Summary for powder coating curing ovens Discussion
powder coating curing ovens are discussed in the context of a small shop wanting to coat motorcycle parts. Pierre Bernard asks whether a bakery oven with ventilation and a 500°F rating could be used instead of an industrial oven for motor cases, cylinders, heads, and possibly frames, and whether the same results would be expected. He also asks why some outsourced parts came back smooth and bright while others showed a duller orange-peel texture. Shane Sylvestre replies that 500°F should be hot enough, but says the powder supplier should specify the optimum curing temperature. He adds that orange peel is tied to the curing process, film thickness, and especially the metal temperature and ramp during cure, all of which can strongly affect the final finish. The thread suggests the oven may be usable if it meets the powder’s requirements, but finish quality depends on more than just oven type.
Q. I have a small polishing shop. I would like to start powder coating motorcycle parts using the right painting equipment. Could I use an oven from a bakery to cure the paint? The oven has a temp of 500 degrees, ventilation, and is electric — 6 feet high 3 feet wide 3 feet deep. Parts to be painted: motor cases cylinders and heads, maybe frames, solid and candy colors. Would I get same results as with an industrial oven?
Also, I have sent many parts to different shops … some came back with a smooth very bright finish others came back not so bright and orange peel finish. Would that be a curing problem or painting problem?
Thanks for the information.
Pierre Bernard
– Montreal, Canada
2003
A. Pierre, basically it’s possible:
– Temperature You refer to degrees F? An air-temp of 220 °C is the minimum
– Ventilation: you need a certain amount of refreshment because at curing some cracking products evaporate from the powder.
– Air circulation: your oven must be equipped with an air-circulation unit in order to achieve an even temp. distribution in the oven, and more important an even heat transfer coefficient over the whole part. Especially important for parts with great wall-thicknesses.
– Different result from the coaters: Causes can be multiple; type of powder, film thickness, method of application, quality of oven used. Note: Final film will be smoother (less orange peel) the quicker the part rises in temp from ambient to over 160 °C during the first curing phase. If air circulation is not OK you will note diff. between the coating on a crank-case (thick material) and that on a fender (thin metal sheet).
– Did you think about pretreatment?
Good luck,
Remmelt Bosklopper
– Enschede, The Netherlands
2003
A. 500 °F should be hot enough. Your specific powder supplier will provide you with the optimum temperature. As for the orange peel you refer to, that is a function of the curing process and film thickness among other things. The metal temperature and ramp during the curing process often have a significant impact on the overall finish of the powder coat.
Shane Sylvestre
– Canada
2003