Powder coaters know the importance of utilizing a powder coating that is free from any contaminants or oversize particles. This would include the end-user and the powder coating manufacturer. Typical powder coating applications can leave up to 20% of the original powder either to be recycled or swept up and thrown out in the trash. Depending on the application this can be like throwing money out with the garbage.

Over the years we have built numerous vibratory check screeners for the powder coating end user who is interested in reclaiming the excess powder left over from a product run. Typically powder coatings are sieved in the 80-120 mesh range by the manufacturer. This mesh range is dependent on the type of powder and application where the powder is applied.  When a customer approaches me with an application involving powder coating reclaim, I first inquire about his application. Is the finish a high-quality finish or coating possibly for a protective value? Secondly, is this a continuous or batch operation? This helps in determining the proper mesh size. High-quality finishes require a finer mesh size while other finishes may require a coarser screen. Both will remove the contaminants inquiries range from reclaiming powder swept up from the bottom of paint booths, while also protecting applicator spray guns from blockage.

Batch operations are typically for the customer who is looking to reclaim overspray. Typically this is a pretty simple setup. I recommend our Model HKC17. This vibratory check screener is a simple design. The HCK17 consists of a housing with an externally mounted rotary electric vibratory drive, a removable stainless steel funnel, screen frame, and product hopper. The funnel, screen, and product hopper are all secured with a simple adjustable vee clamp. This offers quick and easy cleanup and is also perfect for customers who have multiple color changes. The customer quickly dumps material on the screen surface while the fines (good powder) fall through the screen into a box or fiber drum while the oversize (dirt, debris, etc) is discharged off the side-discharge into another container.

Continuous operations involve a closed-loop screener that would require a cover and inlet/outlet connections to contain any dust. The powder would typically be transported via a vacuum system. The size of the screener would be determined by the product flow. Should the end-user require a very fine mesh or he has powder that wants to blind or clog the screen surface we would recommend our HK Ultrasonic Sieving System. This device applies ultrasonic energy to the screen surface which in turn agitates the wire mesh reducing surface tension and allows for the powder to pass freely through the mesh openings. Ultrasonic Screening will allow for much higher throughput rates with finer mesh sizes. You can see our HKC17 Model fit with HK Ultrasonic Sieving System on our YouTube Channel.

While many applications are pretty simple to work with, others require some additional custom engineering. With a fully staffed engineering department and the ability to build custom equipment, we can handle almost any application. Contact us today with your unique application!

Jeff Hochadel

Jeff Hochadel has over 25 years of experience building and selling vibratory screening equipment. Jeff is responsible for handling fine mesh screening applications for The Cleveland Vibrator Company. His expertise is utilizing our Ultrasonic Deblinding System to solve difficult screening problems. When Jeff is not visiting customers promoting our products you can most likely find him fly fishing.