Automated Armature Coating Systems Improve Safety, Quality, and Throughput

For a prominent manufacturer, armatures were being coated through a manual dipping process into a fluidized bed. This method was physically demanding for operators and created inconsistent coating quality. It also exposed employees to the coating materials, raising both safety and environmental concerns. The manufacturer needed a safer, more efficient, and repeatable coating process that could meet high production demands while improving operator’s working conditions.

HeatTek engineered and supplied two compact, fully automated in-line armature coating systems utilizing the latest fluidized bed technology. Designed for continuous, high-volume production, each system integrates preheating, coating, curing, and cooling into a seamless process. Armatures are preheated using resistance heating for optimal powder adhesion, then roll-coated in a fluidized bed. The powder-coated armatures are cured with additional resistance heating before passing through a convective cooling station.

The systems feature an auger-fed fluidized bed for consistent powder delivery, a vacuum return to recycle excess powder back to the reservoir, and a fully integrated air filtration system for a clean, safe operating environment. A walking beam conveyor automatically transfers parts through each stage, ensuring consistent dwell times and coating uniformity.

The automated coating systems eliminated manual dipping, significantly reducing operator exposure to coating materials and improving workplace safety. Consistent preheating, coating, and curing cycles resulted in a uniform, high-quality finish on every armature. The streamlined, automated process reduced labor requirements, freed operators for other value-added tasks, and improved throughput — with each system capable of processing up to 90 armatures per hour. By incorporating powder recovery and advanced filtration, the systems also reduced material waste and environmental impact, supporting the manufacturer’s efficiency and sustainability goals.