When Most customers start first set up our powder coating line, we underestimated how important conveyor speed would be. It seemed like a minor detail—until inconsistent coating, bottlenecks, and oven under-curing began affecting our production quality.
If you’re planning a new line or optimizing an existing one, getting the conveyor speed right is critical for both productivity and finish quality. Yantai clear will walk you through how to calculate it, what factors matter, and what speed range works best for different types of operations.
Why Conveyor Speed Matters More Than You Think
Conveyor speed directly affects:
Curing Time – Too fast, and powder won’t fully cure; too slow, and you waste energy.
Production Capacity – Speed determines how many parts per hour you can coat.
Coating Consistency – Uneven speeds can lead to over- or undercoating.
Workforce Efficiency** – Misaligned speed increases idle time or overwork.
A well-balanced speed ensures everything flows smoothly from pre-treatment to curing.
Typical Conveyor Speeds in Powder Coating Lines
| Coating Line Type | Common Speed Range |
| ——————— | ——————– |
| Manual Batch Line | N/A (not continuous) |
| Semi-Automatic Line | 1.0 – 2.0 m/min |
| Fully Automatic Line | 2.0 – 4.5 m/min |
| High-Speed Industrial | 5.0 – 6.5 m/min |
> ⚠️ Tip: Conveyor speed must match oven curing length and spray booth timing to avoid overlap or idle sections.
How to Calculate the Right Speed for Your Line
Let’s say your curing oven is 6 meters long, and your powder requires 10 minutes at 180°C:
Formula:
> Speed = Oven Length (m) ÷ Required Time (min)
> Speed = 6 ÷ 10 = 0.6 m/min
But this is only oven speed. For total line speed, you must adjust for:
* Spray booth zone length
* Entry and exit buffer zones
* Loading/unloading time
In practice, you might run the full line at 1.2 – 1.5 m/min, depending on workflow.
Factors That Affect Conveyor Speed Selection
1. Curing Oven Type
* Batch oven? Speed is manual.
* Tunnel oven? Speed must be synchronized with heat retention and air circulation.
2. Part Size and Shape
* Large/heavy parts may need slower speed for proper curing.
* Complex shapes may need more spray time, requiring a slower line speed.
3. Operator Skill Level
* On manual or semi-auto lines, workers must keep up with part flow.
* Over-speeding can cause fatigue or spraying mistakes.
4. Powder Type
* Some powders require longer dwell time, especially high-temp or special-finish types.
When to Adjust Speed
You should consider adjusting your conveyor speed if:
* Coating appears too thin or not fully fused
* Powder is building up too much in corners
* Oven exit temperatures are inconsistent
* Production demand increases or decreases
Most modern lines allow for VFD (variable frequency drive) adjustment—an essential feature we recommend for all automatic lines.
Real-World Example: What We Did
In one of our automotive projects, the customer insisted on 3.5 m/min to meet output targets. But oven dwell time was only 8 meters, resulting in parts undercured. We redesigned the line layout to include a 12-meter oven and installed a variable-speed conveyor. The final setup stabilized at 2.7 m/min, balancing throughput and coating quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right conveyor speed is a technical and strategic decision. Too fast, and you risk poor coating. Too slow, and you limit productivity. Our suggestion? Calculate based on dwell time, consider your real operating needs, and always build in some flexibility.
If you’re unsure what speed works best for your part type and factory layout, we’re happy to provide a free conveyor speed calculation based on your line design.
FAQ
Q1: What happens if the line runs too fast?
A: Powder might not fully cure, leading to soft or underperforming finishes.
Q2: How can I test the ideal speed?
A: Use a stopwatch and thermometer to check if parts reach the required oven temperature for the correct duration.
Q3: Can conveyor speed be changed later?
A: Yes, if your motor has a variable speed drive (VFD). We always recommend it for future flexibility.
