. In addition, Quaker Windows & Doors’ choice of AAMA 2604 and 2605 finishes produce long-lasting doors and windows that will beautifully hold up under indoor or outdoor conditions. Since teaming up with TCI, Quaker Windows & Doors has moved into double-digit growth. 

To read the full story, click here