Abstract:
An electrostatic fluidized bed coating method, apparatus and system utilize a vortex effect within the particle cloud to produce coatings of exceptional uniformity upon a workpiece. The vortex effect produces a secondary particle cloud (102) and a secondary electrostatic field, which contribute to the uniformity of the deposit, and the amount of metal structure included in the unit may be minimized, also to enhance uniformity. Operation can be carried out at voltages that are significantly reduced from those required for similar systems known in the art.
Abstract:
The electrostatic fluidized bed coating apparatus and system employ a vertically extending gaseous vortex of charged particles. Effects of variations in particle distribution, size, and electrostatic charge strength are minimized by the vertical orientation, enabling the production of coatings of exceptional uniformity. The apparatus is especially suited for construction to simultaneously coat a number of strands of wire or the like.
Abstract:
A fiber bundle (B) workpiece is coated with a particulate material during passage about a plurality of pulleys (54, 56) arranged to establish a serpentine travel path portion through a coating zone (10). The pulleys have arcuate grooves (58) extending thereabout, which cause the fiber bundle to twist axially, and the fibers of the bundle move with respect to one another as the fiber bundle moves along the serpentine path. These two actions increase coating efficiency and the penetration of particulate material into the fiber bundle. The travel path portion will preferably lie in horizontal plane, and the coating means will normally constitute an electrostatic fluidized bed of particulate material. After exiting the coating zone, the fiber bundle may pass through an oven (12) to partially melt the particulate material, and thereby cause the particles to adhesively attach to the fiber bundle. The fiber bundle, with particulate material attached thereto, may thereafter be collected and stored on a spool (32) as an intermediate product for use in subsequent composite article manufacturing processes.
Abstract:
A moist fabric of multifilament bundles is coated with a particulate solid material, which is fused and solidified to produce a fiber-reinforced composite web. Deep penetration of the fused resin is effected without need for pressure assistance.