Our meticulous quality control starts as soon as your materials are delivered to us. By taking samples, we inspect the conditions of the product and check the numbers. If we detect deviations, we report them to you directly. We then bring the products indoors to protect them against rain and wind.
Top-quality products are the starting point
Our process control is fully automated and secure. How does it work? Every order is given its own recipe and everything is stored in the central computer system. For example, all information about the pre-treatment, number of layers and colour is more easily accessible to every employee.
Pre-treatment
The temperature of the heated baths is measured constantly both online and manually. If any deviation occurs, it is visible in the control room immediately. These meticulous controls are essential; we do not deviate from what is prescribed by the chemical supplier.
Powder coating
Just before the products are powder-coated, another visual inspection is performed. The colour and gloss must be correct. Employees then adjust the spray units according to the suppliers’ specifications. Batch numbers and powder specifications are input into the computer and the so-called test plates are suspended. These test plates continue running during the powder coating process. The Ulamo Coating lab tests them extensively after the process.
Furnace
The furnace temperature is also measured online. If the temperature decreases, an alarm message is shown in the control room. The system is designed such that, when the temperature is lowered, the products stay in the furnace for longer, as long as is necessary. We also keep the furnace curves in our computer system.
Final inspection
With advanced measuring equipment, our people inspect the layer thickness, adhesion and appearance while the products are still suspended on the production lines (traverses). Once the products have left the furnace and cooled down a little, the quality control employee performs the first scratch test on the test plates. More extensive tests are performed in the Ulamo Coating lab.
The in-house Ulamo laboratory
Because all data is stored digitally, we’re always able to check the parameters afterwards. Our laboratory provides even more measurement data. A selection of the test options performed according to the Qualicoat and GSB guidelines includes:
- Measuring gloss
- Measuring layer thickness
- Analytical balance
- Adhesion test
- Hardness test
- Cupping test
- Impact test
- Furnace recorder
- Measuring conductivity
- Conical mandrel
- Machu test
- Salt spray test
- Boiling test
It’s also good to know that we store the test plates for the whole of the granted warranty period. This can be up to 10 years!
Cooling and packaging
Once the products have cooled down, we package them according to your instructions. Damage-free transport is, of course, one of the most important conditions that the packaging material must meet.
What can we do for you?
These checks are very important for ensuring quality. Want to know more about these checks?