Once the metal is cleaned, treated, and painted, the strip is rewound into a coil size prescribed by the customer. From there, the coil is removed from the line and packaged for shipment or additional processing.
After the primer is applied and cured, then the metal strip enters the finish coat station where a topcoat is applied. Topcoats provide color, corrosion resistance, durability, flexibility and any other required physical properties. Like primers, the topcoat is cured using thermal cure ovens.
Oven
Coil coating ovens can range from 130 feet to 160 feet and will cure the coatings in 13 to 20 seconds.
During this stage, the strip enters the prime coat station whereby a primer is applied to the clean and treated metal. After the primer is applied, the metal strip travels through a thermal oven for curing. Primers are used to aid in paint adhesion, improve corrosion performance and enhance aesthetic and functional attributes of the topcoat.
S Wrap Coater
The S wrap coater design allows for primers and paints to be applied to the top and back side of the metal strip simultaneously in one continuous pass.
The cleaning and pretreating section of the coil coating process focuses on preparing the metal for painting. During the cleaning stage, dirt, debris, and oils are removed from the metal strip. From there, the metal enters the pretreatment section and/or a chemical coater whereby chemicals are applied to facilitate paint adhesion and enhance corrosion resistance.
Dried-In-Place
In this stage a chemical that provides enhanced corrosion performance is applied. This treatment can be chrome free if required.
The accumulator is a structure that adjusts up and down to store material, which makes continuous operation of the coil coating process possible. This accumulation will continue to feed the coil coating processes while the entry end has stopped for the stitching process. As much as 750 feet of metal can be collected.
Lesco Design & Manufacturing, a trusted leader in the manufacturing industry for over 60 years, has built its reputation on engineering solutions that withstand the test of time and use. With a primary focus on serving the automotive industry, Lesco is known for delivering quality components that meet the sector's stringent demands.
The company sought a reliable, long-lasting solution for its heavy-duty loading ramps, which are critical to material handling systems within the automotive supply chain. These ramps required enhanced durability, corrosion resistance, and the capacity to endure extreme conditions encountered during vehicle transport and logistics operations.
To ensure these specialized ramps met and exceeded the rigorous demands of their applications, they were hot-dip galvanized, a process that provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. Each ramp was constructed with galvanized steel for unmatched protection, heavy-duty drive axles capable of withstanding repeated use in high-stress environments, and I-beam frame construction engineered for strength and reliability under immense loads. These features made the ramps versatile enough to handle the precision required for loading passenger vehicles, as well as heavy-duty applications such as equipment transport within the automotive industry.
The galvanizing process was chosen for its unparalleled ability to protect steel in harsh environments. The ramps were coated, ensuring superior corrosion resistance critical for outdoor or high-moisture environments where exposure to salt air, chemicals, and extreme weather conditions accelerates metal degradation. This process provided an extended lifespan, reducing the need for maintenance and replacement over time, and enhanced performance to maintain structural integrity under heavy use in challenging conditions often faced during automotive transport and handling operations.
Through this galvanizing solution, Lesco delivered loading ramps that meet the highest industry standards for durability and reliability. The finished ramps not only provided superior performance but also reinforced the company’s ability to support the automotive sector with reliable, high-quality material handling systems essential for vehicle transport.
This project highlights the transformative role of galvanizing in enhancing the performance and longevity of critical components. By addressing the unique challenges of automotive logistics and material handling systems, the galvanized ramps provided a durable and reliable solution capable of withstanding some of the most demanding conditions, reinforcing Lesco’s reputation for quality and innovation.
By addressing the unique challenges of automotive logistics and material handling systems, the galvanized ramps provide a durable and reliable solution capable of withstanding some of the most demanding conditions.