Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine Jan/Feb 2023 - 38

INDUSTRIAL FINISHING: SPRAY BOOTH TECHNOLOGY
Semi-downdraft
Semi-downdraft paint booths are a hybrid, combining features
of crossdraft and downdraft booths. They are generally less
expensive than downdraft booths, with lower installation and
operational costs. They are commonly used in both industrial and
automotive refinish applications. Semi-downdraft booths come
with a less expensive price tag, with no concrete work needed in
the floor.
Side Downdraft
Side downdraft paint booths are an economical solution for
businesses that cannot or do not want to dig an exhaust pit, which
requires concrete work, making installation longer and costlier.
They are most commonly used by industrial manufacturers
and businesses that need to paint equipment, utility vehicles or
trucks.
Gravity-assisted downward airflow is one of the biggest
benefits of side downdraft booths, and they provide more uniform
airflow than crossdraft booths. Side downdraft booths also offer
a higher level of contamination control and finish quality than
crossdraft booths, largely because of the downward airflow and
side exhaust.
Downdraft
Downdraft paint booths provide the best airflow style for
controlling overspray and contamination. For most automotive
refinishers, especially those repairing luxury vehicles, downdraft
airflow is the preferred choice.
Downdraft booths require about 20 to 40 per cent more air
than crossdraft booths, adding to operational costs. Even though
downdraft booths are the most expensive, businesses can usually
make up the added cost for top-of-the-line equipment in less than
a year, thanks to increased throughput and labour savings, with
not as much time needed for cutting and buffing.
As you work through the installation process, be sure to
consult local authorities with jurisdiction and expertise in local
codes. If you are building a new facility and also installing a paint
booth, working with the building inspector up front will help with
permitting and make it easier to be aware of any additional safety
requirements beyond general booth requirements.
In addition to ensuring that your facility complies with local
codes, certain provinces and cities may offer grants, financing or
rebate programs for paint booths that meet and exceed certain
environmental guidelines.
Mike Cook is a territory manager and powder coating expert for
Global Finishing Solutions.
Powder Profits
Batch powder coating systems enable businesses
to efficiently prep, powder coat and cure products in
small- to medium-sized batch operations, ensuring
high-quality finishes and increased throughput.
With a complete line of finishing equipment for batch
powder coating-including surface preparation
equipment, powder coating booths and curing ovens-
Global Finishing Solutions (GFS) serves as a one-stop
shop for industrial businesses and job shops looking
to establish, expand, upgrade or maintain their batch
powder coating operation.
All components of the GFS systems are designed
to work together to create a productive batch
powder coating operation. Standard system designs
accommodate the most common rack and cart
sizes, and they can be customized to meet specific
production needs and space restrictions.
Parts can be moved in and out of each system via a
rack, cart or push conveyor depending on a shop's
production needs. And since curing takes longer than
surface preparation and powder application, GFS has
designed Batch Powder Ovens to accommodate two
carts or racks-to improve efficiency and increase the
throughput of an in-house powder coating operation.
By bringing powder coating in-house, businesses
can increase profitability, have more control over
product quality and production rates, see a return on
investment of less than a year.
38
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http://www.cfcm.ca
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine Jan/Feb 2023

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