Since 2004, EMB-Technology has been working on
the development of machines for powder coating on flat substrates by the EMB
(Electro-Magnetic Brush) technique. With this technology it is possible to coat
flat substrates of almost any material with a well-controlled and uniform
powder coating at relatively high speeds. Aluminum, steel, glass, ceramics,
wood, paper and all kind of plastics can be powder coated with
EMB.
The availability of this technology can now open up a wide range of new and
innovative possibilities for powder coatings. With conventional technologies,
the limited thickness control was always an important constraint for the
deposition of powders on flat substrates. Now, due to the fact that EMB enables
a very even and adjustable coating layer (between 5-120 micron), this
constraint for the use of powder will disappear, and powder will find a way to
replace more solvent-based coating solutions. This will contribute to a leaner,
cleaner and greener planet since the need for solvents and the costs to deal
with them will decrease.
Other characteristics of the technology are very useful for numerous
applications too
(e.g., the coating method is contactless and therefore eliminates any risks for
surface defects in the coating). The waste of substrate and powder is virtually
nothing because the start and stop behavior of the process requires only a few
centimeters substrate, and the process goes without overspray. This makes EMB a
very clean process in comparison with conventional (powder) application methods.
A job change over to another material, another substrate width and/or another
color can be done in minutes, which is a big advantage compared to existing
coating processes. Next to this the small footprint of an EMB unit is of
importance for integration in existing coating lines. The machine can be
realized for material widths from 10 to 1650 mm for both flexible and rigid
substrates.
Over the past seven years, the technology has been proven in production
environments and further developed. Since February 2011, there is a EMB-Powder
coating line available at EMB-Technology in Eerbeek (Netherlands). With this
machine the technology and the possibilities can be shown to interested
partners. Customer-specific tests can also be executed. A short video
impression of the working machine with a start and stop operation can be seen at
www.youtube.com/user/EMBtechnology.
In addition to the recent developments made, the company is now searching
for suitable partners that want to
implement EMB in their production facility, enabling them to be one step ahead
of the competition with regard to solvent-free coatings and the production of
innovative products.
For more information, call 0031313671930 or email at info@emb-technology.nl.
A New Technique to Powder Coat Flat Substrates
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!