Powder Coating Big Items Requires Big Ovens

Powder coating metal parts has been the preferred application method of paints and pigments since 1945. Metal fabricators and equipment manufacturers often apply coatings to the parts they make before the equipment they are making is assembled into a final component. This is often the case because most powder coating services simply cannot handle larger pieces due to size limitations these service professionals have with the curing and baking processes. There are only a couple of powder coating services in Montgomery County for example that have curing ovens that can handle assembled parts larger than a patio table for 4 people.

What Goes Into The Powder Coating Process

To have a better grasp of how challenging it can be to powder coat big items, you have to understand first the basics of the powder coating process. 

Surface preparation. To secure the durable adhesion of the powder, the surface of any item that needs to be coated should be thoroughly prepared. It should be free of oils, residues and contaminants for the final finish to be long-lasting. During this stage, several techniques can be employed, including rinsing, blasting, and chemical washing. 

Coating application. There are two ways that the powder coating can be applied. The electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), method involves the use of an electrostatic spray gun, a powder feeder, a low voltage power unit, and a powder spray booth. The other method is the fluidized bed powder coating technique which involves dipping preheated items to be coated into a fluidized bed that contains the powder material. 

Heat curing. If something was powder coated through ESD, it needs to be cured inside specially designed ovens. For those coated in fluidized beds, the heat curing actually takes place as the powder material melts and coats the preheated item upon contact. In cases when the item is immersed, not preheated, the same heat curing technique used in ESD will be done. 

Powder Coating Big, Bulky, and Heavy Items

Intuitively speaking, you need a bigger oven to coat and cure bigger, heavier, and bulkier components or items. Additionally, a longer period of time is needed to complete the whole process. 

Despite these scale-related concerns, powder coating for large parts is still the better coating solution for larger items compared to traditional painting. One of the biggest reasons is because powder coatings tend to be more durable than liquid paints and coatings. When it comes to the powder coating process, whether you need a big or a small amount of powder, you can finish the coating application and curing in one application of the powder media. 

Powder coating also minimizes waste and the potential negative impact to the environment. Take note that unlike paints, powder coatings do not contain volatile organic compounds which can be dangerous to the technicians and to the environment. 

Most powder coaters in Philadelphia operate from heated facilities. The big ovens used in the curing process are manufactured with welded steel frames and have sealed doors. Spray booths typically are equipped with air curtains and other features that prevent cool air from seeping into the spray booth. It is rare to find a powder coating company with ovens larger than 6’ x 6’ x 6’ deep because the equipment costs so much. CoatingTech in Montgomeryville PA can handle powder coating for large parts because they have the larger spray booths and curing ovens. 

Smartphones Have Built in Encryption

It is hard to imagine a world without smartphones. Today, around 3.8 billion people, or half of the population of the world, are estimated to own at least one. It is a primary tool used for communication. And unbeknown to many, without the concept of encryption, the very foundation of secure voice communications would not exist and users will be vulnerable to hackers. 

Encryption is a vital concept for communication engineers and professionals. It is the process in which a device protects its data against unauthorized users and cyber attacks. Data is encrypted through a special algorithm that transforms it into an unreadable one. A decryption key needs to be used to decode and read this data. 

In the case of the mobile phones today, PIN codes, Touch ID fingerprints, and Face ID recognition features serve as another layer of security. This enables the users to access their respective gadgets, read their messages, and browse through their files. When users lock their phones with any of these keys, their personal data will be encrypted by default and difficult to hack. 

Encryption in iOS Devices

Experts in voice encryption know how Apple takes the science of cryptography seriously to protect their users’ data (Case in point: The FBI themselves failed to access an iPhone 5C). 

For iPhones with iOS 8 and newer versions, users can generate a passcode and a touch ID (it is only a pass code in older iOS versions). These menus can be accessed in the Settings. For newer iPhone models (i.e., X, XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro Max, 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max), Apple amped up their security by deploying a facial recognition system. 

Data that is backed up through Apple’s software is also encrypted.

Encryption in Android Devices

Over the past years, Android has also stepped up their encryption game. Now, most of their latest smartphone units are equipped with default encryption. As in iPhones, Android-powered devices also utilize PIN codes, and face and fingerprint recognition as decryption keys. When connected to Wifi, the Android devices use secure voice calls over IP with multiple layers of encryption. 

However, Android phones in the lower part of the pricing echelon are typically not encrypted as tightly as iPhones. This makes users of these leaner devices more vulnerable to intruders. Changing this landscape, Android is now running efficient encryption protocols to be able to make low-end devices more secure. Similar to iCloud, your data is encrypted when you backup through the cloud software of Google. 

Beyond Phone Encryption

Having secure voice communications may require smartphone encryption engineers to program an encryption layers for added protection. Apart from the built-in encryption of smartphones, many messaging apps that users download and use also feature the so-called encrypted messaging by default (such as WhatsApp and iMessage). This type of encryption prevents hackers from reading whatever is sent and received by devices. 

Some apps do not offer end-to-end encryption by default, such as Skype and Facebook Messenger. However, they provide a secret messaging option that allows users to encrypt their messages.

Steam Shower Designs That Take Your Breath Away

You don’t have to go out and visit luxury spa destinations to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Some of the top bathroom design companies can help you bring a spa-like experience to your home by incorporating a trendy steam shower design to your bathroom. 

Fixtures Are Hidden Behind Walls

Steam showers are hugely popular among our clients. Though it can look like an ordinary shower stall, it’s actually a steam room that provides a soothing and warm environment for its users. One of the best benefits is all the plumbing and heating units are hidden behind walls and under the shower stall.. 

Design Ideas

Here are some of the best steam shower designs you can try for your bathroom remodeling project. 

Sauna Inspired Designs

Sauna-inspired steam shower. Saunas are a great place for relaxation. Its design is characterized by the use of horizontal wood planks and white tiles on the wall. To complete this look, you can also add a huge wooden bench for added comfort and convenience. 

A Domes Steam Room

Travertine-domed steam room. If you want to have a unique steam shower experience, you might want to consider an ancient bath-inspired design. It features a domed ceiling and benches that are placed in front of each other. This is a great idea if you wish your steam room to be communal. 

Steaming With a View

Steam shower with a window. When choosing a steam shower design, you have to consider your bathroom space. One trick to help make your bathroom more airy even with the presence of a steam shower, is to add a window. Adding a bench in the wall where the window is located is also recommended. 

Comfortable Seating

Steam shower with an ergonomic bench. Speaking of benches, you can also opt for a design that showcases an ergonomic bench for extra comfort. There are steam room benches that are designed to provide proper spine support, which proves to be useful if you want to really relax while sweating it off. 

Don’t Forget Your Feet

Foot tub-equipped steam shower. If your space allows, you might also want to add a foot tub inside your steam room to give you the ultimate experience. Want to show off how your steam shower looks? Install the tub behind a clear and frameless shower door to have a full view of how your steam room looks like. 

A Relaxing Massage

Massager-equipped steam shower. If your nature of work brings you too much stress, you might want to consider equipping your steam shower with a water pulse massager. A modern steam shower like this can also be packed with other features like LED lighting, a ventilation fan, and an FM radio. 

The Smell of Relaxation

Aromatherapy steam shower. For clients who are particular about bathroom smells, having a steam shower with aromatherapy features is highly recommended. With the help of essential oils, you can make your shower steam experience healthier and more soothing. 

Have Your Own Ideas?

Custom steam shower designs. If you have a specific shower steam idea in mind, opting for a customized design is the way to go. Whether you want more features or a floating bench or a look that melds contemporary and natural wood elements, personalization will give you more freedom. Only a few bathroom design companies in NJ have experience with steam shower installations. Ask some pointed questions about experience level and gain testimonials before committing to a bathroom design center in NJ to start the project.