How to Prepare a Technical Assignment for a Powder Coating Line

To purchase a powder coating line, you must first prepare a Technical Assignment. In this guide, I will explain how to complete the TA form and what input data we need to design the line. By knowing what to focus on, you’ll be able to prepare a comprehensive Technical Assignment and order the line with the correct configuration.

Preparing a Technical Assignment starts with defining the ideal end result you want to achieve. This target should include both "qualitative" requirements for the powder coating and "quantitative" requirements for the production capacity of the future line.

As for the "quality" of the coating, we will offer several alternative equipment configurations to choose from. But when it comes to the "quantity" of coated parts per unit of time, only you can provide the expected coating volume — the projected output based on your company’s production plans and long-term growth strategy.

 

Information about Parts to be Coated

Filling out the Technical Assignment form begins with information about the coated parts and the expected coating volume. First, we are interested in the physical characteristics of the parts: dimensions, weight, coating area, steel type, and wall thickness.

Parts with maximum dimensions and weight. Be sure to specify the largest dimensions and heaviest weight of the parts. This data is critical for determining the size of passage openings and the load capacity of the conveyor system.

Drawings of typical parts. It is advisable to provide drawings and 3D models of typical parts. Based on these, we will suggest the most efficient grouping of parts on the conveyor and offer rational multi-level hanging solutions.

 

Coating Volume

Coating volume refers to the number of parts that need to be coated per unit of time — per hour, shift, or month. This is the most important parameter for determining the required capacity of the powder coating line.

You may have a wide range of parts to be coated — sometimes hundreds of different items. It is not necessary to list every part individually. The coating volume can be expressed in size groups of parts or "reference part hangers":

• Size groups of parts. Combine your entire product range into groups of similarly sized parts — for example: large, medium, and small. Indicate the total quantity of parts in each group.
• Reference part hangers — standard hanger units based on the size of the largest parts. Fit the parts from each size into reference hangers and calculate the number of such hangers required. For example:

Example of grouping parts by size and converting them into reference part hangers to estimate coating volume. This approach helps evaluate the required volume using standardized hanger units.

 

It is best to define the coating volume using 3 to 5 size groups of parts. This allows us to more accurately determine the optimal part hanging density on the conveyor. For those who prefer a more detailed approach, the online form allows you to specify up to 10 different part types. If that's still not enough, you can always send an Excel file with the full product range.

Number of colors and changeover frequency. This information helps determine the appropriate type of spray booth and powder recovery system. If frequent color changes are expected, it may be advisable to use two booths mounted on mobile platforms.

Company operating schedule. Specify the number of working days per month, number of shifts per day, and the duration of each shift. We will calculate the effective working time and account for the time needed for color changeovers.

The coating volume and available working time are the foundation for designing the line. Without knowing the number of parts to be coated per unit of time, we won’t be able to determine the required line capacity or calculate the conveyor speed.

For example, let’s take the following input data:

• Reference part hanger: 2500 × 500 × 1500 mm;
• Coating volume: 3200 pcs/month;
• Available working time: 160 hours/month;

To coat this volume of parts, the required line capacity is:
3,200 / 160 = 20 reference part hangers per hour.
Considering the hanger dimensions and spacing, the calculated conveyor speed will be:
1 m/min.

Conveyor speed. The lengths of all active zones and the overall dimensions of the line depend on the conveyor speed. During design, we apply standard processing times required at each technological stage of the coating process. Learn more about powder coating technology.

 

Coating Quality

Coating quality refers to the proven protective and decorative properties of the powder coating — for example, high resistance to wear, corrosion, and UV exposure. Quality can be defined by compliance with international standards such as ASTM, NACE, QUALICOAT, etc.

Surface preparation is the most critical stage in the coating process, as it directly affects the quality of the final coating. It includes cleaning, degreasing, and applying a conversion layer to improve adhesion between the metal and the coating. Learn more about surface preparation cycles.

Multilayer coating — to enhance the functional or aesthetic properties of the finish, two layers of powder coating may be applied: primer + coating or coating + clear coat. The number of layers is determined by individual requirements or relevant industry standards.

We only need to know the operating conditions, type of steel, and required service life of the coated parts. Based on this information, we will suggest several alternative surface preparation and coating processes that can give your products a competitive advantage.

 

Production Facility Dimensions

Please provide the geometric dimensions of your facility: length, width, and height. The flexible design of EUROIMPIANTI lines allows installation in buildings of almost any shape.

Facility layout drawing. It is advisable to provide a DWG-format digital drawing of the shop floor, indicating the positions of existing columns. We will design the layout around them and precisely fit the line into the available space. For example:

Loading / unloading zones. Indicate your preferred locations for the conveyor's loading and unloading zones. We will take your preferences into account when designing the equipment layout and ensure convenient logistics for both incoming parts and finished coated products.

 

Primary Energy Source

Indicate the preferred energy source: electricity, natural gas, or other types of combustible fuels.

In powder coating technology, the energy source is used to heat chemical solutions, as well as in the drying and curing ovens. The share of the energy source in the cost of coating 1 m² is about 10 - 15%. This figure depends on the mass (metal content) of the parts — the heavier the parts, the higher the energy consumption.

Comparative analysis of heat cost. If different types of energy sources are available, we will provide a comparative analysis of the cost of generated heat, taking into account the efficiency of heat generators and current energy prices. This analysis will help you choose the most cost-effective energy source to reduce production costs.

 

Custom Design of Powder Coating Lines

The more thoroughly the technical assignment is prepared, the easier and faster it will be to align with you. The clearer the task is defined and all requirements described, the lower the cost of understanding and the higher the accuracy in designing a suitable powder coating line.

"A problem well stated is a problem half solved."

Charles F. Kettering
inventor and engineer

We will carefully analyze the technical assignment and take all requirements and constraints into account. As a result, we will design a powder coating line that is perfectly balanced across all key parameters:

1. Maximum size of part hangers and size of passageways;
2. Conveyor operating speed and load capacity;
3. Module dimensions and lengths of all active processing zones;
4. Surface preparation cycle and coating application technology;
5. Configuration of spray booths and powder recovery systems;
6. Thermal power of drying and curing ovens;
7. Control panel and software system.

Equipment customization. Each coating line is developed individually. The modular architecture of EUROIMPIANTI offers broad opportunities for engineering creativity. We flexibly adapt the line to meet specific production needs. The configuration of modules can be tailored to the available floor space and the unique layout of the facility.

Perfect technical assignments do not exist; there is always a risk of overlooking something. During the approval process, we synchronize our understanding of the task and help take into account all important details to design the right line and achieve the ideal end result.

We will offer alternative layout options for your powder coating area and explain the benefits of each. Through a clear and structured comparison of configurations, we will guide you toward a reasonable choice that best suits your goals. Together, we will implement the optimal solution — a powder coating line that delivers competitive coating quality at minimal costs.