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powder separation and recovery systems available, helping to contribute to the rapid growth of powder coating. The focus of this article is on one of the most critical aspects of the recovery system—the cartridge filter. The article discusses the range of products available, the effects of different conditions and circumstances on filter performance, and the types of cartridges available for various situations. In doing so, the article emphasizes why cartridge filters used in powder coating equipment should be viewed as something more than just a commodity.

There are many ways to apply powder coating materials; however, the material that is to be applied must be of a compatible type. For instance, if the application method is fluidized bed, the powder coating material must be a fluidized bed grade. Conversely, if the method of application is electrostatic spray, the powder material must be an electrostatic spray grade. Once the material is correctly selected, the application method is selected by part design and production goals. There are two forms of application methods. These vary as widely as the applications they suit. These forms are fluidized bed application and spray application.

lthough the growth of powder coating has been nothing short A of spectacular, the technology has failed to reach a large section of the coatings market owing to the high cure temperatures required of ordinary powder coatings. By decoupling the melt and curing process, ultraviolet (UV) powder coatings may provide a new solution to powder coating these elusive, temperature-sensitive subsbates. W powders can be formulated to melt at temperatures helow those that cause problems for these materials, hut because curing is triggered by exposure to high-intensity UV light, the materials are free of the problems associated with manufacture, storage, and handling of low-temperature thermoset powders. This article examines the development of powder coatings, UV-curable coatings, and their marriage into a flexible, compliant technology. Some promising applications and benefits also are presented.

Summary The future of color change and color contamination will always be a big concern in the powder coating industry. Improvements in cyclone recovery systems, as well as booth design and application equipment, are continuously being sought. Available space, cost, ease of operation, and maintenance all must be taken into consideration during the design phase. This will require creativity amongst equipment suppliers. The end result, however, should be to enhance the use of cyclones in future powder coating operations.