Electrostatic Spray Painting
By: Amanda De Angelis
How it Works
Electrostatic spraying painting is a way of applying dry paint onto an object. Compressed air is used to drive the atomized particles of paint through a spray gun onto the object. The particles of the paint are attracted to the object so therefore little paint is wasted in the air. The particles are attracted to the grounded object, so if you move the object while you are in the midst of painting, the paint will change direction and follow the grounded object.
Benefits of Using Electrostatics:
- Little Waste
- Fast Application
- Even Coating
Different Kinds of Spray Painting
There are three different types of spray painting. Powder Coating, Vacuum Coating, and Flatline Spraying. Although, powder coating is another word for electrostatic spray painting. Out of the three different types, powder coating is the only one that uses electrostatics.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to using electrostatic spray painting?
There are many advantages and disadvantages to using electrostatic spray painting. Some advantages that I noted before are little waste, fast application, and even coating. But using electrostatics is also good for the durability of the paint. Since the particles are electrically bonding themselves to the metal object, it creates a better finish and great durability. There are a few disadvantages such as the toxicity of the paint, and the high start-up cost, but the most important is that it can become hazardous if the object isn’t grounded. If something is not grounded, it can become electrically charged, instead of it being neutral. This includes people around them, other objects and the target. If an object becomes electrically charged than that can result in a fire or electric shock.
What form of electrostatics is it?
The form of electrostatics that spray painting uses is by friction. The particles acquire an electrical charge from friction as rub against the nozzle.