SHOT BLASTING AND POWDER COATING
A continuous line for consistent quality
OMC Axles & Trailers has expanded its finishing capabilities with a new continuous powder coating line, engineered around Industry 4.0 principles.
Designed for high-volume, controlled production, the line brings surface preparation, primer application, gelation and thermosetting powder coating into one integrated process. Every stage is digitally monitored to support consistent results, reliable traceability and a higher level of process control.
For structural components, bogies and fabricated metal parts, this means a durable, uniform finish backed by a process built for efficiency, repeatability and long-term performance.
Built to handle large-scale metalwork
The line is built around a fully automated twin-rail overhead conveyor, designed to move large structural components safely and consistently through each stage of the coating process.
With 35 interconnected load bars, each measuring 7 m in length, 2.5 m in height and 1.20 m in depth, the system can handle loads of up to 2,000 kg per bar. This gives OMC the capacity to process sizeable components while keeping workflow controlled, efficient and traceable.
Automatic loading and unloading stations with lowering devices support safe handling along the line, while digital monitoring provides real-time visibility over cycle progress and key process parameters.
Automation does not replace control. It makes it more consistent, measurable and traceable.
Surface preparation: the foundation of a durable finish
A durable powder coating starts with a properly prepared surface. Before any primer or powder is applied, the metal is treated according to its material, condition and required finish.
Depending on the application, components can be processed through automated shot blasting with metallic grit and, when required, a four-stage washing cycle.
The blasting process uses turbine-driven metallic grit to remove oxides, mill scale and old coatings, creating the right surface profile for primer adhesion and final coating performance.
The system can achieve Sa2, Sa2.5 and Sa3 cleanliness grades, from general surface cleaning to complete preparation with a uniform micro-etched profile, particularly on steel and iron components.
An automated blasting tunnel with a manual touch-up chamber combines mechanical efficiency with operator control, helping ensure consistent results even on complex parts.
Washing, drying and primer application
When required, the surface preparation cycle includes four-stage washing: hot phospho-degreasing, mains-water rinsing, demineralised-water rinsing and passivation.
The component then moves through an automatically controlled drying oven, where stable time and temperature conditions create a consistent surface for primer application.
Protective primer is applied in a full-recovery coating booth, with spraying and ventilation parameters managed through the plant supervision software. This helps achieve consistent film thickness, reliable adhesion and a uniform base for the final finish.
Before powder coating, the primer passes through a gelation oven, adjustable from 40°C to 210°C, preparing the surface for the final thermosetting powder layer.
Thermosetting powder coating finish
The final stage of the cycle is the thermosetting powder coating finish, where the component receives its durable protective layer.
Solvent-free powders are applied in a multi-colour booth with rapid colour change, then cured under controlled polymerisation conditions in an oven with pre-chambers operating between 160°C and 220°C.
The process delivers a uniform, resistant and long-lasting coating, with temperature, cycle times and processing parameters kept under constant control.
Digital supervision collects and analyses process data, helping improve efficiency, quality and repeatability over time.
Why choose OMC powder coating
OMC powder coating is designed for components that need a durable, uniform finish and a process that can deliver the same quality over time.
With an integrated continuous line, digital process control and full traceability, the system helps reduce processing times while ensuring consistent results from surface preparation to final coating.
The use of solvent-free thermosetting powders also makes it a strong choice for structural components, bogies, fabricated metalwork and third-party coating services where metal protection, production continuity and repeatable quality are essential.
With its new continuous shot blasting and powder coating line, OMC Axles & Trailers provides reliable surface treatments built for today’s industrial requirements.
