Mueller Electric Blog

Top Considerations for a Custom Paint Line Grounding Assembly

Posted by Mona Weiss on Feb 19, 2018 8:30:15 AM

So you’re considering if you need a custom grounding solution for your automated paint/powder coat line, but you still have questions and concerns.  You’ve probably evaluated all your alternatives and realized it may be time to update your grounding process, and maybe you've even read our whitepaper on Static Electricity and Grounding in Industry. But there are still some questions and things to consider.  This infographic addresses the common questions and considerations that people have when evaluating grounding solutions.

 1.	How do I address paint build up on the clip? The Clips can usually be cleaned with chemicals or just replaced when paint builds up too much. They can also be cleaned in an oven but the springs will become soft and unusable after a few cleanings. 2.	Will I need to worry about the clip contaminating the substrate/paint? Maybe. In some applications any impurities will dislodge from the grounding assembly and potentially land on the substrate, especially during the clear coat process. 3.	How will it attach to the carrier?  Assemblies can attach to the carrier in a quick disconnect fashion, i.e., with a clip or be semi-permanently attached by bolting down a lug or ring terminal on one end of the assembly to the carrier itself.   4.	Can they be placed out of the direction of the spray? In many cases, yes. Most times the clip is placed on the opposite side of the spray. However, in some cases the clip is exposed. For these applications a clip designed with less surface area is desired.   5.	How long do they need to be? These can be as long or as short as necessary. The assembly needs to be able to attach to the substrate and carrier in a manor where they will not be too loose and get caught on anything but will not be too tight where they can become dislodged through simple vibration. 6.	How many do I need? The number of assemblies per substrate depends on size and material. The better the conductor a substrate may be (i.e. metal) the less clips / assemblies may be needed. 7.	What’s the best surface of the clip to attach to the substrate? Flat is usually the most preferred method, however, some customers use jaws with teeth for better connectivity.

 Ready to move ahead with a custom or ready-made solution for grounding to update your process? Click here and fill out the form to get the ball rolling!   

 

You can also read our free guides to grounding for plastic and metal painting below

                           Free Guide Grounding Plastics  for Painting      Free Guide Grounding Metals  for Painting

 

Topics: Plastic Painting, Painting Plastics, Paint Line Grounding, Electrostatic Painting,, Grounding Metal, Grounding Wires, Grounding, Powder coating, Grounding Plastic, Grounding Clamp, Static Control