Recipe Based Finishing System

With a Recipe-based system, carriers with dissimilar parts can run back to back and each can be treated differently based on the process data entered into the system as a “recipe”. There is no longer a need for batching your whole line with like parts to get quality.  When you enter commands or process instructions for each part family or group of characteristically like parts each time that “recipe” is selected at the loading point all of those like parts will receive the same process.  If you have a different carrier of parts, all the operator needs to do is select that recipe at the load area HMI screen. When that carrier gets to a process area, the system will automatically run the selected process for that part family.

In the Wash:

The recipe entered allows for different types of metals or parts with different pretreatment requirements to each have their own unique wash Recipe.  For example it is possible to remain longer in a section, skip a section, or bypass the whole wash.  If you have changes in your wash process due to extra dirty parts or changes in chemicals requiring your system timing to be different all you need to do is update the recipe.

In the coating application:

In the coating application area, displays show the process for each part coming through, where to apply the coating, which color, and any special instructions unique to those parts.  For applications with masking options, the work instructions show pictures of where to apply masking, caulking, or any other special procedures.

In the cure:

Thick parts and thin parts do not need to be run separately in a batch mode.  With a recipe based system, parts that have 20 minute cure time and parts that have a 40 minute cure time can be run on the line at the same time.  You will no longer over-bake your thin parts just to make sure that your thicker, longer curing parts get cured as desired.  Ovens can adjust temperature, air turns, and cure time depending on the parts loaded on the system.

Part I: Changing the “Game”! – Improving Paint System Design

IntelliFinishing has had a great start in the introduction of our new industrial paint system. We’ve had a fantastic response from numerous companies that do industrial coating. I think our favorite comment so far has been, “Wow! Seriously,…I can do that?” It was a great “ah-ha” moment.

IntelliFinishing is really changing how people think about finishing systems. We know it is hard to pull your mind from the way a finishing system has always been; stationary, single speed, single direction, take it or leave it type systems. Once you understand the IntelliFinishing system, it will shatter your preconceived notions and known limitations of what a paint finishing system has been. 

Here are some highlights from the Paint System Designs we’ve created:

1. Opened up three bays of floor space, that’s 1200 sq. ft., utilizing our advanced conveyor and system technology, while also adding additional process equipment.
2. Fit an entire Powder Coating system; load/unload area, 3-stage washer, dry-off oven, cooling areas, powder booth, cure oven and bias banking into a 2,540 sq. ft. area to process a 19’ long part.
3.  Designed a complete liquid and powder system as one singular system; giving the customer ultimate flexibility to run their ever changing parts. When their customer demand needs more liquid painted, it wasn’t a problem; and if that afternoon they needed to run parts through powder for another customer, it could all be done on the same system.

We have had a fantastic time developing these paint system designs and implementing them for our customers.  It has allowed us to share our knowledge and excitement about the IntelliFinishing system, as well as expand our technology to meet the ever changing needs industrial finishing companies face, and trust us; there have been some interesting challenges!  The solutions we have developed due to the flexibility of our system have brought about a number of “ah-ha” moments from our customers as their conventional understanding of conveyors and finishing systems is quite suddenly thrown out the window.

Give us a call at 888-886-6363 or email us at info@intellifinishing.com and let us know about your challenge!

Rachel Snyder

Engineering & Sales Coordinator

IntelliFinishing

A Plan for Every Part©

Ever wish you had a different finishing line for every type of part you have to paint or powder coat? Large heavy parts take more time to process than small thin ones. Some parts require additional masking and others don’t. Different chemistry is required for different types of metals… the list seems to be endless.

IntelliFinishing has presented to a variety of audiences recently and manufacturers are impressed with the “Plan for Every Part©” technology. Each item you process gets the best finish available, just like the system was built specifically for that part.

Unlike traditional finishing systems where the system is built for your longest or heaviest part, which results in over-baking of other parts; the IntelliFinishing finishing system provides capabilities that are unmatched in the finishing industry.

With conveyors that move load bars of parts at varying speeds which are based on the parts’ unique size and material, an IntelliFinishing system offers capabilities in ONE LINE that would take MULTIPLE LINES for traditional systems. Customers have been amazed at what can be accomplished with layouts that are not limited by a one-way, one-speed conveyor.

The IntelliFinishing system is not for everyone.

• Do you finish a variety of sizes of parts?
• Do you finish parts that are made from different materials?
• Do your processes for finishing ever change?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then you may want to see how an IntelliFinishing system is rocking the world of finishing. Contact us at info@intellifinishing.com.

IntelliFinishing will be hosting the Midwest Coatings Seminar in Tulsa, OK at Hard Rock Casino on August 21, 2014

Come and learn about powder coating from Kevin Biller (also known as Joe Powder in Powder Coated Tough  Magazine) and robots on your paint line from Mike Dilday of Fanuc robots.

For more information and to sign up visit:

Going beyond our technologically advanced components and space saving design, a large part of our job at IntelliFinishing is working with our customers to solve their problems and challenges. There are usually a few key hurdles that lead a customer to consider purchasing a system or renovating their existing setup. As part of a four part series, we will look at the specific challenges one of our recent customers faced, and the solutions provided by IntelliFinishing.

The third goal for our customer was to reduce energy consumption and eliminate waste as much as possible. This makes sense, as energy rates continue to rise and the emphasis on lean and green continues to grow.

As we promote so often at IntelliFinishing, independent studies have shown that our unique chainless power and free conveyor can save over 40% on utility bills when compared to the antiquated monument systems. This held true for this project as well, but there were other innovations that helped as well.

Simply replacing the 6 open-faced paint booths with a single automated booth went a long way in reducing energy use on the booths themselves, as well as the air handling units used to condition air going into and air being exhausted from the paint line. Our conveyor line is also decoupled, allowing each drive section to operate independently, only running when a carrier is present. The same could be said for the process washer as well. So while a monument system may have two or three large motors pulling chain continuously, the IntelliFinishing system breaks our conveyor down into much smaller sections that are controlled by much smaller variable speed drives. In this way, more motors does not equate to greater electricity usage, but actually reduced demands and added great flexibility.

The process equipment used in IntelliFinishing systems is also a step above the industry norm. Our oven and washer panels are insulated to help keep chemical tanks and curing chambers at temperature. On average this makes our process equipment 75-80% more energy efficient. Automated product doors also help to prevent heat loss. As a side note, the insulated ovens we incorporate in our systems also prevent accidental burns of employees. Even running at temperature, you can place your hand on the sidewall.

Read Part I

Read Part II

Read Part IV