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.
Throughout the United States, many areas have a scarcity of parks and green spaces, which are essential for recreational activities such as soccer, basketball, and other fitness pursuits. Even when parks or facilities are available, they may not be well-maintained or past their useful service life, which can discourage people from using them. Worse yet, broken equipment, unsafe conditions and a lack of upkeep can contribute to significant safety issues.
Recognizing this challenge, Musco Sports Lighting’s Mini-Pitch System™ was designed to help create safer places to play in areas with limited space. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, this innovative, all-in-one modular sport court system offers an ideal solution for communities to rejuvenate abandoned courts and underutilized areas, creating a fun and active place for local youth and families to come together in the spirit of teamwork, empowerment, and fitness.
The innovative Mini-Pitch comes in nine pitch sizes— ranging from 40’ x 84’ to 60’ x 120’— and multiple surface types, while customizable signage provides opportunities for branding and logos. A range of add-ons allows the system to be equipped for additional sports, including basketball, pickleball, and tennis and even offers an option to control lights instantly, from anywhere, with the touch of a smart phone.
With a reputation for reliable durability in providing sporting equipment, and transportation/ infrastructure lighting since 1976, Musco appreciated that hot-dip galvanizing provides lasting corrosion protection for heavy use and high-impact applications. The Mini-Pitch was designed to be both low-maintenance and durable, with a protective galvanized finish that can withstand a wide range of climates and weather conditions. This makes the system cost-effective and suitable for urban areas with limited maintenance resources.
As a testament to its durability, the Mini-Pitch system includes a robust 10-year parts and labor warranty to fully cover maintenance costs on the lights and structure. To assist in achieving their 10-year warranty, hot-dip galvanizing is the only coating offered on the Mini-Pitch product.
In addition to being a versatile and space-efficient solution, the Mini-Pitch can enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas. Musco soon realized the product’s galvanized zinc patina is easily integrated into the overall design of parks and recreational spaces, making them more attractive and inviting.
Even with the Mini-Pitch’s numerous benefits, proper fabrication was key to the success of the system. Early in the product development process, Musco worked closely with their galvanizer on the design of the court’s structural components. The Mini-Pitch is primarily made from tube steel so proper design for ventilation and drainage was crucial to the aesthetics and overall quality. With the guidance received from their galvanizer, Musco ensured a successfully coated product and highly durable finish engineered to last the design life of the installation.
Since its introduction, the Mini-Pitch is rapidly gaining in popularity and has had a positive impact on the hot-dip galvanizing market and the communities they serve. By encouraging engagement and social interaction, they’ve become focal points for residents to come together, lifting communities and enhancing the options for children across the country to “get out and play!”
With a reputation for reliable durability in providing sporting equipment, and transportation/ infrastructure lighting since 1976, Musco appreciated that hot-dip galvanizing provides lasting corrosion protection for heavy use and high-impact applications.