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Fiber Glass Powder Booth

 

Is there a problem if a powder booth is made of fiber glass? Does the fiber glass contaminate the powder paint?

Baltazar Cantu
- Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

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I'm getting and used fiber glass powder booth because I want to start to powder coat in my business, the problem is that I am not sure if a fiber glass booth would bring me problems with the coat, so I have this two questions. Is there a problem if a powder booth is made of fiber glass? Does the fiber glass contaminate the powder paint? Do you recommend to have a booth made of a non-conductive material? If the booth is made of a non conductive material, I need to have more face velocity to avoid the escape of the powder from the booth?

Thanks alot,

Baltazar Cantu
- Monterrey, Mexico
 

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Hi Baltazar!

Firstly I wish to point out that I'm clueless about powder coating ... but had made and quasi designed some booths in the past but using PP.

But you give the impression that a FRP booth is made of conductive material. NO WAY ! All 'fibreglass' resins are non conductive but one could make the 'inside' conductive but that is extremely rare.

The difference between FRP and PP for a booth is that the PP would definitely cost less (no moulds to make, etc) and is normally somewhat translucent and possesses a smooth finish on both sides. FRP would be much stronger, sic stiffer (if correctly made) and much more heat resistant (this depends on which resin was used).

If you have a booth with a SMOOTH interior, why worry? I see no reason why FRP would 'contaminate' your products, but would think that a smooth interior finish is necessary.

I don't understand your comment about the necessary face velocity (and did say I was ignorant about booth design) but am otherwise fairly knowledgeable about ventilation.

If powder escape is a moot question, would it not be a good idea to reduce the size of the booth's inlet and outlet, using, if necessary, adjustable baffles ? Food for thought. Hope it helps you somewhat!

Cheers !

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).