Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

eleven
Quality Control and Troubleshooting

Quality control in the finishing industry requires attention to

more than just the coating. In fact, the majority of problems oc-
cur for reasons other than coating faults. To assure quality where
the coating may be a factor, statistical process control (SPC) can
be a useful tool.

SPC
SPC involves measuring the powder-coating process using sta-
tistical methods and improving it to reduce variation at desired
process levels. It also can help determine the difference between
typical variation inherent in the process and special causes of varia-
tion that can be detected and eliminated.
A good initial step is to create a process-flow diagram of the sys-
tem. Be sure to go out on the shop floor and observe how the pro-
cess is actually performed. Do not rely totally on how supervisors
and process engineers think it is performed.
The key control characteristics at each step of the process are
read to derive the flow chart. These key control characteristics
are important variables that can be monitored using SPC charts.
A typical list of key variables to monitor may include:
• film thickness,
• oven-cure schedule,
• powder volume of virgin and reclaim,
• applicator settings, and
• transfer efficiency.

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User’s Guide to Powder Coating

Since SPC is a data-driven, analytical process, the numbers must

be reliable with as little variation as possible. The more variance
in a reading, the wider the SPC-control-chart limits are for that
variable, and the less sensitive it becomes to changes in the pro-
cess.
Formal experiments will reveal the capability of the measure-
ment system for the parameter of interest. These include tests
such as gage reading and repeatability studies, and short-term
machine capability studies. Literature is readily available on how
these studies are performed.
A quality assurance/control system using SPC enables the pow-
der-coating user to be proactive in preventing defects. It allows
decisions to be based upon data rather than on subjective opin-
ions. By using SPC to monitor and improve critical components
in the coating process, the quality of the final product will consis-
tently improve, lowering total cost.

QUALITY VARIATIONS
Close attention to a few critical areas will avoid, or at least mini-
mize, a multitude of quality variations. Careful attention should
be given to having a clean, dry, compressed-air supply, clean-sieved
reclaim powder, well-grounded parts and equipment, humidity-
controlled spray-booth air, and regular inspection and replacement
of wear parts. The powder-coating equipment should be installed
and operated as recommended by the equipment supplier’s
manual. Follow the recommendations on the powder coating ma-
terial data sheets. Have a good preventive maintenance program
and stringent housekeeping practices.

Troubleshooting
The following tables provide information on how to avoid spe-
cific quality variations and how to correct them if they occur. Tables
11-1 through 11-13 provide troubleshooting guides for powder
coating operations.

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 Table 11-1. Troubleshooting guide for iron phosphatizing process
Problem Cause Remedy
Poor coating pH not in range (see “Poor cleaning”) Adjust pH down with acid, up with caustic
Poor cleaning Temperatures too low Raise temperature
Concentration too low Increase concentration
Poor exposure to cleaner Check racking; check nozzles; check
pressure, 15–25 psi (103–172 kPa)
Spotty coating/streaking Contaminated rinses Check rinse tanks

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

Poor cleaning See “Poor cleaning”
Poor exposure Check racking; check nozzles
Rusting Coating weight too low Raise temperatures; lengthen time;
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increase concentration
Dry-off too slow Increase temperature in final rinse
Drying between stages Run at lower temperatures; better place-
ment of nozzles; use fog nozzles
Solutions foaming Temperature too low Raise temperature
Pressure too high Check for plugged nozzles
Pump picking up air Check pump packing; check water level
Poor paint adhesion Coating too heavy Lower temperature; lower concentration
Poor cleaning See “Poor cleaning”
Contamination Look for source of silicone near washer
Bad steel Check raw material for excessive soil
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-2. Troubleshooting guide for zinc phosphatizing process
Problem Cause Remedy
Coating weight too low Phosphate or accelerator concentration too low Increase concentration
Temperature too low Raise temperature
Process time not enough Lengthen time
Coating weight too high Phosphate or accelerator concentration too high Decrease concentration
Process time too long Shorten time
Powder on coating Poor rinses Keep rinses overflowing
Excessive sludge De-sludge tank
Accelerator concentration too high Allow concentration to drop
Spotty coating Poor cleaning Check cleaning tank
Low concentration of phosphatizer or accelerator Increase concentration
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Poor solution coverage Check racking and nozzles

Resistant metal Add Jernstedt salts to rinse or
cleaner tank
Rusting Coating weight too low See “Problem—coating weight
too low”
Final dry-off too slow Increase temperature in the final
rinse—use air blow-off
Dry-off between stages Better placement of nozzles; use fog
nozzles; run at lower temperatures
Streaking Poor cleaning Check cleaning stage
Poor rinsing Keep rinses overflowing
Dry-off between stages Better arrangement of nozzles; use
fog nozzles; run at lower temp-
eratures
 Table 11-3. Troubleshooting guide for chromium phosphate process
Problem Cause Remedy
Bath pickles metal and Accelerator level too high Reduce accelerator level by
creates dusty coating processing aluminum or auto
draining* and adjusting the bath
Low coating weight Aluminum concentration too high in bath Autodrain* and adjust
Accelerator too low Add accelerator
Concentration too low Add make-up chemical
Total acid too high in relation to chromium Autodrain* bath and adjust

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

concentration
No coating Total absence of accelerator in bath Add accelerator
137

Sludge plugging nozzles Aluminum concentration in bath too high Autodrain* bath and adjust
Alkaline salts dragged into bath Increase overflow rate of rinse
following cleaner
* Autodraining is a technique whereby the solution is simultaneously drained and replenished with fresh water and
make-up chemical.
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-4. Troubleshooting guide for black-oxide coating process
Problem Cause Remedy
Red, rusty coating on mild steel Temperature too low Increase heat to cause solution to boil
Concentration of bath too high Dilute bath so it boils at a lower
for the type of steel temperature
Iron contamination in bath Add proprietary chelating agent at a
rate of 1–6 lb/100 gal (0.5–2.7 kg/
378.5 L)
Red, rusty coating on high- Concentration of bath too high Dilute bath to boil at 255–275° F
speed or hard steels for this type of steel (124–135° C) and run for 30–45
minutes
Red, rusty coatings on iron Concentration of bath too high Dilute to boil at 255–275° F
138

castings for this metal (124–135° C) and run for 45–60

minutes
No coating on high nickel If these steels will coat at all, it will Increase concentration of bath to boil at
and/or chromium steels generally be at high temperatures 300–320° F (149–160° C)
No coating formed on mild steel Thin, invisible oxide film on Run metal through muriatic pickle
metal surface
Iron contamination in bath Add proprietary chelating agent
Iron and/or carbon contamination Add proprietary chelating agent or
freeze out carbonate by dropping
temperature to under 200° F (93° C)
White, streaky deposits on Excessively contaminated rinse Dump, rinse, and refill; maintain good
parts when dried overflow
 Table 11-5. Troubleshooting guide for fluidized bed operation
Problem Cause Remedy
Dusting—powder blowing out of hopper Air pressure too high Adjust air regulator to lower
pressure to fluid bed
Powder too fine Too much reclaim added to virgin
powder; virgin powder pulverized
too fine by manufacturer
No air—percolating through Insufficient air pressure Check air supply, increase air-
powder surface regulator pressure; check air-line

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

size to equipment*
Plugged membrane Check membrane for plugged
pores from dirty air supply
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Obstructed membrane Check bottom of bed for plastic,

cardboard, or other large
obstructions
Compacted powder Manually loosen powder and
fluidize well with clean, dry air
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-5. (continued)
Problem Cause Remedy
Rat holing—air blowing large jet Powder level too low Add powder until hopper is 2/3
holes through powder surface full when fluidized
Packed or moist powder Manually loosen powder and
fluidize well with clean, dry air;
check compressed air and booth
air for high humidity
Obstructed membrane Check bottom of bed for plastics,
cardboard, or other large
obstructions
Plugged or broken membrane Check membrane for plugged
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pores from dirty air supply,

cracks, or holes
Stratification—powder separating Powder level too high Remove powder until 2/3 full
into layers of fine and coarse particles when fluidized
Powder too fine Too much reclaim added to virgin
powder; virgin powder pulverized
too fine by manufacturer
* Follow equipment manual instructions and specifications.
 Table 11-6. Troubleshooting guide for hoses and pumps—venturi operation
Problem Cause Remedy
Plugged from impact Normal build-up Clean or replace parts
fusion—hard build-up Air pressure too high Turn down air settings on pumps and guns
Moisture in air supply Check air supply for clean, dry air
Composition of powder feed hoses Check hoses
Worn venturis and wear parts Replace worn parts*
Powder too fine Too much reclaim added to virgin powder; vir-
gin powder pulverized too fine by manufacturer

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

Powder type or formula Some resin types tend to have more impact
fusion; check with powder supplier
Insufficient powder feed Powder not fluidizing See Table 11-5
141

Obstruction from contaminated Clean out venturis and hoses*

powder supply Check powder supply for contamination;
sieve all reclaim before using
Kinked or flattened hoses Replace if permanently deformed; avoid sharp
bends; use hose saddles for reciprocators;
run hoses in covered trench across traffic aisles
Worn pump venturis Replace worn parts*
Low air pressure Check air supply; adjust all settings to pumps
and guns
* Follow equipment manual instructions and specifications.
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-7. Troubleshooting guide for electrostatic coating operation
Problem Cause Remedy
Poor charging— High-voltage source not providing Check high-voltage source is on; systematically
inadequate powder enough kV at charging electrode check electrical continuity from voltage
build or wrap on part or grid source to electrode (grid)* including cable,
resistors, and fuses; replace missing or broken
electrode (grid); clean electrode (grid) insulated
by powder build or impact fusion
Poor ground Check ground from conveyor rail (or rub bar when
used) through hanger to part; all contact areas
must be free of powder build, heavy grease, and
other insulating material
Powder delivery (feed) is too high Turn down powder feed until all material passing
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through charging corona (field) is adequately

charged
Excessive moisture in powder Moisture in humid air will tend to dissipate humidity
booth air in the powder spray area
Powder too fine Too much reclaim added to virgin powder; vir-
gin powder pulverized too fine by manufacturer
Powder type or formula Some resin types charge better than others and
some formulas are designed for thin film applica-
tion; check with powder supplier
Powder delivery air too high Turn down air setting or move gun position farther
Powder blowing by part away from part
 Table 11-7. (continued)
Problem Cause Remedy
Poor penetration— Powder delivery too low Turn up powder-delivery air setting; use gun
powder will not coat barrel extension
Faraday cage areas Poor ground Check ground
(holes, grooves, Powder spray pattern too wide Select smaller deflector or use suitable slotted
channels, inside barrel and cover (consult equipment supplier)
corners, and recesses) Voltage too high Turn voltage setting down so powder builds on part
edges and leading surfaces do not repel powder

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

from corner
Powder delivery velocity too high Turn air settings down so powder/air stream does
not blow powder out of corners
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Poor gun placement Adjust gun position so powder cloud has a direct
path to recess area
Powder too fine Too much reclaim added to virgin powder; vir-
gin powder pulverized too fine by manufacturer
Back-charging— Voltage too high Turn down voltage setting
powder layers are Gun positioned too close to part Change gun placement away from part
repelled from part Poor ground Check ground
in spots Powder too fine Too much reclaim added to virgin powder; vir-
gin powder pulverized too fine by manufacturer
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-7. (continued)
Problem Cause Remedy
Powder picks up a Powder booth air too dry Adjust powder-spray area humidity (see chart for
random charge optimum conditions)
through powder or Poor delivery and/or reclaim usually Provide ground for all equipment*
in fluid path; through equipment ground
reverse charging
usually through
reclaim system
Powder feed spurting Insufficient air pressure or volume Check air supply; air-supply piping to equipment is
or slugging— large enough; enough air volume when other equip-
interrupted powder ment such as reverse air cleaning in reclaim housing
feed pulses; air pressure to powder feed does not drop*
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Hoses kinked, flattened, or too long Check powder feed hoses

Hoses, pump venturis, or guns Clean hoses, venturis, and guns*; check air
clogged with powder supply for moisture that causes powder compac-
tion; check powder’s free-flowing properties;
check spray-booth air humidity; check powder
supply for contamination; check reclaim sieve
Poor spray pattern— Worn electrostatic gun parts Replace worn feed tubes, orifices, deflectors, and
not a symmetrical covers*
powder cloud (not Impact fusion build Clean gun parts as needed*
applicable when using Delivery (feed) air too low Check air supply; increase air for powder feed
special deflectors for Hoses, venturis, or gun blocked Clean hoses, venturis, and guns*
desired effect) with powder
* Follow equipment manual instructions and specifications.
 Table 11-8. Troubleshooting guide for collection and reclamation operation
Problem Cause Remedy
Contamination in reclaim Reclaim in-line sieve torn, missing, Replace sieve or repair as necessary
powder or inoperable
Powder or dirt falling in spray booth Clean conveyor regularly (or continuously)
from conveyor or hangers before entering powder spray booth;
strip hangers as needed
Contamination from parts entering Check cleaning and pretreatment equip-
spray booth ment and ensure proper part drainage

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

before entering spray booth
Contamination from plant air Isolate spray-booth area; preferably
circulated through spray booth enclose in a room with filtered,
humidity-controlled air
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Spray booth dusting—ina- Bag or cartridge filters binding Clean or replace bags or cartridge filters*
dequate airflow through Check spray booth air humidity
spray booth Final filters clogged Check filter bags or cartridges for powder
leakage; repair or replace as needed
Too large of open area in spray Reduce open area; increased opening
booth housing reduces booth’s air velocity*
Powder delivery (feed) too high Reduce the number of spraying guns or
the amount of powder to each gun*
* Follow equipment manual instructions and specifications.
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-9. Troubleshooting guide for finish-cured-film physical properties
Problem Cause Remedy
Poor impact resistance/ Undercured Increase oven temperature or increase
poor flexibility dwell time in oven
Poor cleaning or pretreatment Check pretreatment equipment and chemicals
Film thickness too high Reduce film thickness by adjusting
application equipment*
Change in substrate thickness or type Check substrate with supplier
Powder resin type or formula Check with powder manufacturer
Poor adhesion Poor cleaning or pretreatment Check pretreatment equipment and
chemicals*
Change in substrate Check substrate with supplier
Undercured Increase oven temperature or increase
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dwell time in oven

Powder resin type or formula Check with powder manufacturer
Poor corrosion resistance Poor cleaning or pretreatment Check pretreatment equipment and
chemicals*
Undercured Increase oven temperature or increase
dwell time in oven
Poor chemical resistance Undercured Increase oven temperature or increase
dwell time in oven
Powder-resin type or formula Check with powder manufacturer
Poor pencil hardness/poor Undercured Increase oven dwell time
abrasion resistance Powder-resin type or formula Check with powder manufacturer
* Follow equipment manual instructions and specifications.
 Table 11-10. Troubleshooting guide for coating finish-cured-film appearance
Problem Cause Remedy
Poor surface flow—too much Film thickness too thin Increase film thickness by adjusting
orange peel application equipment
Heat-up rate too slow Increase oven temperature or
modify oven baffling to increase
heat rate
Powder-resin type or formula Check with powder manufacturer
Gloss too low for high-gloss Incompatible powder contamination Clean application equipment before

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

powder changing powders
Micro-pinholing from gassing Check substrate for porosity; check
substrate for moisture; check
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powder for moisture from reclaim

or compressed air; check film
thickness, coating too thick
Powder-resin type or formula Check with powder manufacturer
Gloss too high for a low- Undercured Increase temperature of oven or
gloss-type powder increase dwell time in oven
Powder formula Check with powder manufacturer
Contamination in powder See Table 11-8; virgin powder Check with powder manufacturer
contaminated
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-10. (continued)
Problem Cause Remedy
Inconsistent film thickness Guns positioned wrong Check and reposition guns so spray
patterns overlap slightly
Reciprocators not matched to line speed Adjust line speed or adjust
reciprocator stroke*
Airflow in booth disturbing spray pattern Consult equipment supplier
Defective spray equipment Go through application checklist
Off color Improper oven exhaust Check exhaust vent fan(s)*
Bake time too long Adjust line speed
Oven temperature too high Lower oven temperature
Variation in film thickness See “Inconsistent film thickness”
148

Powder formulated Check with powder manufacturer

Pinholing and gassing See “Gloss too low for high-gloss
through coating surface powder”
Pull-away or tearing— Uncharged powder See application section, poor
coating film shrinks leaving charging
bare substrate Poor cleaning, metal preparation, Check pretreatment equipment,
or dryoff dryoff oven, and part drainage
* Follow equipment manual instructions and specifications.
 Table 11-11. Output of powder insufficient to coat parts
Problem Cause Remedy
Poor fluidizing properties Pressure of fluidizing air too low Adjust (increase) pressure of fluidizing air
in the powder hopper Fluidizing membrane is blocked Clean or replace the fluidizing membrane:
see instructions of equipment supplier
Humidity of compressed air Install an air dryer with a corresponding oil-
too high micro filter or another suitable drying system
Humidity of the powder too high Check storage facilities; powder should be
stocked at room temperature in closed

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

packing (maximum humidity 75%)
Free-flowing properties of the Contact powder supplier
powder are bad
149

Blockage in venturis Fusing of the powder in the Clean or replace the venturi (see instructions
and hoses venturi of the equipment supplier); if necessary,
reduce pressure of powder or transport air
Fusing of the powder in the hoses Clean the hose by bending and breaking up
the fused powder; if necessary, replace it;
install an air dryer with a corresponding oil
micro-filter or another suitable drying system
Bad free-flowing properties of Contact powder supplier
the powder
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-11. (continued)
Problem Cause Remedy
Blockage in the gun Fusing in the gun or gun outlet Clean the gun according to the instructions of
the equipment supplier; when blocking
occurs, frequently check humidity of com-
pressed air and the free-flowing properties
of the powder
Blockage caused by contamination Clean the gun according to the instructions of
of the powder with dust of other the equipment supplier and determine the
coarse materials reason for the contamination (check powder
pumps for possible impact fusion; impact
fusion particles that break off in the pump
could be transported to the spray gun and
150

result in blockage)
 Table 11-12. Poor or insufficient coverage
Problem Cause Remedy
Insufficient wrap-around Poor electrostatic charging Adjust level of electrostatic kV (increase); if not
of the powder; output of possible, check equipment and guns accord-
powder too low ing to instructions of equipment supplier; check
for broken electrodes on the spray gun, if found,
replace electrodes; check for possible frictional
transport through powder hose, if evident,
consult powder supplier for hose material

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

recommendation
Insufficient ground contact Check the ground contacts using a suitable
resistance measuring device; correct and ensure
sufficient earth-to-ground control
151

Using an unsuitable powder Contact powder supplier

type
Poor penetration into Output of powder too low See “Insufficient wrap-around”
corners, flanges, slots, etc. Insufficient ground contact Check the ground contacts and if necessary use a
suitable measuring instrument
Powder cloud too wide Narrow powder cloud; if necessary, install a more
suitable deflector or adjust air for cone
 User’s Guide to Powder Coating
Table 11-12. (continued)
Problem Cause Remedy
Poor adherence of powder Poor electrostatic charging Adjust level of electrostatic kV (increase);
to part, powder falls of powder if not possible, check equipment and guns
from part easily according to instructions of equipment
supplier; see “Insufficient wrap-around”
Powder output too high or the Reduce powder output and/or reduce pressure of
pressure for the transport air the transport air
is too high, which blows the
powder from the object
Unsuitable particle-size Contact powder supplier
distribution of the powder or
unsuitable powder type for
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the objects
 Table 11-13. Disturbance in cured film
Problem Cause Remedy
Dust, precured or other Dust or other coarse parts on Check pretreatment
coarse material the metal surface
Dust or other coarse parts in powder; Check powder and locate the cause of the
precured material from original contamination; if necessary, clean up the
powder which is stocked installation and use fresh or sieved powder
according to the instructions
Matting of powder surface Contamination with other powder Clean up the installation; if necessary, contact

Chapter 11: Quality Control and Troubleshooting

(based on other raw materials) powder supplier
Orange peel Warm-up of the coated material Check curing cycle and curing oven; if necessary,
is too slow or too fast contact powder supplier
153

Powder type; too fast or too coarse Contact powder supplier

particle-size distribution
Moisture contamination Replace the powder
Heat damage of the powder Replace the powder
Cratering Contamination with other powder Clean up the installation; if necessary, contact
(based on other raw materials) powder supplier
Bad pretreatment with, for Check pretreatment and, if necessary, contact
example, remaining greases pretreatment supplier
Contamination with incompatible Check for the presence of incompatible
materials from the spraying area, materials if necessary, clean up the installa-
such as silicones tion and contact powder supplier
 Table 11-13. (continued)
Problem Cause Remedy
Pinholing Humidity of the powder too high Check storage facilities; powder should be
stocked at room temperature in closed
packing (maximum humidity 75%)
Air entrapment with casting Preheat objects over 320° F (160° C) and cool
down before application (only galvanized),
or contact powder supplier who can
recommend a special powder
Gas entrapment and escapement Keep coating thickness below 0.004 in. (100
due to chemical reaction
m); if necessary, contact powder supplier