Tribo technology in powder coating: advantages, problems and solutions

Tribo technology is one of the two leading application techniques in industrial powder coating. Unlike the well-known corona charging, tribo technology is based on friction charging – the powder is conveyed through a PTFE tube and negatively charged by friction. The process is particularly low-maintenance, low-emission and ideal for automated series production.

Advantages of tribo technology

• Very uniform layer thickness
• No high voltage – increased safety
• No ionisation of the ambient air – ideal for sensitive workpieces
• Low cleaning and maintenance intervals
• Particularly well suited for thermoset powder coatings

Typical areas of application

Tribo application is primarily used in the following areas:

• Automotive (e.g. rims, chassis components)
• Household appliances (white goods)
• Switch cabinets and electrical engineering
• Mass production with a high degree of automation

Challenges & problems

Despite its advantages, tribo technology also has limiting factors:

• Material compatibility: Not all powders are suitable – some polyester systems have poor charging properties.
• Straight workpieces: Complex geometries lead to uneven coating because no field lines form as they do with corona.
• Difficult powder adjustment: The powder flow rate must be precisely adjusted to deliver consistently good results.

Practical solutions according to GEMA

According to GEMA, the key to success lies in:

• The use of tribo-optimised powder coatings
• Regular maintenance and calibration of the powder conveying equipment
• The right choice of gun and nozzle technology

In addition, we recommend combining this with an automated control unit to precisely adjust air volumes, feed rates and dosing – one of the strengths of GEMA systems.

Conclusion

Tribo technology is a powerful tool in powder coating – provided that the conditions are right. It impresses with its cost-effectiveness, reproducibility and low maintenance costs. However, for complex components or universal use, a combination with corona systems is often recommended.

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