The Chain-on-Edge Process

A typical chain-on-edge line would be approximately 100 to 200 feet long. Work holding fixtures would be placed on sprockets 3” to 12” apart. Parts would be placed on the fixtures. The chain-on-edge conveyor line runs at 6 to 20 feet per minute. Hi-Tech Coatings’ lines 1, 2, and 3 have 2 paint booths and 2 curing ovens for prime coat and top coat applications. This process is fast and eliminates the need to mask parts. As the line approaches the prime coating booth, the work holding fixture sprockets engage a chain which spins the fixtures and parts in front of a spray coating gun which automatically sprays as the parts travel through the spray mist. The parts then go through a curing oven and past the top coat booth and then into the final curing oven. Parts are normally pre-treated utilizing PFG phosphate coating or shot blasting processes.

PFG has 10 high volume chain-on-edge lines in place which are capable of running a wide variety of parts and coatings. Hi-Tech specializes in applying adhesives, Teflons@, and dry film lubricants. These four lines compliment our dip/spin and spray coating lines. Three of the lines are new state-of-the-art machines that can do I.D. only or O.D. only.

The line 4 chain-on-edge in Vassar, MI is a large 400 foot combination line. Parts are placed on chain-on-edge fixtures and then travel through a washer, iron phosphate, chain-on-edge spray gun prime coat, then Ransburg disc top coats, parts are cured in an oven, then chilled and removed from the line. The Vassar plant is QS-9000 registered.

Our Michigan Hone & Drill division manufactures a complete line of chain-on-edge work holding fixtures for Hi-Tech Coatings and other companies that utilize chain-on-edge equipment.