Abstract: The present invention describes a die to manufacture pieces of plastic materials, molded by injection, projection or blowing processes that does not need end finishing during its construction, and that does not need to employ additional demolding agents during its whole useful life to release the objects molded. Said die is specially useful to obtain pieces of plastic materials that must be painted or must be dealt superficially with the purpose of being employed in various industries, such as the automobile industry, electro-domestic accessories manufacturing, communications, computers, or decoration, etc. This die is also specially useful to obtain pieces that must be adhered in an efficient and substantially permanent way to others as are the soles for the industrial manufacturing of shoes and of sports shoes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating sheet material with thermoset material. In certain embodiments, first and second different induction furnaces are provided, with the coated sheet first proceeding into and through the first furnace, and then into and through the second furnace. The first furnace may be maintained at a temperature less than the second furnace, so that out-gassing of volatile materials is achieved in the first furnace and thereafter heightened cross-linking conversation rates are achieved in the second furnace at higher temperature(s).

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant coated strap is formed from an elongated metal strap base element having a width and a thickness and defining first and second sides and a pair of edge regions. A coating is sprayed and cured onto the base element. The coating has a substantially consistent thickness at the first and second sides and at about the edge regions. A method for making the coated strap includes providing a metal strap and conveying the strap through a coating apparatus. A powder is electrostatically applied on the first side of the strap, which covers the first side and the opposing edges. The powder is applied on the second side of the strap, covering the second side and the opposing edges. The powder is melted to form a flowable material and is cured on the strap. The coating method is carried out in an in-line strap manufacturing process.

Abstract: A novel patterned thin film forming method is capable of realizing formation of nanometer-scale patterned thin films with high controllability by an easy and low-cost process. To form a patterned thin film on an insulating substrate in a precursor solution containing a film-forming substance, an electric charge pattern is formed on the insulating substrate, and then the insulating substrate is dipped in the precursor solution to deposit the film-forming substance on the electric charge pattern formed on the insulating substrate.

Abstract: A process for applying a dual-layer protective coating to steel suspension components of an automobile involves the steps of applying a first coat of the zinc-rich, epoxy-based coating powder to the components utilizing the conventional electrostatic application process; partially curing the layer of zinc-rich coating that has been applied to the steel components such that the zinc-rich coating is gelled; immersing the components with the first layer of gelled zinc-rich coating in a pre-heated/heated fluidized bed of thermoplastic powder so that a relative uniform layer of the thermoplastic coating powder is applied over the first coat of gelled zinc-rich coating; and finally curing the outer layer of thermoplastic powder coating and the inner layer of the zinc-rich coating.

Abstract: A multilayer material for sliding elements with a metallic backing layer and a plastics overlay applied thereto achieves good adhesion to the substrate without the disadvantages of known PVDF-based bearing materials. The plastics overlay comprises a PVDF content of 60-95 vol. %, the remainder consisting of PTFE or PTFE and at least one further component with a density of <7 g/cm3. The content of this further component may amount to a maximum of 5 vol. %. The other components comprise fully or partially aromatic polymers such as PI, PAE, polyamides, PPS, PES, PEEK, PSU or polyester, carbon variants such as graphite, carbon black, C fibers or coke, as well as MoS2, BN or CaF2 or CaCo3. The production method consists in scattering a powder mixture of these components onto the metallic backing material and then heating it to above the softening point of the PVDF component to form the plastics overlay, the plastics overlay thereafter being rolled smooth.

Abstract: A laminar pigment which has an aluminum- or an aluminum-cerium oxide coating combined with a hydrolyzed silane coupling agent treated surface is used as a pigment for a powder coating composition. By combining the pigment with a powdery film-forming polymer, a film-forming composition which can be applied by electrostatic coating is produced.

Abstract: Transparent or pigmented powder coating materials with crosslinkers comprising hydroxyalkylamides and polyisocyanates containing uretdione groups.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polyester bearing tertiary carboxyl groups, characterised in that it consists of: (a) 8.1 to 35 moles of an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic of a polyol; (b) 9.1 to 36 moles of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic polycarboxylic acid; (c) 1.6 to 2.8 moles of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic compound comprising a tertiary carboxyl group and either a primary or secondary carboxyl group, or a primary or secondary hydroxyl group. Said polyester is prepared in several steps, the first steps consisting in the preparation of a polyester by condensation between (a) an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyol, and (b) an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic polycarboxylic acid, the final step consisting in condensing said polyester with (c) an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic compound comprising a tertiary carboxyl group and either a primary or secondary carboxyl group, or a primary or secondary hydroxyl group.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus including a housing with an interior coating area for receiving a workpiece. The interior coating area includes a vortex inducing surface and a pressurized air input device directs air against the surface to form a swirling pattern of air around the workpiece. A powder introducer directs charged powder into the swirling pattern of air and the powder is then electrostatically attracted to the workpiece. The powder introducer may be a powder fluidizing bed disposed in the housing or other suppliers, such as electrostatic powder spray guns. In alternative embodiments, vortex generators in the form of tubular structures connected proximate the housing inlet and outlet have tangential ports for introducing positive pressure air or inducing vacuum in the tubular structures.

Abstract: A zinc coating directly covers a bare ferrous base of parking meter housing parts. A non-epoxy thermosetting electrically insulating organic non-epoxy powder coating directly covers the zinc coating. The organic coating is directly applied to the zinc coating by electrostatically charging the powder and parts with opposite d.c. voltage polarities and by heating the powder so it adheres to and covers the zinc coating. Alternatively, the base is zinc, directly covered by the organic powder coating.

Abstract: A method for coating paper, wherein a coating composition containing coating particles is applied to the surface of a paper web containing lignocellulosic fibers to produce a coated paper web having coating particles bound to the paper web, and the coated web is dried. According to the method the surface area of the interface between the paper web and the coating particles is increased in order to enhance hydrogen bonding between the coating particles and the fibers of the web. The surface area can be increased by using a coating composition comprising fine fibrous material or by abrading the surface of the paper or paperboard web or both. The invention will improve the smoothness of the surface without addition of foreign polymer binding agents to the web.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the application of fluoropolymer to a preselected area of a threaded fastener, and particularly to substantially all of the threads of the fastener. The fluoropolymer is supplied to a spray nozzle in powder form and is subjected to a triboelectrostatic charging process so that individual particles discharged from the spray nozzle are electrically charged to between about 1×10−7 to about 3×10−3 coulombs per kilogram. In the preferred form of the invention, the fluoropolymer powder is triboelectrically charged, entrained in an air stream discharged from the nozzle and directed onto the preselected area of the fastener. In this manner a generally uniform powder coating is deposited onto the preselected area of the fastener while the fastener is maintained at room temperature.

Abstract: A coating material of a modified, climate resistant wax substance, which is applicable in melted condition, has been found to be perfectly applicable not only from an already melted wax bath, but still better if it is used in the form of a powder that can be injected into a blowlamp flame or a flow of hot air. A possible technique for making the powder is disclosed. Smaller articles may be “wax painted” by receiving, in heated condition, a surface layer of the powder.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers are described comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I or II: wherein X is —O— or —NR′—, where R′ is H or alkyl; L is a branched or straight chain aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; M1 and M2 are each independently (1) a branched or straight chain aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; or (2) a branched or straight chain, oxy-, carboxy- or amino-aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; Y is —O—, —S— or —NR′—, where R′ is H or alkyl; R is H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic or heterocycloxy; the molar ratio of x:y is about 1; the molar ratio n:(x or y) is between about 200:1 and 1:200; and the molar ratio q:r is between about 1:99 and 99:1; wherein said biodegradable polymer is biocompatible before and upon biodegradat.

Abstract: Hitherto, glazing defects have arisen during glazing of ceramic substrates with an electrostatically applicable coating powder. This problem is solved by the coating powder CPAB and the coating method. The electrostatically applicable coating powder CPAB contains 1 to 50 wt. % of a glass-forming composition A which begins softening at 400 to 750° C. and 99 to 50 wt. % of a glass-forming composition B which begins to soften above 750-1,100° C. Preferably, the coating powder consists of 2.5 to 25 wt. % A, 75 to 97.5 wt. % B and 0 to 20 wt. %, specially 2 to 10 wt. % of thermally or chemically activatable adhesive agents. The coating powder CPAB is electrostatically applied as a single powder. Alternately, coating can be applied in two layers, wherein the CPU powder contains at least 5 wt. % of glass-forming composition A as a lower layer and the powder CPO contains at least 50 wt. % of glass-forming composition B as an upper layer.

Abstract: Corrosion- and chip-resistant coatings for high tensile steel components, such as automotive coil springs, are formed from a coating powder composition of “toughened” epoxy resin. In a single coat embodiment, the entire coating is loaded with at least 75 phr zinc powder. In a dual coat embodiment, an inner coat is loaded with at least 75 phr zinc and an outer, zinc-free coating is reinforced by the addition of fibers and/or by a foaming agent which renders it porous.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powder paint composition that can form coating film having high corrosion resistance and excellent appearance even on a metal substrate surface containing non-flat portions and a process for forming multi-layer coats excellent both in corrosion resistance and top-coat adhesion using the powder paint composition. The powder paint composition comprises a) 30-55 parts by weight of a polyester resin having a hydroxyl value of 50-150, b) 1-20 parts by weight of a hydroxyl group-containing acrylic resin having a hydroxyl value of 30-150, c) 1-15 parts by weight of an epoxy resin, and d) 10-30 parts by weight of a urethodione ring-containing compound, based on 100 parts by weight of solid contents in the powder paint composition, the powder paint composition having an average particle size of 5-40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A coating film which has no problems in its film properties and is superior in hiding power for hiding sand scratches on the substrate and exhibiting a continuous plated metal-like appearance is formed in a stable manner, by coating the substrate with a primer (A) and/or a first metallic paint (B) containing non-leafing type aluminum flakes (a) having thicknesses in the range from 0.1 to 1 &mgr;m and an average particle size of 1-60 &mgr;m and, then, coating with a second metallic paint (C) containing small, thin metal flakes (b) having thicknesses not greater than 0.08 &mgr;m and an average particle size of 5-40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Powder coating compositions for metal substrates, a method of powder coating a metal substrate, and a metal article are disclosed. The powder coating composition is a thermoplastic material and comprises: (a) a first polyester having a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 80,000 and a Tg of greater than 45° C. to about 100° C., (b) a second polyester having a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 70,000 and a Tg of about −10° C. to about 45° C., and optionally, (c) a modifying resin, such as an epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent weight of about 500 to about 15,000, wherein the Tg of the first and second polyesters differ by about 5° C. to about 60° C. The powder coating composition is applied to a metal substrate to provide a composition film having a thickness of about 1 to about 200 microns.

Abstract: An electrode wire for a hybrid scavengeless developer unit is electrostatically coated with a conductive coating comprised of a crosslinked polymer and a conductive material. The wire is coated by first electrostatically coating the wire with a coating composition including a crosslinkable polymer and a conductive material. Following electrostatic application of the coating, the coated wire is initially heated to a temperature above the melt temperature of the crosslinkable polymer and below the crosslinking temperature of the polymer for a time sufficient to permit the at least one polymer to flow out over the surface of the wire, and then further heated by increasing the temperature of heating above the crosslinking temperature of the polymer for a time sufficient to crosslink the polymer.

Abstract: A powder coating method includes applying an antistatic material to the surface of an electrically nonconducting substrate. The antistatic material is preferably a fatty amine salt and is applied by spraying. A flow of electrostatically charged powder particles is directed toward the substrate to form a powder coating on the substrate, and the powder coating is thereafter cured.

Abstract: Powder coating compositions for metal substrates, a method of powder coating a metal substrate, and a metal article are disclosed. The powder coating composition is a thermoplastic material and comprises: (a) a first polyester having a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 80,000 and a Tg of greater than 45° C. to about 100° C., (b) a second polyester having a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 70,000 and a Tg of about −10° C. to about 45° C., and optionally, (c) a modifying resin, such as an epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent weight of about 500 to about 15,000, wherein the Tg of the first and second polyesters differ by about 5 ° C. to about 60 ° C. The powder coating composition is applied to a metal substrate to provide a composition film having a thickness of about 1 to about 200 microns.

Abstract: An electrostatically applicable coating powder is provided which contains a first powder which forms a glass layer upon firing, and 0.01 to 1% by weight of a salt of a carboxylic acid. The coating powder is free of organosiloxane and preferably contains a chemically or thermally activatable resin. The invention also provides methods for preparing the coating powder and methods for coating glass, ceramic or metal substrates with the powder.

Abstract: A coated substrate comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a primer layer containing adhesion-promoting polymer on said substrate; and (c) at least one topcoat of a permeation resistant composition of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymer and mica, therein the ETFE is a copolymer of about 40 to 60 mole % ethylene and about 60 to 40 mole % tetrafluoroethylene, wherein the mica is present in amounts of about 3 to about 25 wt % based on the ETFE and mica, and wherein the topcoat having a thickness of at least 150 &mgr;m. The coated substrate is formed by applying the primer to the substrate and drying, followed by dry powder coating at least one layer of ETFE and mica composition, followed by heating said layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for washing, drying, applying a curable coating, and effecting the cure of such coating on a variety of substrates, such as metal, for example steel, plastic and wood. A particularly effective drying procedure based on the generation of a dehumidified and filtered air stream directed substantially parallel to the wet substrate allows for a significant decrease in drying time while maintaining coating effectiveness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the application of fluoropolymer to a preselected area of a threaded fastener, and particularly to substantially all of the threads of the fastener. The fluoropolymer is supplied to a spray nozzle in powder form and is subjected to a triboelectrostatic charging process so that individual particles discharged from the spray nozzle are electrically charged. In the preferred form of the invention, the fluoropolymer powder is triboelectrically charged, entrained in an air stream discharged from the nozzle and directed onto the preselected area of the fastener. In this manner a generally uniform powder coating is deposited onto the preselected area of the fastener while the fastener is maintained at room temperature. Thereafter, the fastener is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the fluoropolymer to thereby coalesce the deposited powder into a continuous film coating which adheres, upon cooling, to the pre-selected area of the fastener.

Abstract: A dry powder, for example, a medicament for an inhaler, comprises elongated particles with an aspect ratio sufficient to cause the particles to be bound to a preferably metal or non-metallic sheet material substrate at the particle tips by electrostatic deposition and for aligning a plurality of particles with their major axes aligned normal to the substrate and oriented tip-to-tip. Particles deposited form a low density, high relative void deposition to minimize attractive forces between the particles. This minimizes agglomeration and bonding forces to the substrate facilitating the release of a powdered medicament in an inhaler. Medicament dosages in a substrate pocket are covered by a sealing layer. An embodiment of a drug dosage inhaler substrate and inhaler is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a means of inhibiting bacterial growth particularly on a coated substrate. It comprises a method of forming a substantially dry powder coating containing a biocide, applying the powder coating composition to form a coating on the substrate, the biocide being capable of retaining effective biocidal activity in the coating.

Abstract: A method of rendering a surface of a metal substrate substantially acid impervious. The method includes first placing the surface in a field of treatment, then depositing a mixture of a high-temperature resistant polymer particulate such as polyamide particulate and a curable powder adhesive on the surface, and finally subjecting the surface-coated metal substrate to a curing treatment sufficient to cure the powder adhesive and thereby adhere the polymer particulate as a film on the surface. A steel substrate coated in accord with the present methodology is particularly useful as a curing fixture upon which resin-impregnated fiber of polymer composite material is placed to thereby give molded parts made therefrom a desired shape. Production of a part is accomplished by vacuum bagging the composite material to the steel fixture and curing the so-produced part in place on the fixture in an autoclave at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the transfer efficiency during the electrostatic spraying of a coating material (e.g. powder coating) is provided. The transfer efficiency can be measured during the test cycle rather than measuring an average transfer efficiency for an electrostatic spray cycle. A cycle may include the initial time when the substrate is "uncoated or clean" and an end point of the test when electrical insulating effects caused by accumulated powder on the substrate lead to a reduction in the transfer efficiency. The method uses computer based calculation software and a computer. The computer is connected to load cells that measure weight changes of a target substrate and a vessel containing the coating material to be sprayed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for allowing a powder paint system to utilize reclaimed oversprayed powder paint of various colors by collecting it in a common reclaim collector system. The reclaimed powder paint is then applied to a work piece as a base coat to attain a portion of the total film build required. The remainder of the film thickness is then applied in subsequent application of virgin powder paint.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying powder coating material onto large objects such as automotive, truck or other vehicle bodies includes a powder spray booth defining a controlled area within which to apply powder coating material onto the vehicle bodies, a powder kitchen located at a remote position from the powder spray booth, and, a number of feed hoppers located proximate the booth which receive powder coating material from the powder kitchen and supply it to automatically or manually manipulated powder spray guns associated with the booth. Oversprayed powder coating material is removed from the booth interior by a powder collection and recovery system which transmits the oversprayed powder back to the powder kitchen for recirculation to the powder spray guns.

Abstract: A tube product and improvement in the production of coating tubing includes hot dip galvanize zinc coating of tubing, and before solidification of the zinc coating, clear coating of the tubing with organic polymer coating. The heat of the hot dip cures the clear coating, and the clear coating preserves a consistency and reflectivity of the zinc previously unseen in finished products. In additional preferred embodiments, organic polymer coatings are applied to zinc coated and uncoated tubing, and the organic polymer coatings are applied by electrostatic powder coating.

Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of electric charge on a finely divided powder. When the finely divided powder is supplied into a powder transportation pipe in a substantially discrete particle state and transported therethrough in a discrete particle state by a stream of a compressed gas having a very small water content whose dew-point is 0.degree. C. or less, electric charge is inevitably produced by friction on the powder by the collision thereof against the inner wall of the transportation pipe. By controlling the dew-point of the compressed gas, the amount of frictional electric charge produced on the powder can be controlled even if there is a change in the type of the finely divided powder, the piping system, the spray nozzle, the type and state of the gas serving as a carrier medium, and environmental conditions such as the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for applying water-based paints and/or varnishes to the surface of a glass article which includes the steps of charging a composition of water-based product to a potential of a given polarity, spraying the composition of the water-based product and diffusing the resulting particles in a wide area so as to form a mist (120, 121), placing the glass article (200) in contact with an electrode at a potential of another given polarity and maintaining its surface temperature between 15.degree. C. and 30.degree. C., and bringing the glass article into the field of the mist making it possible to obtain various appearances of coloration in the glass article.

Abstract: Workpieces are electrostatically coated with powder materials. It is possible to attain a relatively large coating thickness in a single operation by simultaneously or alternately coating with powder particles that have a different electrical charge. The process can be used in applying single-component or multi-component coating materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for application of talcum powder of a super-absorbent powder (SAP) type or the like, the latter containing polyacrylate and/or a salt, such as a sodium salt, on a strip, such as a power cable. In accordance with the invention, the strip is made to travel through a treatment chamber in which debouch a number of powder supply lines distributed circumferentially with respect to said strip. The powder supply lines are incorporated in a friction charger formed with polarizing ducts through which the powder material is made to pass.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a coating film which comprises applying an epoxy resin powder coating (A) onto a substrate by electrostatic coating, half-baking the resultant uncured coat, applying a polyester resin powder coating (B) onto the half-baked coat by electrostatic coating, and baking the two uncured coats simultaneously, wherein the epoxy resin powder coating (A) and the polyester resin powder coating (B) is such that the gel time ratio [epoxy resin powder coating (A)]/[polyester resin powder coating (B)] at 180.degree. C. is 1/1 through 1/5, the gel time of the epoxy resin powder coating (A) at 180.degree. C. is 40 to 400 seconds, and the gel time of the polyester resin powder coating (B) at 180.degree. C. is not over 500 seconds.

Abstract: A process for powder coating selected portions of a substrate comprises the steps of electrostatically applying a controlled thickness of a powder to an entire surface of a transfer member to form a powder coating thereon, said powder having a gel point, the temperature at which the powder turns into a gel, heating a substrate to a temperature above the gel point of the powder, pressing the heated substrate against the powder coating of the transfer member to melt the powder coating on the transfer member and cause the melted powder to stick to the substrate and coat selected portions of the substrate, and polymerizing and curing the coated portions of the substrate to fix the melted powder to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for painting a parts made of dielectric or low-conductivity material using a paint spraying unit including a chamber connected to both a paint outlet and to a paint supply. At least one electrode is mechanically and electrically connected to the part. An electrostatic field is generated between the electrode and the paint spraying unit. Paint is fed from the paint supply through the chamber to the outlet. The paint is electrically charged. The paint is sprayed onto the part to be painted. The outer surface of the electrode used includes at least one jagged portion for engaging the part to be painted. The jagged portion is the location of a peak electrostatic effect.

Abstract: A high voltage generated by a high voltage generator is applied to corona electrodes, and powder supplied from a powder flow passage collides against a diffuser main body while being moved in a vortex by air ejected from a vortex air introduction port and is ejected from a nozzle opening. After the powder is charged by ions generated by corona discharge, it is sprayed to an object to be coated. Free ions generated by the corona discharge are trapped by ion trap electrodes. The adhesion of the powder can be prevented by the ejection of compressed air through a diffuser front portion cover and an outer cylinder cover each composed of a porous member and the ejection of compressed air from a nozzle hole.

Abstract: In an electrostatic powder coating method of the present invention, a wheel is placed on a supporting jig and powder is electrostatically applied on the surface of the wheel. Unnecessary powder adhered on a tapered surface of a bolt hole is eliminated by suctioning the air inside the bolt hole through a suction opening of the supporting jig. Thereby, a coating film can be formed on the road wheel without applying a coating on the tapered surface of the bolt hole.

Abstract: A method for coating a core of a small sized motor having a jig or the like by applying a liquid primer forming a primer coat film followed by applying a powder coating using either a friction charging type electrostatic powder gun or an inner charging type electrostatic powder gun. This method prevents rust from forming on the shaft hole and its peripheral portions covered by the jig, and it prevents the deterioration of the insulation coat film on the winding wires upon contact with burrs.

Abstract: A process for preparing a metal plastic composite comprising prime coating at least a portion of a metal substrate with one or more layers of an adhesion primer powder consisting of a solid thermosetting resin using a conventional powder application technique, heating the thus coated substrate to a temperature sufficient to melt a surface coating powder to be subsequently applied, immersing the thus coated substrate into a fluidized bed of a surface coating powder for a time sufficient to give the thickness of surface coating desired.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for providing a piston travel indicator for a railroad brake includes coating the components of the brake assembly with a powder. The powder coating may include an epoxy, a polyester or combinations thereof. After the selected components of the railroad car brake assembly are sprayed with the powder, the components are heated in an oven for curing the powder to form a coating on the components. The coating may be applied in dual or multiple colors to the railroad car brake components. A piston travel indicator on the hollow rod is provided by coating the hollow rod of the piston with more than one color at specific intervals for enabling a person to visually observe the colors for determining the travel of the hollow rod and indicating if the brake is functioning properly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a multicoat finish, in which a pigmented basecoat is applied, dried and coated over with a powder clearcoat, and subsequently basecoat and powder clearcoat are stoved together. The invention is characterized in that the powder clearcoat employed has a particle size distribution in whicha) no more than 15% by weight of the powder clearcoat particles have a particle size smaller than 10 .mu.m;b) for at least 40% by weight of the powder clearcoat particles the common logarithm of the quotient of the largest and the smallest particle size is less than or equal to 0.25; andc) at least 98% by weight of the powder clearcoat particles have a particle size smaller than 100 .mu.m.

Abstract: A method of marking appliances is described. The method comprises coating an appliance or other substrate capable of producing an electrostatic charge with a first powder paint layer. This first layer is then either cured or a second powder paint layer is applied immediately thereafter in the desired design or lettering. The layered substrate is then allowed to cure. The invention presents the advantages of eliminating the need of a volatile ink and the capability of being performed in one step.

Abstract: A method of fluxing a cast light-weight metal substrate for thermally adhering sprayed metallic coatings thereto, comprising: (a) preparing the substrate to be clean of grease and oil and to have a uniform and homogeneous surface energy; (b) electrostatically depositing a dry flux powder coating onto such prepared surface; and (c) thermally depositing melted metal onto and across the flux coated surface to further thermally activate the flux if not already activated, for stripping away any substrate oxides and to thermally metallurgically bond the deposited molten metal to the substrate.

Abstract: A process for improving the performance and extending the life of railroad brake assemblies includes coating the components of the brake assembly with a powder. The powder coating may include an epoxy, a polyester or combinations thereof. After the selected components of the railroad car brake assembly are sprayed with the powder, the components are heated in an oven for curing the powder to form a coating on the components. The components of the railroad car brake assembly which may be coated include a cylinder body, a lock plug, a push rod end, a piston body, and a release spring. The powder coating of the railroad car brake assembly reduces corrosion, reduces abrasion, maintains slippage due to reduced friction, and reduces the amount of repairs and replacement of the railroad car brakes.