SW AUGUST 2021 WEB | Page 60

PRODUCTS & PROCESSES

Give your Coating Cure Monitoring the Phoenix Factor

Whether an OEM or custom coater , when it comes to coating quality , you need the ability to monitor product temperature , through the cure oven , to ensure you get the cure schedule recommended by your paint or powder supplier . Not meeting the cure schedule may mean under or over cured coating with poor physical or cosmetic properties . Such issues obviously lead to a risk of rejects , need for rework , compromised productivity and efficiency leading ultimately to customer dissatisfaction .
The PhoenixTM Compact system is the thru-process temperature profiling system designed for the demands of the busy coating operation . A rugged and reliable work horse that is easy to use and cost effective but without compromise to the accuracy of the data and analysis functionality required .
At the heart of the system the PTM1006 Compact data logger provides six measurement channels allowing the use of a range of thermocouple designs to suit product or process requirements . Whether needing a clamp thermocouple measuring powder coated aluminum extrusion or a magnetic thermocouple to fix to a steel substrate , the system offers the choice you need . All clamp and magnetic thermocouples come with replacement sensors allowing user repair over the lifetime of the system , minimizing the cost of ownership . The data logger accuracy of ± 0.3 ° C guarantees data quality , sampling down to 0.5 s to give high resolution and the profile trace detail you need . Powered with user replaceable AA batteries the data logger can run for 1000 hours . No charging or battery replacement delays so ready when you need it ! Providing thermal protection to the data logger the TS04-113-3 silicone free thermal barrier has been designed for easy safe use . Whilst providing over 2 hours protection at 200 ° C the compact aluminium barrier ( 113 mm high ) weighs only 3.7 kg making transfer to and lifting on the line trouble free .
In temperature profiling , cure analysis is often limited to measuring the products time at temperature . This approach is potentially prone to large errors as it does not factor in the additional cure at contributing temperatures above and below the target cure schedule temperature . To address this issue PhoenixTM has introduced the Phoenix Factor cure analysis calculation to the Thermal View
Software . The calculation provides an accurate means of quantifying a coatings total cure by comparing the complete temperature profile data set directly against the coating suppliers range of different cure schedules . Based on the time temperature relationship of the coating cure reaction the level of cure ( degree of cross linking ), performance , can be assessed . The single Cure Index value is accurate yet easy to set-up and interpret . All necessary parameters for the application of Phoenix Factor analysis are stored in an analysis settings file , removing the need for tedious parameter entry each run . The Phoenix Factor allows not only instant QA but allows accurate optimization of the process settings and direct comparison of different processes .
Backed up with efficient local service and technical support the PhoenixTM Compact system is a valuable and important addition to any paint process engineers Coating QA tool kit .
Find out more at www . phoenixtm . com Email : sales @ phoenixtm . com
58 AUGUST 2021 read online : www . surfaceworld . com