Stripping Hangers

Question:

I use steel angles as part of a racking system to horizontally coat aluminum extrusions with high-performance, high-temperature materials. Since we are using electrostatic spray, the buildup of paint (now obviously cured) makes the angles and hooks virtually unusable after a few months. I have used a high-temperature tape with great success but unfortunately, it is quite expensive ($800.00/case). We are a custom job shop. Is there a peelable coating or an alternative I could investigate to solve this problem? I would rather not replace all my angles every six months! H. S.

Answer:

It is well known that there must be a continuous electrical path between the parts to be coated and the conveyor for efficient electrostatic painting. Hangers with sharp edges and angles are used for this purpose so that the part will cut through any paint on the hanger to complete this path. Unfortunately, during electrostatic application, these sharp edges also attract the paint resulting in a rapid build-up. Since the high-performance, high-temperature coatings are difficult to remove by the traditional stripping methods, you may be better off replacing the hooks and hangers. To do this cost-effectively, use the lightest gage or weight angles or hooks that will still support the weight of the parts to be coated. When my former company powder coated aluminum bus bars, we used new, light-weight, slotted hangers on each part.