John shares his extensive knowledge of the industry with us by offering advice, resources, and insights into powder coating.
John Cole:
John Cole, the president of Parker Ionics, was kind enough to take time out of his day to answer some important questions about the powder coating industry. In this interview, he shares his knowledge on the science behind powder coating, the challenges coaters often face, and his advice on how to achieve optimal results. Whether you're just starting out in the industry or have years of experience under your belt, John's insights offer valuable knowledge for all. Let’s jump in!
Interview:
Q1: How did you get started in powder coating?
- John: I began working at Parker Ionics in 2006 and that was my first exposure to the powder coating process. Prior to that my experience was 35 years at Kolene Corporation where we supplied molten salt bath paint stripping, including the innovative inline paint stripping of hooks. So overall, I guess I can say I’ve been involved with powder coating in one way or another for over 50 years.
Q2: You have a strong understanding of powder coating. Could you explain the basic science behind how it works?
- John: It is pretty straight forward. We spray plastic powder particles (~ 30-50 micron size) through a corona charging field full of ions where they pick up charge from the field and use that charge to attract to grounded conductive surfaces. The corona charge field is created by high voltage (~100kV) that creates current flow (~70 micro amps) between the electrode tip and the earth grounded metal. This current flow is what creates the ions in the corona field. There are many underlying things that need to be considered but that is for another day….. The powder covered part is then put in an oven and heat to an elevated temperature (300°-400°F) where the powder particles melt and for a smooth surface. But the actual cure process goes beyond this. The part must be held at an elevated temperature long enough to allow crosslinking of the coating to take place. This is the part that gives the powder coating its toughness and other properties.
Q3: In your experience, what is the most common challenge or question that coaters face, and what would you recommend to address it?
- John: The most challenging issues powder coaters face is getting powder to stick on the part in a highly efficient manner. First and foremost, this requires an excellent earth grounded part and this is where I see most powder coaters fall way short. If companies would invest time and resources to improving their grounding practices I believe they could see powder usages drop up to 30%.
Q4: What resources would you suggest for clients who are new to powder coating and want to learn more about the process?
- John: There are many ways for new coaters to get training and information about best practices. First and foremost are the training classes presented by the Powder Coating Institute (PCI). The training materials are all vetted by the PCI and developed by recognized experts in the various fields within the powder coating process. The CCAI also hosts powder coating classes. Many equipment suppliers, including Parker Ionics, do regularly scheduled training sessions featuring experts in their fields. The key is actually taking a course and asking questions of the speakers.
Q5: As a key figure at Parker Ionics, what do clients most frequently mention as their reasons for choosing to purchase your products?
- John: The discussions mostly revolve around our patented Pulse Power ® Advanced Charging Technology. They want to know more about how it works and what advantage it gives them when powder coating. We feel that education on this technology really helps customers understand its value to them. Secondary to this is our customer service and personal approach to each customer.
Q6: Which new or upcoming product from Parker Ionics has you the most excited?
- John: We are in our fourth generation of Pulse Power and every new generation brings forth a newer, fine-tuned, version. As we discover new ways to improve transfer efficiencies and coating quality each new update brings pleasant surprises for our customers.
Q7: If you could offer one piece of advice to our viewers, what would it be?
- John: Take the time and spend the resources to “Do Powder Coating RIGHT”. As I say in almost every presentation I do, “you can have the worst possible ground, the worst possible application equipment, the worst possible powder, and the worst possible pretreatment, but you can still get some powder to stick to parts. Obviously, this is not the most effective or efficient way to coat, and the coating comes at great expense and lowered quality.” Invest in training, invest in equipment, invest in clean hooks and good ground. The added cost of this is more than made up for in reduced costs, reworks, and complaints.
Key Take Aways:
1. Learn How to Create Proper Grounding:
"If companies would invest time and resources to improving their grounding practices I believe they could see powder usages drop up to 30%."
2. Understand the Science Behind Powder Coating:
"We spray plastic powder particles (~ 30-50 micron size) through an corona charging field full of ions where they pick up charge from the field and use that charge to attract to grounded conductive surfaces."
3. Invest in Training and Quality Equipment:
"Invest in training, invest in equipment, invest in clean hooks and good ground. The added cost of this is more than made up for in reduced costs, reworks, and complaints."
"Many equipment suppliers, including Parker Ionics, do regularly scheduled training sessions featuring experts in their fields. The key is actually taking a course and asking questions of the speakers."
Mentioned Resources:
If you would like to attend an educational training or seminar, you can check out PCI's list of events at:
PCI Calendar of Training Events
To hear more from John Cole, register for these upcoming events he will be speaking at:
Powder Coating 202 - Plymouth, MI (September 10-11)
FABTECH - Orlando, Fl (October 15-17)
Learn more about Parker Ionics' Pulse Power ® Advanced Charging Technology:
Parker Ionics Pulse Power ® Advanced Charging Technology