Tribo Powder Coating Gun

We manufacture the Tribo Powder Coating Gun for the powder coating industry. The Tribo Powder Coating Gun has no cascade to charge the powder coating powder.

EMS Powder Coating Gun

Powder Feed Hopper: The gun houses a hopper that stores the powdered coating material.
Powder Injection System: Inside the hopper, a mechanism agitates and feeds the powder towards the application nozzle. This can be achieved with air pressure or a mechanical auger system.
Electrostatic Charging: The powder particles receive an electrical charge as they pass through a corona electrode within the gun. This charge can be positive or negative depending on the gun’s design and the type of powder being used.
Powder Delivery Nozzle: The charged powder particles travel through a nozzle towards the grounded target object. The nozzle design helps shape and direct the powder spray for optimal coverage.
Air Assist: Compressed air is often used in conjunction with the powder flow to help break up clumps, improve atomization (separation of particles), and ensure proper application onto the surface.

Types of Powder Coating Guns:

There are two main types of powder coating guns:

Tribo Gun: This type uses friction to electrically charge the powder particles as they rub against the interior walls of the gun. Tribo guns are generally simpler and less expensive, but they may not offer the same level of control and efficiency compared to the other type.
Electrostatic Gun: This type utilizes a dedicated electrode within the gun to directly charge the powder particles. Electrostatic guns provide more precise control over the charging process, leading to a more consistent and uniform finish.

Choosing the Right Powder Coating Gun:

The selection of a powder coating gun depends on several factors, including:

Application size and complexity: Larger projects or those requiring high precision might benefit from a high-end electrostatic gun.
Production volume: For high-volume operations, a robust and efficient gun is essential.
Powder type: Different powder formulations may have specific compatibility requirements with the gun’s charging mechanism.
Budget: Powder coating guns range in price from basic models for hobbyists to advanced industrial systems.

By understanding the function and types of powder coating guns, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right tool for your specific needs.sharemore_vert

Powder Feed Hopper

The powder feed hopper is a crucial component of a powder coating gun, acting as the reservoir for the powdered coating material. It ensures a steady and controlled flow of powder towards the application nozzle. Here’s a closer look at its key features and functions:

Design:
- Typically made of stainless steel for durability and ease of cleaning.
- Often cylindrical or conical in shape to promote smooth powder flow towards the bottom.
- May have a transparent window for monitoring powder level.
Capacity:
- Varies depending on the gun and application needs.
- Larger hoppers allow for longer operation times between refills.
Powder Agitation:
- A mechanism within the hopper keeps the powder fluidized. This prevents caking and ensures a consistent flow.
  - Air Fluidization: Compressed air is introduced from the bottom of the hopper through a porous membrane. The air bubbles up through the powder, keeping the particles suspended and mobile.
  - Mechanical Agitation: In some cases, a rotating paddle or auger system mixes the powder to prevent settling and promote flow.
Powder Feed Control:
- A valve or other mechanism regulates the amount of powder entering the delivery system.
- This allows for adjustments to the powder flow rate, which ultimately affects the coating thickness.

Benefits of a Powder Feed Hopper:

Consistent Powder Flow: Proper agitation prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, even delivery of powder to the nozzle.
Application Control: The ability to adjust the powder flow rate allows for precise control over the coating thickness.
Efficiency: Minimizes downtime by allowing for extended operation before needing refilling.
Powder Protection: The enclosed design protects the powder from contamination and moisture absorption.

Additional Points:

Some powder coating systems utilize pressurized hoppers. These hoppers rely on compressed air to not only fluidize the powder but also propel it towards the gun.
For small jobs or hobbyist applications, mini hoppers may be available that attach directly to the gun.

By understanding the function and importance of the powder feed hopper, you can appreciate its role in achieving a successful and efficient powder coating process.s

Powder Injection System

The powder injection system in a powder coating gun plays a critical role in delivering a steady and controlled flow of charged powder particles towards the application nozzle. Here’s a breakdown of its components and operation:

Components:

Powder Pickup: This can be a simple opening at the bottom of the hopper or a dedicated mechanism like a venturi injector.
- Venturi Injector (if used): This utilizes the Bernoulli principle, where a high-velocity airflow creates a low-pressure zone. This low pressure draws powder from the hopper into the airflow.
Delivery System: This system transports the powder from the pickup point towards the nozzle. It can be:
- Air-fed: Compressed air is used to convey the powder through the system. The air pressure needs to be carefully controlled to ensure proper powder movement without causing excessive turbulence or damage to the particles.
- Auger-fed: A mechanical auger screw continuously moves the powder from the hopper towards the nozzle. This method offers more precise control over the powder flow rate compared to air-fed systems.

Charging Mechanism:

Regardless of the delivery system type (air or auger), the powder typically encounters a charging mechanism before reaching the nozzle.
- Tribo Gun: In this type, the powder particles receive an electrical charge through friction as they rub against the walls of the delivery system or dedicated charging elements.
- Electrostatic Gun: A dedicated electrode, often a high-voltage corona electrode, is present within the system. This electrode ionizes the surrounding air, creating charged ions that collide with the powder particles and transfer their charge.

Benefits of a Powder Injection System:

Controlled Flow: The system ensures a consistent and adjustable flow of powder, allowing for precise control over the coating thickness.
Efficient Powder Delivery: Minimizes powder waste and optimizes the coating process.
Charging Integration: Seamlessly integrates the powder charging process within the delivery system.
Compatibility: Different types of injection systems cater to various powder types and application needs (air-fed for simpler setups, auger-fed for more precise control).

Additional Points:

The design and complexity of the powder injection system vary depending on the gun type (Tribo vs. Electrostatic).
Some systems may incorporate additional features like flow rate adjusters or powder level sensors.

By understanding the function of the powder injection system, you can appreciate its role in achieving a consistent, efficient, and well-controlled powder coating application.

Electrostatic Charging

In powder coating, electrostatic charging is the magic ingredient that makes the whole process work. It transforms the dry powder particles into tiny, attracted magnets, ensuring they efficiently coat the target object. Here’s a deeper dive into this fascinating process:

The Science Behind It:

Electrostatic charging relies on the fundamental principle of opposite charges attracting. The process involves giving the powder particles an electrical charge, either positive or negative depending on the gun and powder type.

Two Main Charging Methods:

Tribo Charging (Friction Charging): This method utilizes friction to impart a charge on the powder particles. As the powder flows through the gun, it rubs against the interior walls or dedicated charging elements. This friction transfers electrons between the powder and the contact surfaces, resulting in charged particles.
- Advantages: Simpler design, generally less expensive guns.
- Disadvantages: Less control over the charging process, can lead to inconsistencies in the final coating.
Corona Charging: This method utilizes a high-voltage corona electrode within the gun. This electrode ionizes the surrounding air, creating charged ions (positive or negative depending on the polarity). These ions then collide with the powder particles, transferring their charge.
- Advantages: More precise control over the charging process, leading to a more consistent and uniform finish.
- Disadvantages: Generally more complex and expensive guns compared to Tribo systems.

Benefits of Electrostatic Charging:

Enhanced Coating Efficiency: Charged particles are attracted to the grounded object, significantly improving the transfer rate and reducing powder waste.
Uniform Coverage: The electrostatic forces help distribute the powder particles more evenly, resulting in a smooth and consistent finish.
Reduced Overspray: By attracting the powder to the target object, electrostatic charging minimizes the amount of powder lost as overspray, improving environmental efficiency.
Penetration into Recessed Areas: The electrostatic attraction helps the charged powder particles reach and coat even recessed areas on the object.

Additional Points:

The strength of the electrical charge plays a crucial role. Too weak, and the particles won’t adhere well. Too strong, and they can repel each other, impacting coating quality.
Modern powder coating guns often allow for adjustments to the charging parameters for optimal results with different powder types and applications.

By understanding the principles of electrostatic charging, you can appreciate its vital role in achieving a high-quality, efficient, and environmentally friendly powder coating process.

Powder Delivery Nozzle

The powder delivery nozzle in a powder coating gun acts as the final frontier for the powder particles before they land on the target object. It plays a critical role in shaping the powder spray pattern and ensuring optimal application for a smooth, even finish.

Design and Functionality:

Typically made of a durable and lightweight material like aluminum or stainless steel.
May have a simple round opening or a more complex design with internal shaping to achieve specific spray patterns (flat fan, round, angled).
Often features an orifice (opening) size that can be adjusted to control the powder flow rate at the nozzle exit.

Types of Powder Delivery Nozzles:

Standard Round Nozzle: Offers a basic, circular spray pattern suitable for general applications.
Flat Fan Nozzle: Creates a wide, flat fan-shaped spray pattern, ideal for covering large flat surfaces. May come in different fan angles to suit specific needs.
Angled Nozzle: Designed to deliver the powder at an angle, useful for reaching recessed areas or coating complex shapes.
Specialty Nozzles: Some manufacturers offer specialized nozzles with unique shapes or features for specific applications, like coating pipes or internal surfaces.

Factors Affecting Nozzle Selection:

Desired Spray Pattern: The type of object being coated will dictate the most suitable spray pattern (round, flat, angled).
Application Complexity: For complex shapes, angled nozzles or nozzles with specialized designs might be necessary.
Powder Flow Rate: The nozzle orifice size should be compatible with the desired powder flow rate for optimal application efficiency.
Environmental Considerations: In settings with limited ventilation, a more focused spray pattern might be preferred to minimize overspray.

Benefits of a Well-Chosen Powder Delivery Nozzle:

Uniform Coating: The right nozzle helps achieve a smooth, even distribution of powder across the target surface.
Application Efficiency: Optimized spray patterns minimize powder waste and improve coating coverage.
Reduced Overspray: Focused nozzles help direct the powder towards the object, reducing the amount of overspray lost to the environment.
Versatility: A range of nozzle options allows for adapting the gun to different coating tasks.

Additional Points:

Some powder coating guns offer quick-change nozzle systems for easy swapping between different spray patterns.
Proper cleaning and maintenance of the nozzle are crucial to prevent clogging and ensure consistent performance.

By understanding the function and importance of the powder delivery nozzle, you can select the right one for your specific application and achieve professional-looking powder coating results.

Powder coating is increasingly accepted as the preferred finishing process for many applications. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations, rising costs in all areas, and demands by consumers for better quality and more durable products are among the challenges facing today’s finishers. Powder coatings provide a solution to these challenges and others. Powder coating is the technique of applying dry paint to the component.

The powdered paint is normally applied by using a powder feed system and gun to electrostatically charge and spray the powder onto the part. For some applications, the part being coated is dipped into a fluidized bed of powder. The coated part is then heated in an oven, or via infrared panels, to melt and cure the paint. During the curing process, a chemical cross-linking reaction is triggered and it is this chemical reaction that gives the powder coatings many of their desirable properties.

Not only do we manufacture our powder coating equipment, we also ship them worldwide to your facility with care

We’re not just the manufacturers of your powder coating equipment, we’re also your worldwide delivery partners.

At EMS Powder Coating Equipment, we understand that getting your powder coating equipment to you quickly and safely is just as important as manufacturing it to the highest standards. That’s why we offer worldwide delivery services to all of our customers.

We work with a network of experienced and reliable shipping partners to ensure that your equipment arrives on time and in perfect condition. We also offer a variety of shipping options to fit your budget and needs.

Whether you need your equipment shipped to a local address or to an international destination, we can help. We’ll work with you to choose the best shipping option for your needs and to keep you updated on the status of your shipment every step of the way.

So when you choose EMS for your powder coating equipment, you’re not just getting the best products on the market, you’re also getting the best possible delivery experience.

Contact us today to learn more about our worldwide delivery services.

Transport of the powder coating equipment of our customers

A tribo powder coating gun is a type of powder coating gun that uses friction to charge powder particles. This is in contrast to corona powder coating guns, which use electricity to charge the powder particles.

How Tribo Powder Coating Guns Work

Tribo powder coating guns work by rubbing the powder particles against a surface, such as a Teflon or ceramic tube. This friction creates a static charge on the powder particles, which causes them to be attracted to the surface being coated.

Advantages of Tribo Powder Coating Guns

There are several advantages to using tribo powder coating guns, including:

No need for electricity: Tribo powder coating guns do not require electricity to operate, which can be a safety advantage in certain environments.
Less susceptible to Faraday cage effects: Tribo powder coating guns are less susceptible to Faraday cage effects, which can occur when the surface being coated is surrounded by metal.
Can be used with a wider range of powders: Tribo powder coating guns can be used with a wider range of powders than corona powder coating guns.

Disadvantages of Tribo Powder Coating Guns

There are also some disadvantages to using tribo powder coating guns, including:

Lower transfer efficiency: Tribo powder coating guns typically have a lower transfer efficiency than corona powder coating guns. This means that more powder is wasted.
Not as suitable for complex shapes: Tribo powder coating guns are not as suitable for coating complex shapes as corona powder coating guns.

Applications of Tribo Powder Coating Guns

Tribo powder coating guns are a good choice for a variety of applications, including:

Coating metal parts: Tribo powder coating guns are often used to coat metal parts, such as automotive parts, appliances, and machinery.
Coating wood furniture: Tribo powder coating guns can also be used to coat wood furniture.
Coating plastic parts: Tribo powder coating guns can be used to coat plastic parts, but they are not as well-suited for this application as corona powder coating guns.

Overall, tribo powder coating guns are a versatile and effective way to apply powder coatings. They are a good choice for a variety of applications, and they offer several advantages over corona powder coating guns.

Here are some additional tips for using a tribo powder coating gun:

Use the correct air pressure: The air pressure should be adjusted according to the type of powder being used.
Hold the gun at the correct distance from the surface: The gun should be held at a distance of 6-8 inches from the surface.
Move the gun back and forth slowly: The gun should be moved back and forth slowly to ensure even coverage.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your tribo powder coating gun is operating properly and delivering consistent results.

The tribo process utilizes charging through friction. We know that when 2 plastic foils are pulled apart, they mutually attract each other again. Both separating surfaces have charged themselves with an opposite polarity electrical charge, which after separation attract each other again. Tribo charging uses this phenomenon, only that the charge is drawn off.

The powder particles are brought into contact with another plastic material and immediately separated again. This process can take place in a tube, hose or on a plate. Ideally, it should take place at a high air velocity because turbulence is created in the tube, which increases the number of contacts.

A tribo powder coating gun is a type of powder coating gun that utilizes tribocharging to apply powder coating to workpieces. Unlike traditional electrostatic powder coating guns, which rely on an electrostatic field to attract powder particles to the grounded workpiece, tribo guns use friction between the powder particles and the gun’s nozzle to induce a charge on the particles. This tribocharging technique has several advantages over electrostatic charging, including:

Reduced Overspray: Triboguns produce less overspray than electrostatic guns because the powder particles are not attracted to the gun’s nozzle as strongly. This can lead to significant cost savings in powder consumption and reduced airborne powder contamination.
Better Coating Coverage: Triboguns can produce more uniform coating coverage than electrostatic guns because the tribocharging process does not depend on the workpiece’s surface conductivity. This is beneficial for coating intricate or complex shapes.
Improved Workpiece Finish: Triboguns can produce a smoother and more even finish than electrostatic guns because the tribocharging process does not create as much electrostatic attraction between the powder particles. This can be especially beneficial for applications where a high-quality cosmetic finish is required.
Increased Powder Flow Rate: Triboguns can operate at higher powder flow rates than electrostatic guns because the powder particles are not as strongly attracted to the gun’s nozzle. This can lead to increased production rates and reduced cycle times.
Versatility with Different Powders: Triboguns can be used with a wider range of powder types than electrostatic guns, including some that are not compatible with electrostatic charging. This can expand the range of applications for powder coating.

In addition to these advantages, tribo powder coating guns are also simpler to operate and maintain than electrostatic guns. They do not require as much fine-tuning and are less sensitive to changes in humidity or temperature.

Comparison of Tribo and Electrostatic Powder Coating Guns

Feature	Tribo Powder Coating Gun	Electrostatic Powder Coating Gun
Charging Mechanism	Tribocharging	Electrostatic charging
Overspray	Less	More
Coating Coverage	Better	Less consistent
Workpiece Finish	Smoother, more even	Less consistent
Powder Flow Rate	Higher	Lower
Powder Compatibility	Wider range	Narrower range
Operation	Simpler	More complex
Maintenance	Easier	More difficult

Applications of Tribo Powder Coating Guns

Tribo powder coating guns are used in a wide variety of applications, including:

Automotive: Coating car bodies, exterior trim, interior components, and wheels
Electronics: Coating enclosures, casings, and components for electronic devices
Appliance: Coating refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and washing machines
Furniture: Coating metal and plastic furniture components
Industrial: Coating machinery parts, tools, pipes, and other industrial components
Aerospace: Coating aircraft components for corrosion protection and aesthetic enhancement
Medical Equipment: Coating medical devices for durability, biocompatibility, and aesthetic appeal

The Principle of the Tribo Powder Coating Gun

Tribo Powder Coating Gun

Difference between a Corona and a Tribo Gun

Both corona and tribo powder coating guns are used to apply powder coatings to surfaces. However, they differ in the way they charge the powder particles.

Corona guns use electricity to charge the powder particles. An electrode inside the gun generates a high-voltage corona discharge, which ionizes the air around it. These ions then attach to the powder particles, giving them a positive charge. The positively charged powder particles are then attracted to the grounded surface being coated.

Tribo guns use friction to charge the powder particles. The powder particles are rubbed against a surface, such as a Teflon or ceramic tube, which generates a static charge on the powder particles. The positively charged powder particles are then attracted to the grounded surface being coated.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between corona and tribo powder coating guns:

Feature	Corona Gun	Tribo Gun
Powder charging method	Electricity	Friction
Need for electricity	Yes	No
Susceptibility to Faraday cage effects	Yes	No
Transfer efficiency	Higher	Lower
Suitability for complex shapes	Good	Fair
Powder compatibility	Narrower	Wider

Here is a more detailed comparison of the two types of guns:

Corona guns are the more common type of powder coating gun. They are more efficient at transferring powder to the surface, and they are better suited for coating complex shapes. However, they require electricity to operate, and they are more susceptible to Faraday cage effects.

Tribo guns are a good choice for applications where electricity is not available or where Faraday cage effects are a concern. They are also a good choice for coating a wider range of powders. However, they are not as efficient as corona guns, and they are not as well-suited for coating complex shapes.

Ultimately, the best type of powder coating gun for you will depend on your specific needs and application. If you are not sure which type of gun is right for you, you should consult with a powder coating expert.

Parts of the Tribo Gun

Here are the main parts of a tribo powder coating gun:

Powder hopper: This is the container that holds the powder that is to be sprayed.

Feed mechanism: This mechanism controls the flow of powder from the hopper to the nozzle.

Nozzle: This is the opening through which the powder is released.

Injector: This is the device that transports powder from the hopper to the nozzle.

Electrode: This is the charged metal rod that is located near the nozzle. The electrode charges the powder particles as they pass through the air, so that they are attracted to the surface being coated.

Control system: This controls the operation of the gun, including the powder feed rate, air pressure, and voltage.

Air supply system: This supplies the air that is used to atomize the powder.

Barrel: This is the long, cylindrical part of the gun that houses the injector, electrode, and nozzle.

Trigger: This is the lever that is used to activate the gun.

Hose: This is the flexible tube that connects the gun to the powder hopper and air supply system.

Ground clamp: This is the clamp that connects the gun to the grounded surface being coated.

Safety switch: This is the switch that prevents the gun from operating unless it is properly grounded.

These are the main parts of a tribo powder coating gun. The specific design of the gun may vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

Here are some additional tips for using a tribo powder coating gun:

Keep the gun clean: Regularly clean the gun to prevent the buildup of powder, which can interfere with its performance.
Inspect the gun regularly: Regularly inspect the gun for signs of wear or damage.
Calibrate the gun regularly: Regularly calibrate the gun to ensure that it is delivering the correct amount of powder.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your tribo powder coating gun is operating properly and delivering consistent results.

The plastic material used is Teflon. The tribo charging only has a limited adjustment. As with electrostatic charging the powder is fed through an injector to the powder gun. Because the conveying velocity of the powder is not sufficient to charge the powder with the required charge in the gun, the transit velocity of the powder through the gun is increased with supplementary air.

Because of this, regulation of the air volume and with it the charging of the powder, regulation is only limited. The advantage of tribo charging lies in its good depth of penetration. Tribo-charging does not create excess ions in the air. The space charge is insignificant. This is why the penetration of powder in cavities, such as post boxes, and wheel rims is better than with the Corona gun.

The charge on fresh powder is higher than with electrostatic charging. The coated surfaces are smoother, and the ‘orange peel’ effect is less marked. The disadvantage of tribo charging is its limited flexibility and the recovery of the powder.

Not every powder can be used with tribo guns, it requires a special Tribo additive (aluminum oxide). Today, of course, powder manufacturers can make most powders suitable for tribo use. Fresh powder charges best, and powder that has been recovered a number of times can no longer be used. The higher the fine particle content in the powder the less tribo capable it is.

Tribo Powder Coating Gun

A tribo powder coating gun is a specialized type of powder coating gun used in the powder coating process. It operates based on a different principle than conventional corona charging powder coating guns. Tribocharging is an alternative method for electrically charging powder particles before they are applied to a workpiece. Here’s how a tribo powder coating gun works and its key features:

How a Tribo Powder Coating Gun Works:

In a tribocharging process, the powder coating gun doesn’t rely on an electrostatic field generated by a high-voltage electrode (corona charging) to charge the powder particles.
Instead, it uses friction to charge the powder particles. When the powder flows through the gun, it rubs against a non-metallic material within the gun’s interior (usually a Teflon or PTFE material). This friction causes the powder particles to acquire a static charge.
The charged powder particles are then directed toward the grounded workpiece, where they adhere due to the electrostatic attraction between the charged particles and the grounded surface.

Key Features of a Tribo Powder Coating Gun:

Friction-Based Charging: The distinguishing feature of a tribo powder coating gun is its friction-based charging mechanism. This makes it well-suited for certain powder types that may not charge effectively using corona charging.
Compatibility with Specialty Powders: Tribo guns are often used with specialty powder coatings, such as metallic or textured powders, that may not respond well to corona charging.
Uniform Coating: Tribo guns are known for producing a uniform and consistent powder application, which can result in high-quality finishes with minimal orange peel or other imperfections.
Reduced Faraday Cage Effect: The tribocharging process is less susceptible to the Faraday cage effect, a phenomenon where powder particles do not coat recessed or complex shapes effectively. This can be an advantage when coating intricate workpieces.
Lower Voltage Requirements: Unlike corona guns, tribo guns typically operate at lower voltage levels, which may reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge and offer some safety advantages.
Complex Geometry: Tribo guns are often used in situations where the workpiece has complex geometry or when coating sharp edges, as they can provide better coverage in these cases.
Maintenance: Tribo guns may have different maintenance requirements compared to corona guns due to the friction-based charging mechanism. Regular cleaning and inspection are necessary to ensure consistent performance.

It’s important to note that the choice between a tribo powder coating gun and a corona charging gun depends on several factors, including the type of powder being used, the desired finish quality, and the specific requirements of the coating project. Tribo guns are particularly valuable when working with certain specialty powders, but corona charging guns are still widely used in many powder coating applications.