Critical considerations for high quality, efficient and cost-effective industrial painting facility

Whether it’s about durability, finish quality or consistency, the paint finish on manufactured products is an essential element of the overall quality and marketability of the product.

While much of the design and planning effort might be focused on the manufacturing of the product itself, getting the painting component right shouldn’t be overlooked or considered as a “nice to have” add-on.

Taking the time to think through your finishing needs is an essential step to ensuring that your industrial painting solution becomes a seamless part of the manufacturing process.

Purpose

The first important planning step is to make sure your facility is fit for purpose. Whether you are dealing with aeronautical components, great products, automotive or smaller manufactured products, the type of painting facility, paints, and systems will vary considerably.

Design, planning and layout

It covers a vast array of considerations including physical site limitations, operator safety, ventilation and exhaust systems, allowing sufficient space for painting operations such as mixing and spraying, booth lighting, manufacturing systems flow, and efficient and safe maintenance.

The layout of the facility needs to suit the product needs. For example, extensive equipment facilities will need to take account of the size and weight of the equipment, how it will be moved and whether there is sufficient space to allow painting operations to proceed while maintaining high-speed production flow.

Paint type

Whether the facility is using a liquid paint or powder, will have a significant bearing on the design and operation of the painting booth, as well as health, safety and environmental factors, such as ventilation.

There are also considerations around the cost profile: for example, powder-coating will have a higher upfront cost but lower long term operating costs. Similarly, there may be site constraints, such as available area, which may mean that a dry filter facility is preferred, because of the smaller footprint.

Integration and automation

Whatever the finishing challenge may be the process integration and automation are essential considerations to ensure that the finishing process works seamlessly with the rest of the manufacturing process. The opportunity for human error is minimised, input costs are managed efficiently, and data is available to support the spot decision-making and continuous improvement.

In today’s high cost and competitive manufacturing environment, the finished quality of your manufactured product is likely to be an essential part of the point of difference that separates your products from those of your competitors.

To give yourself the best advantage, it makes sense to take the time to consider how your finishing facilities and processes support your overall manufacturing mission. To get that right, it makes sense to engage with an expert in industrial painting facilities that understands your manufacturing challenge. The team at Spray-cure can design, construct and install your new facility to industry best standards and in a way that complements your existing processes.