Once the metal is cleaned, treated, and painted, the strip is rewound into a coil size prescribed by the customer. From there, the coil is removed from the line and packaged for shipment or additional processing. Like the Entry Accumulator, the Exit Accumulator adjusts up and down to store metal while the recoiler is unloading a completed coil. After the primer is applied and cured, then the metal strip enters the finish coat station where a topcoat is applied. Topcoats provide color, corrosion resistance, durability, flexibility and any other required physical properties.
Like primers, the topcoat is cured using thermal cure ovens. Coil coating ovens can range from feet to feet and will cure the coatings in 13 to 20 seconds. During this stage, the strip enters the prime coat station whereby a primer is applied to the clean and treated metal. After the primer is applied, the metal strip travels through a thermal oven for curing.
Primers are used to aid in paint adhesion, improve corrosion performance and enhance aesthetic and functional attributes of the topcoat. The S wrap coater design allows for primers and paints to be applied to the top and back side of the metal strip simultaneously in one continuous pass. The cleaning and pretreating section of the coil coating process focuses on preparing the metal for painting.
During the cleaning stage, dirt, debris, and oils are removed from the metal strip. In this stage a chemical that provides enhanced corrosion performance is applied. This treatment can be chrome free if required. Metal coils, up to 60, pounds, are received and undergo visual inspection before moving to the uncoiler for unwinding. At this stage, previous and next coil ends are mechanically joined, ensuring continuous feed in the coil coating line.
At AZZ, we provide sustainable, unmatched metal coating solutions that enhance the longevity and appearance of buildings, products, and the infrastructure we depend on for everyday life. For over 60 years, AZZ Precoat Metals has been a leading provider of coil-coated metal solutions, delivering exceptional end-use appearance and performance attributes across various markets and thousands of applications worldwide.
