Brian Gedlinske of the Iowa Waste Reduction Center, University of Northern Iowa, explains how operator training and standardized procedures are essential for a consistent finish quality, efficient production and waste reduction. Second of two parts.
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing manufacturers in their attempts to maintain efficient finishing is finding and keeping good employees. From an economic and continuity standpoint, it’s important to focus on keeping good spray operators rather than on training new ones. The finish that operators apply to a product is likely the first thing a customer notices, and efficient finishing can save a lot of time and money.
Though spray operators have the greatest impact on application efficiency, most receive little, if any, formal training on the equipment they use. As a result, application equipment is often used inefficiently and an excessive amount of coating material is sprayed.