We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Powder Coating Operator to join our production team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing metal surfaces, applying electrostatically charged powder paints, and monitoring the curing process in high-temperature ovens. The ideal candidate has a steady hand, a strong eye for quality, and a commitment to maintaining safety standards in a quick-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities1. Surface Preparation & Pre-Treatment
- Clean and degrease raw metal parts using chemical washes, solvents, or sandblasting equipment to ensure proper powder adhesion.
- Mask and plug specific areas of parts (such as threaded holes or mating surfaces) using high-temperature tape and plugs to prevent paint build-up where it isn't wanted.
- Hang parts securely onto racks or overhead conveyor systems for transport through the coating line.
2. Powder Application
- Operate electrostatic spray guns to apply uniform, even coats of dry powder paint to various parts and assemblies.
- Adjust spray gun settings (voltage, powder flow rate, air pressure) to match the specifications of different parts and powder types.
- Monitor powder coverage to prevent runs, sags, light spots, or orange-peel textures.
3. Oven Operation & Curing
- Load coated parts into curing ovens.
- Monitor oven temperatures and bake times according to technical data sheets to ensure the powder is properly cured and bonded.
- Safely unload parts from the oven and allow them to cool completely before handling.
4. Quality Control & Maintenance
- Visually inspect finished parts for defects such as light coverage, bubbling, dust contamination, or color inconsistency.
- Use mil-thickness gauges to verify that the coating thickness meets engineering specifications.
- Perform routine maintenance on spray guns, booths, filters, and ovens to prevent machine failure and color cross-contamination.