Method for controlling the gloss of the coating on a coil coating line

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the gloss of an organic coating formed on a moving strip on a coil coating line, comprising a paint applicator, a heating device with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device, and an electron beam curing device, which are sequentially moved along a path P of the moving strip, wherein the method controls the gloss range R s This includes correcting for deviations in the measured gloss G that exceed a certain value, and this correction step is performed using formula T c =T+K(GG s ) According to the corrected temperature T that the wet film reaches in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device c A substep to calculate the calculated corrected temperature T c The present invention relates to a method that includes a substep of adjusting the coil coating line settings with consideration to the following:

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the gloss of an organic coating applied to a moving strip on a coil coating line. In particular, the moving strip is a metal-coated steel strip. [Background technology]

[0002] Coil coating is a continuous automated process for coating metal before manufacturing it into a final product. Steel or aluminum substrates are delivered from a rolling mill in coil form. The metal coils are placed at the beginning of the coil coating line, and in one continuous process, the coils are unwound, pre-cleaned, pre-treated, pre-primed, and pre-painted, before being wound around the other end and packaged for shipment.

[0003] The product obtained through this process is pre-coated metal, also known as coil-coated metal, pre-finished metal, or pre-coated metal. It is commonly used in building applications and fixtures.

[0004] The paints conventionally used for coil coatings are solvent-based. Nevertheless, recently, there has been growing interest in radiation curing, which involves curing materials using ultraviolet (UV) or electron beam (EB) curing processes. Corresponding paints, known as radcure paints, are solvent-free, and the curing process is caused by either exposure to high-energy UV light, sometimes combined with a suitable photoinitiator, or exposure to accelerated electrons. The photoinitiator absorbs UV light and generates free radicals. The latter react with the double bonds of monomers, causing chain reactions and polymerization. For UV-C and electron beam (EB) curing, initiators are not required. The high radiant energy generates enough reactive species (radicals) for polymerization to proceed spontaneously.

[0005] One of the unique characteristics of Radocure paints is that they produce an organic coating with high gloss due to the high tension of the coating surface. To reduce this gloss and meet the requirements of the pre-coating market (in the construction market, gloss is typically 15 GU to 30 GU), paint suppliers add matting agents, as with solvent-based paints. However, because Radocure paints are very viscous due to the absence of solvents, only small amounts of matting agents can be added, and they do not tolerate low gloss levels. Furthermore, the migration of matting agents to the coating surface to achieve the desired gloss level is also very limited compared to solvent-based paints due to the speed of the curing process of Radocure paints (1 to 2 seconds vs. 12 to 25 seconds).

[0006] One method to mitigate this problem is known from International Publication No. 81 / 00683, which discloses a curing process in which the coating is first irradiated with curing radiation (such as UV) at wavelengths to which the coating responds but which substantially do not have a distribution below approximately 300 nm, and then irradiated with curing radiation at wavelengths to which the coating responds, including substantially radiation (such as EB) at wavelengths below 300 nm. This double curing is known as dual curing. Gloss control is achieved by adjusting online parameters including the spectral distribution, intensity, or dose of the initial radiation, or the time interval between the initial and subsequent irradiation steps.

[0007] Nevertheless, it has been observed that these online parameters are not sufficient to control gloss in an efficient and reproducible manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 1981 / 00683 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve upon the shortcomings of prior art processes by providing a method for efficiently and reproducibly controlling the gloss of an organic coating formed by the application and curing of a wet film of Radcure coating on a moving strip on a coil coating line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] For this purpose, the first subject of the present invention is a method for controlling the gloss of an organic coating formed by the application and curing of a wet film of RadCure paint on a moving strip on a coil coating line, which sequentially includes a paint applicator, a heating device with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device, and an electron beam curing device along a path P of the moving strip: - Gloss value G set for organic coating s The set gloss range R of the organic coating s and the step of setting a proportionality constant K of a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, - A step of collecting a measurement of the temperature T of the wet film in at least a width portion of the moving strip upstream of the ultraviolet curing device, and collecting a measurement of the gloss G of the organic coating in at least a width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device, - Measured gloss G, set gloss range R s A step to correct a deviation exceeding , Equation 1: T c =T+K(GG s )(1) Accordingly, in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device, the corrected temperature T reached by the wet film c A substep to calculate the calculated corrected temperature T c Taking this into consideration, the step includes a substep of adjusting the coil coating line settings, This comprises a method for controlling the gloss of an organic coating, including [specific component].

[0011] The method according to the invention may also have any of the following optional features, considered individually or in combination:

[0012] - The heating device does not comprise an infrared heater. - The heating device is selected from an induction heater, a convector, a forced-air heater, a water spray heater, a water-air fog spray heater, and a heated roll. - The method further comprises an initial line setting step: - A plurality of process parameters and / or specifications of the strip are collected, - At least one initial line condition of an initial power PW0 of the heating module, an initial UV dose D0 of the ultraviolet curing device, and an initial length L0 between the ultraviolet curing device and the electron beam curing device is set, taking into account the collected process parameters and / or specifications of the strip. - The sub-step of adjusting the setting of the coil coating line comprises adjusting the power of the heating module so that a wet film reaches a corrected temperature T at at least a width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the ultraviolet curing device. c including - The coil coating line further comprises an inductor upstream of the paint applicator. - The sub-step of adjusting the setting of the coil coating line comprises adjusting the power of the inductor so that a wet film reaches a corrected temperature T at at least a width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the ultraviolet curing device. c including - The ultraviolet curing device comprises a UV module. - The setting step further comprises setting a maximum temperature T of the radcure paint. max including - The collection step further comprises collecting a UV dose D of the UV module. -The substeps for adjusting the coil coating line settings are: -T c is T max Evaluate whether it exceeds that, - If not exceeding the corrected temperature T, the wet film is heated downstream of the heating module and in at least the width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device. c Adjust the power of the heating module to reach [a certain value]. -T c is T max If it exceeds: ·Formula 2: D c =f1(D,G,G s )(2) Accordingly, the corrected UV dose D must be applied to the wet film within at least a width portion of the UV module. c Calculate, • Calculated corrected UV dose D c Taking this into consideration, this includes adjusting the coil coating line settings other than the power of the heating device, - A substep to adjust the coil coating line settings other than the power of the heating module is performed so that the wet film of at least the width portion of the moving strip is corrected for UV dose D c This includes adjusting the power of the UV module so that it is exposed to the light. - The UV module is movable along path P. - The setting step is the maximum UV dose D to which the wet film can be exposed in the UV module. max This further includes setting, - The collection step further includes collecting the length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device. -The sub-steps for adjusting the coil coating line settings other than the power of the heating module are: ·D c is D max Evaluate whether it exceeds that, If it does not exceed the corrected UV dose D of the wet film within at least the width portion of the moving strip cAdjust the power of the UV module so that it is exposed to the light. ·D c is D max If it exceeds: ·Formula 3: L c =f2(L,G,G s )(3) Accordingly, the corrected length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device c Calculate, • Calculated correction length L c Taking this into consideration, this includes adjusting the settings of the coil coating lines other than the power of the heating module and the UV module. - A substep adjusts the settings of the coil coating line other than the power of the heating module and the UV module, correcting the length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device. c This includes adjusting to the value G s The gloss is obtained on the organic coating within at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the electron beam curing device.

[0013] A second subject of the present invention is a coil coating line comprising, in sequence, a paint applicator, a heating device with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device, and an electron beam curing device, further comprising a gloss control tool for controlling the gloss of an organic coating formed by the application and curing of a wet film of Radcure paint on a moving strip on the coil coating line, wherein the gloss control tool: - Gloss value G set for organic coating s The set gloss range R of the organic coating s and a setting module for setting a proportionality constant K of a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, -Collect measurements of the wet film temperature T in at least a width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device, and collect measurements of the gloss G of the organic coating in at least a width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device, acquisition module, - Measured gloss G, set gloss range R s A correction module for correcting deviations exceeding a certain value, wherein the correction is given by Equation 1: T c =T+K(GG s )(1) Accordingly, in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device, the corrected temperature T reached by the wet film c The calculated corrected temperature T c A correction module that takes this into consideration, including adjusting the coil coating line settings. It consists of a coil coating line equipped with [the following features].

[0014] The coil coating line according to the present invention may also have the following optional features, which may be considered individually or in combination: - The heating device does not include an infrared heater. - The heating device is selected from induction heaters, convection heaters, forced air heaters, water spray heaters, water-air mist spray heaters, and heated rolls.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in more detail in the following description.

[0016] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description. The following description is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the coil coating line. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of a first embodiment of the method according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the method according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of a third embodiment of the method according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Please note that spatially relative terms such as "upstream," "downstream," "lower," "upper," "upper," "lower," "before," "after," etc., used in this application refer to the position and orientation of different components of the coil coating line.

[0019] The method according to the present invention applies to strips such as metal strips. Examples of metal strips include steel, carbon steel, or stainless steel, as well as aluminum and copper. In particular, steel strips may be exposed or coated with a metal coating on one or both sides of the strip. Examples of possible metal-coated steels include galvanized steel, steel coated with a zinc alloy containing 5 wt% aluminum (Galfan(R)), steel coated with a residue consisting of 55 wt% aluminum, about 1.5 wt% silicon, zinc, and unavoidable impurities resulting from processing (Aluzinc(R), Galvalume(R)), steel coated with aluminum containing 8-11 wt% silicon and 2-4 wt% iron, aluminum, and unavoidable impurities resulting from processing (Alusi(R)), steel coated with an aluminum layer (Alupur(R)), steel coated with a zinc alloy containing 0.5-20% aluminum and 0.5-10% magnesium, zinc, and unavoidable impurities resulting from processing, and steel coated with an alloy containing aluminum, magnesium, silicon, possible additional elements, zinc, and unavoidable impurities resulting from processing.

[0020] The methods according to the present invention also apply to Radocure coatings. The term “Radocure coating” refers to radiation-curable compositions that are “cured” or dried using short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV) light and / or high-energy electrons from an electron beam (EB) source. They typically comprise liquid monomers and oligomers in which pigments, fillers, additives, and photoinitiators can be dispersed, generally without the need for a solvent or water. Therefore, they are substantially solvent-free. Radocure coatings for dual curing preferably comprise acrylate or methacrylate monomers and a photoinitiator.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, the coil coating line 1 according to the present invention mainly comprises, sequentially along the path P of a moving strip, a paint applicator 2, a heating device 3 equipped with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device 4, and an electron beam curing device 5.

[0022] Path P is the path that the strip S follows within the coil coating line, from its entrance to its exit. It has a width and length. Equipment is positioned along this path to perform operations on the strip.

[0023] The paint applicator 2 is a device that applies a wet film of paint to one or both sides of a strip with a set paint thickness. In particular, its purpose is to apply a wet film of Radcure paint. In the context of the present invention, the technology of the paint applicator is not limited.

[0024] According to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the paint applicator 2 is a paint roll coater. This is an automated machine that coats one or both sides of a strip with a rotating roll. It is designed so that the strip passes through the machine which applies a layer of paint to one or both sides of the strip. There are numerous designs of paint roll coaters depending on the configuration of the coil coating line, the type of paint used, and the type of strip to be coated. Those skilled in the art will know which design best suits each case. Generally speaking, a paint roll coater comprises a paint pan, a steel or ceramic pickup roll, and a rubber-coated coating roll. The purpose of the paint pan is to contain, circulate, and preferably heat the paint. The pickup roll may be partially immersed in the paint and can rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to pick up the paint and transfer it to the coating roll. The latter transfers the paint to the strip.

[0025] According to another variant of the present invention, the paint applicator 2 is a curtain coater. In this case, a curtain of paint is applied to horizontal strips perpendicular to the curtain. The paint falls from a height under gravity from the curtain die or cascade while the strips are supported on backing rollers. This method can achieve high line speeds and multi-layer coatings.

[0026] Other examples of paint applicators include knife coaters, dip or meniscus coaters, slot coaters, meter rod coaters, and slide coaters.

[0027] The paint is typically applied to the entire width of the strip using a paint applicator. By default, the width of the wetted film of the paint, and therefore the width of the organic coating, is the same as the width of the strip.

[0028] The paint applicator 2 is preferably equipped with at least one paint heating device suitable for heating the paint and maintaining it at a set temperature. Heating the paint facilitates its application. It also minimizes the energy requirements at the level of the heating module and therefore minimizes the inertia of the heating module, thus further facilitating gloss control. In the case of a paint roll coater, the paint heating device may be a pan heater, i.e., a heater placed in or around the paint pan. This may also be a temperature-controlled roll, particularly a temperature-controlled pickup roll, in combination with the pan heater, as an option. In the case of a curtain coater, the paint heating device may be a heater placed upstream of the curtain die. It may also be a temperature-controlled backing roll, in combination with the heater, as an option.

[0029] The paint applicator 2 is preferably equipped with a temperature measuring device for measuring the paint temperature and / or wet film temperature at the paint applicator level. The temperature device may be, for example, a temperature sensor, a pyrometer, or a thermal camera.

[0030] The coil coating line 1 further comprises a heating device 3, which includes a heating module positioned downstream of the paint applicator 2 and upstream of the ultraviolet (UV) curing device 4 along the path P of the moving strip. Its purpose is to heat the wet film of the RadCure paint. The heating device further improves temperature control of the wet film of the paint before its surface is cured in the UV curing device. As the temperature of the strip leaving the paint applicator decreases at a rate dependent on numerous parameters (strip characteristics, strip width, strip thickness, line speed, etc.), the temperature of the wet film entering the UV curing device can sometimes change significantly, which negatively affects gloss. The heating device allows the temperature of the wet film to be controlled.

[0031] The heating device is preferably selected from induction heaters, convection heaters, forced air heaters, water spray heaters, water-air mist spray heaters, and heating rolls. Preferably, the heating device does not include an infrared heater. In the case of a water-based heater, since the wet film of the Radcure coating is applied to the upper surface of the strip, it is preferable that the water contacts only the back surface of the strip.

[0032] In one variant, the heating device is made of a single heating module that covers the entire width of the path P of the moving strip. In this case, as the wet film passes through the heating device, it is heated uniformly along its width.

[0033] In another variant, the heating device 3 comprises multiple heating modules distributed across the width of the path P. In other words, the multiple heating modules form a row substantially parallel to the width of the path P, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of movement of the strip. For clarity, the heating modules described herein are independent of each other and arranged adjacent to each other, but they may not be physically separable from one another. They may be individually controllable parts of a single heating device.

[0034] The heating module is preferably selected from induction heaters, convection heaters, forced air heaters, water spray heaters, water-air mist spray heaters, and width portions of the heating roll. Preferably, the heating module does not include an infrared heater.

[0035] This design allows for compensation and minimization of temperature variations across the strip width. Preferably, the temperature variation of the wet film across the strip width at the outlet of the heating device is less than 1°C. This improves the gloss uniformity of the coating across the strip width.

[0036] In another variant, the heating device 3 comprises a base heater and the aforementioned heating modules sequentially along the path of the moving strip, covering the entire width of the path P. Thanks to this design, part of the energy required to reach the corrected temperature of the wet film at the outlet of the heating device is provided by the base heater. Each of the heating modules independently provides the remaining energy, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0037] The heating device 3 is preferably positioned above the path P so that the wet film applied to the upper surface of the strip is directly heated. The heating device may also be positioned above or below the path P to minimize the heat gradient.

[0038] The coil coating line 1 further comprises an ultraviolet (UV) curing device 4. The purpose of this device is to cure the surface of the wetted film of the RadCure coating. This surface curing has been observed to produce a very fine texture on the film surface, which, in combination with the mating agent and possible other charges, contributes to the gloss of the organic coating when the wetted film is fully cured by the electron beam.

[0039] In one variant, the UV curing device 4 covers the entire width of the path P of the moving strip. In this case, the surface of the wet film is uniformly cured along the width of the strip when exposed to UV light.

[0040] In another variant, the UV curing device 4 comprises a plurality of UV modules distributed across the width of the path P. In other words, the plurality of UV modules form a row substantially parallel to the width of the path P, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of movement of the strip. For clarity, the UV modules described herein are independent of each other and are arranged adjacent to each other, but they may not be physically separable from one another. They may be individually controllable parts of a single UV curing device.

[0041] Thanks to this design, different width portions of the path / strip can be exposed to different UV doses. This helps to compensate for and minimize gloss variations in the strip width. Therefore, the heating device preferably comprises multiple heating modules forming rows substantially parallel to the width of the path P, each heating module being suitable for heating a width portion of the strip that is then exposed to UV from one UV module. In other words, each width portion covered by a given UV module corresponds to a width portion covered by a corresponding heating module.

[0042] UVA and UVB are preferred. UVA is long-wavelength UV radiation in the range of 320 nm to 400 nm. UVB is short-wavelength UV radiation in the range of 280 nm to 320 nm. These can be obtained with conventional arc UV lamps.

[0043] The UV curing device 4 is preferably movable along the path P of the moving strip. This allows the length between the UV curing device and the EB curing device to be adjusted, i.e., extended or shortened. It has been observed that wrinkles or surface roughness that begin during UV curing develop further during the time interval between UV curing and EB curing, affecting the gloss of the organic coating.

[0044] In the case of multiple UV modules, it is preferable that each UV module is able to move independently along path P.

[0045] The coil coating line 1 further comprises an electron beam curing device 5. The purpose of this device is to cure the wet film of the RadCure coating, i.e., to cure it to its entire thickness. It further prevents surface roughness that appears on the surface of the wet film during UV curing and develops further during the time interval between UV curing and EB curing. The EB device is generally operated under the following conditions: 100-200kV, 20-50kGy, and deactivated with nitrogen below 200ppm O2.

[0046] The coil coating line 1 further comprises a wet film temperature measuring device 6 located downstream of the heating device 3 and upstream of the UV curing device 4. This wet film temperature measuring device measures the temperature of the wet film before it enters the UV curing device. It can measure the temperature of the wet film along the entire width of the path P of the moving strip, or it can measure the temperature in only a portion of the width. Examples of wet film temperature measuring devices are pyrometers, thermal cameras, and thermocouples. The measured temperature may be expressed in °C, °F, or K.

[0047] If a wet film temperature measuring device measures the temperature of only a portion of the width, the measurement of this portion may be considered sufficiently relevant to manage the gloss of the entire strip width.

[0048] Alternatively, multiple wet film temperature measuring devices are positioned downstream of the heating device 3 and upstream of the UV curing device so as to cover the entire width of the path P of the moving strip. They form a row substantially parallel to the width of the path P. Thus, the heating device preferably comprises multiple heating modules forming a row substantially parallel to the width of the path P, each heating module being suitable for heating a width portion of the strip, and its temperature is measured by one wet film temperature measuring device.

[0049] To further enhance temperature control of the wet film within the UV curing device, the wet film temperature measuring device 6 and the UV curing device 4 are not separated by more than 2 meters, preferably more than 1 meter, or the temperature of the wet film is not measured for more than 4 seconds, preferably more than 2 seconds, before the wet film is cured within the UV curing device. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the path P of the moving strip between the wet film temperature measuring device and the UV curing device may be insulated to keep the wet film at the measurement temperature before it is cured within the UV curing device.

[0050] The coil coating line 1 further comprises a gloss measuring device 7 located downstream of the electron beam curing device 5. This gloss measuring device measures the gloss of the organic coating after EB curing. It can measure the gloss of the organic coating along the entire width of the path P of the moving strip, or it can measure the gloss of only a portion of the width. An example of a gloss measuring device is a gloss meter. The measured gloss is preferably expressed in GU (gloss units). The gloss is preferably measured according to ISO 2813:2014 and EN 13523-2:2021 standards. Preferably, the gloss is measured in a 20° geometric shape, a 60° geometric shape, or an 85° geometric shape, i.e., the reflection angle is one of 20°, 60°, or 85°. More preferably, the gloss is measured in a 60° geometric shape.

[0051] If a gloss measuring device measures gloss over only a portion of the width, the measurement of this portion may be considered sufficiently relevant to manage the gloss over the entire strip width.

[0052] Alternatively, multiple gloss measuring devices are positioned downstream of the EB curing device so as to cover the entire width of the path P of the moving strip. They form a row substantially parallel to the width of the path P. Thus, the heating device preferably comprises multiple heating modules forming a row substantially parallel to the width of the path P, each heating module being suitable for heating a width portion of the strip, and so its gloss is measured by one gloss measuring device. Thus, the UV curing device preferably comprises multiple UV modules forming a row substantially parallel to the width of the path P, each UV module being suitable for exposing a width portion of the strip to UV, and so its gloss is measured by one gloss measuring device.

[0053] The coil coating line 1 is preferably equipped with a strip speed measuring device, more preferably positioned at the level of the guide roll. An example of a strip speed measuring device is a tachymeter integrated on the roll axis.

[0054] The coil coating line 1 may further include an inductor 8 upstream of the paint applicator 2. This can heat the strip before it reaches the paint applicator. Having a warm strip inside the paint applicator is advantageous for painting. Furthermore, the temperature reached by the strip within the inductor can be adjusted to compensate for any possible gloss deviations, as will be described in detail later.

[0055] The coil coating line 1 may further comprise an entry section having an uncoiler 9 for uncoating strips to be coated on the line. The uncoiler may be combined with a welding or stitching machine so that the front end of the strip to be coated can be attached to the rear end of the previous strip.

[0056] Alternatively, the coil coating line can be coupled to a zinc plating line, where strips coated with a metal alloy contained in the zinc plating line bath are directly coated with the organic coating without the need to first wind and then unwind the coil.

[0057] The coil coating line 1 may further include an inlet accumulator 10 located downstream of the uncoiler, in the inlet section of the line, if applicable. The accumulator is a device that "stores" a certain amount of strip. It is a set of upper and lower banks of rolls through which the metal strip is passed in a meandering manner, storing the length of metal as the two roll banks move apart. The total stored length of metal depends on the design speed of the line, which is typically 60 seconds of steady-state metalworking time. When the inlet section of the coil coating line stops, the roll banks move toward each other, and the stored metal in the accumulator continues to feed the rest of the coil coating line.

[0058] The coil coating line 1 may further comprise a cleaning section 11 located downstream of the inlet section, particularly downstream of the inlet accumulator, where applicable. In this section, the strip is subjected to a surface preparation step. This type of preparation includes at least one step selected from rinsing, degreasing, and conversion treatment. The purpose of rinsing is to remove coarse dirt particles, potential residues of the conversion solution, and any soap that may have formed, thereby achieving a clean and reactive surface. The purpose of degreasing is to clean the surface by removing all trace organic contaminants, metal particles, and dust from the surface. Preferably, degreasing is carried out in an alkaline environment. The conversion treatment involves applying a conversion solution to the strip that chemically reacts with the surface, thereby enabling the formation of a conversion layer. This increases the adhesion and corrosion resistance of the coating. The conversion treatment is preferably a chromium-free acidic solution. More preferably, the conversion treatment is based on hexafluorotitanium acid or hexafluorozirconate.

[0059] The coil coating line 1 may further include a primer section upstream of the paint applicator 2 and downstream of the cleaning section, if applicable. In this section, a first paint layer can be applied to the strip to form a primer coating. The primer section may include a primer paint applicator and curing equipment. Depending on the properties of the primer, the curing equipment may be an oven such as a convection oven, an infrared (or near-infrared) oven or an induction oven, a UV curing device and / or an EB curing device.

[0060] The coil coating line 1 may further include an outlet accumulator 12 located in the outlet section of the line downstream of the EB curing device. The outlet accumulator is similar to the inlet accumulator described above.

[0061] The coil coating line 1 may further include a recoiler 13 for winding up coated strips on the line. The recoiler, in combination with a cutoff, can separate a strip from the next strip processed on the line.

[0062] The present invention also relates to a gloss control tool for controlling the gloss of an organic coating formed by the application and curing of a wet film of RadCure paint on a moving strip on a coil coating line 1, which comprises a paint applicator 2, a heating device 3 with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device 4, and an electron beam curing device 5, sequentially along a path P of the moving strip S.

[0063] The gloss management tool sets the gloss value G for organic coatings. s The set gloss range R of the organic coating s The system also includes a setting module for setting a proportionality constant K of a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing.

[0064] The gloss control tool further comprises an acquisition module configured to collect measurements of the temperature T of the wet film in at least a width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the ultraviolet curing device, and to collect measurements of the gloss G of the organic coating in at least a width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device.

[0065] The gloss management tool sets the gloss range R of the measured gloss G. s The system further includes a correction module configured to compensate for deviations exceeding a certain value, and the correction is given by Equation 1: T c =T+K(GG s ) (1) Accordingly, the corrected temperature T is reached by the wet film in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device downstream of the heating module. c Calculating and Calculated corrected temperature T c Taking this into consideration, adjust the coil coating line settings. Includes.

[0066] The gloss management tool may include, for example, a processing unit formed by memory and a processor coupled to that memory. The electronic monitoring device may also include a display screen, each connected to the processing unit, and input / output means such as a keyboard and mouse. Each of the setting module, acquisition module, and correction module may be implemented as software executable by the processor.

[0067] The coil coating line is preferably equipped with gloss control tools to facilitate gloss control on the coil coating line.

[0068] From a process perspective, controlling the gloss of organic coatings formed by the application and curing of a wet film of Radcure coating on a moving strip on a coil coating line as described above is based primarily on the finding that the temperature of the wet film before UV curing is important. In particular, the inventors observed that in dual curing for coil coatings, there may be a linear relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after EB curing. As a result, deviations in gloss after EB curing can be efficiently and reproducibly corrected by adjusting the temperature of the wet film before UV curing.

[0069] This method is applied to a moving strip. The strip can be a single coil that is not wound at the entrance of the coil coating line. More generally, the strip consists of different coils mounted end to end to end to one another. The coils form a single essentially continuous strip, and its characteristics and the technical specifications reached at the exit of the coil coating line change over time. The strip is moved along the path P of the coil coating line so that a wet film of Radcure paint is applied, preferably heated, and double-cured. In particular, the strip is moved along the path P of the coil coating line so that a wet film of Radcure paint is first applied onto the strip by a paint applicator, then heated by a heating module, then exposed to UV in an ultraviolet curing device, and finally cured in an electron beam device. Optionally, the strip may be preheated in an inductor 8 located upstream of the paint applicator 2. Optionally, the Radcure paint may be heated in the paint applicator.

[0070] A first embodiment of the method will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0071] The first step in the method for managing gloss is setting several settings necessary for correction adjustment.

[0072] First, the set gloss value G for the organic coating. s This value is set. This value corresponds to the gloss level requested by the customer or the operator of the coil coating line. From a practical standpoint, this can be manually entered into the gloss management tool, particularly in the settings module. Alternatively, it can be automatically obtained from the coil coating line order book, particularly from the scheduling tool.

[0073] Slight deviations in gloss along the length of the strip are usually acceptable from a quality standpoint, therefore the set gloss range R of the organic coating sThis is also set. This is a gloss value G that can be entered or set as a range that has minimum gloss and maximum gloss. s It can be entered as the standard deviation. Of course, if for some reason a small deviation must be avoided, the set gloss value G s The minimum and maximum gloss values ​​can be entered, or the standard deviation can be set to 0. From a practical standpoint, the set gloss range R s This can be manually entered into the gloss management tool, particularly in the settings module. Alternatively, it can be automatically obtained from the coil coating line management tool, or from the coil coating line order book, particularly from the scheduling tool. The set gloss range R s This can also be obtained from standards such as EN10169:2013.

[0074] Furthermore, since gloss control depends on the linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, the proportionality constant K of this linear mathematical relationship must be set so that the adjustment is precise.

[0075] The proportionality constant K can be obtained in a calibration step performed before the setting step. During this calibration step, wet films of the Radcure coating used on the coil coating line are heated at different temperatures, cured by dual curing under standard curing conditions, and the gloss of the organic coating is measured. This allows for the derivation of the proportionality constant K, which is preferably expressed in °C / GU, °F / GU, or K / GU, depending on the temperature unit. This calibration step only needs to be performed once and does not need to be performed each time the method according to the present invention is implemented.

[0076] From a practical standpoint, the proportionality constant K is derived from a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, and this predefined linear mathematical relationship is available to the coil coating line operator. In particular, K is the proportionality constant of the linear mathematical relationship T = T0 - K G. The term "predefined" means that, preferably, the calibration steps described above have been performed before the method is implemented on the coil coating line. The proportionality constant K can be manually entered into the gloss control tool, particularly in the settings module. Alternatively, it can be obtained automatically by cross-referencing a predefined linear mathematical relationship, possibly in the form of a table, entered into the gloss control tool, with paint criteria from the coil coating line order book, particularly from the scheduling tool.

[0077] For example, in commercially available Radocure coatings for steel coil coatings, K is typically found in concentrations of 0.3 to 1.2.

[0078] In the second step 120 of the method for controlling gloss, a measurement of the temperature T of the wet film is collected in at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the ultraviolet curing device, and a measurement of the gloss G of the organic coating is collected in at least the width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device.

[0079] Preferably, the temperature is measured using a wet film temperature measuring device as described above, and the gloss is measured using a gloss measuring device as described above.

[0080] Preferably, both measurements are taken at time intervals short enough to have adequate gloss control. Examples of time intervals are less than 30 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than every 10 seconds, less than every 5 seconds, less than every 2 seconds, and less than every 1 second. More preferably, both measurements are substantially continuous or continuous. Preferably, both measurements are collected at time intervals short enough to have adequate gloss control. Examples of time intervals are less than every 10 seconds, less than every 5 seconds, less than every 2 seconds, and less than every 1 second. More preferably, both measurements are collected substantially continuous or continuous. Preferably, the measurements are collected automatically in a gloss control tool, particularly in an acquisition module, using a more suitable interface.

[0081] The term "width portion" means that the moving strip is conceptually divided into portions adjacent to each other in the strip width. There may be one single width portion or multiple width portions. Thus, the wet film and the organic coating may also be conceptually divided into the same width portions. The term "at least width portion" means that the method is carried out in either one width portion, multiple width portions, or the entire width of the moving strip. Therefore, if it is not carried out in the entire width, -If a measurement in one single width section is considered to adequately represent the average temperature across the entire strip width, then the temperature T of the wet film in that width section, or - The temperature of the wet film in multiple width sections can be adjusted independently of the temperature of other sections. It is possible to measure and collect them.

[0082] Similarly, therefore, -If a measurement in one single width section is considered sufficiently relevant to control the gloss of the entire strip width, then the gloss G of the organic coating in that width section, or - The gloss of the organic coating in multiple width sections can be controlled independently of the gloss of other sections. It is possible to measure and collect them.

[0083] In one variant, the collection step is performed after the setup step.

[0084] In another variant, the collection step may be performed in parallel with the setting step, particularly during the continuous operation of a coil coating line. In such continuous operation, since the strip consists of different coils mounted to one another from end to end, changes in the characteristics and technical specifications of the strip often occur. While the collection step is in progress, one of the set parameters, in particular the set gloss value G s , set gloss range R s The constant K may need to be changed for any reason, such as a change in the specified gloss or a change in the Radcure paint. This completes the setting step.

[0085] In the third step 130 of the method for controlling gloss, the set gloss range R s Any possible deviations in the measured gloss G that exceed a certain value are corrected. First, the measured gloss G is set to a set gloss value G. s and / or set gloss range R s By comparing it with the set gloss range R, the possible deviations in gloss are evaluated. s If within the set range, the setting will be maintained. The measured gloss G is within the set gloss range R. s If the deviation exceeds the corrected temperature T reached by the wet film in at least the width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device downstream of the heating module. c This is calculated according to Equation 1. T c =T+K(GG s ) (1)

[0086] The gloss deviation can be evaluated at any time. Preferably, it is performed at time intervals short enough to adequately control the gloss. Examples of time intervals are less than 30 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than every 10 seconds, less than every 5 seconds, less than every 2 seconds, and less than every 1 second. More preferably, the evaluation is substantially continuous or continuous.

[0087] Once the corrected temperature is calculated, the result of the calculation, i.e., the corrected temperature T, is obtained. c It is preferable that this be made available to the line operator. The latter can make the necessary corrections.

[0088] Generally speaking, the value G is present on the organic coating on at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the electron beam curing device. s A calculated corrected temperature T is used to obtain the gloss. c The line settings are adjusted taking this into consideration. In particular, the wet film is corrected to a temperature T in at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the UV curing device. c The line settings are adjusted to reach that point.

[0089] In the first variant shown in Figure 2, once the corrected temperature is calculated, the power of the heating module is adjusted so that the wet film is heated to the corrected temperature T in at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the UV curing device. c The heating module is adjusted to reach a certain value. Adjusting the power of the heating module includes turning the heating module on or off. By adjusting the heating module, the temperature of the wet film in the width portion upstream of the UV curing device downstream of the heating module is corrected, and a gloss value of Gs is obtained on the organic coating in the width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device. The power of the heating module can be adjusted manually by the operator or automatically with the help of gloss control tools, particularly correction modules.

[0090] Alternatively, if the coil coating line is equipped with an inductor upstream of the paint applicator, once the corrected temperature is calculated, the power of the inductor is adjusted to adjust the temperature of the strip at the level of the paint applicator, thereby allowing the wet film to reach the corrected temperature T in at least the width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device downstream of the heating module. cThis is to ensure that the temperature reaches a certain level. This alternative method for correcting gloss is particularly useful when the heating module is already at maximum capacity and the temperature of the wet film upstream of the UV curing device must be further increased. By further heating the strip within the inductor, the overheating caused by the heating module is reduced.

[0091] In one transformation configuration, the correction step 130 is performed after the acquisition step 120.

[0092] In another variation, the correction step may be performed in parallel with the collection step, particularly during the continuous operation of a coil coating line. In such continuous operation, since the strip consists of different coils mounted to each other from end to end, changes in the characteristics and technical specifications of the strip often occur. This can cause deviations in gloss. While the collection step is in progress, the correction step is performed to correct the measured gloss.

[0093] Optionally, the method further includes step 110 in which initial line conditions are set. This step is called the initial line setting step. As described above, the method sets the gloss range R s The measured gloss deviation exceeding a certain value is corrected. However, at the start of manufacturing activity on the coil coating line, or after significant changes such as strip type, paint thickness, paint color, or line speed, the line conditions may change, resulting in a set gloss value G s The line conditions may be shifted from those appropriate to reach the target temperature. In such cases, the heating module may not heat properly, and / or the corrected temperature T may not be reached. c It may take some time to reach the corresponding power, and / or the wet film is corrected to temperature T cThe UV radiation may not be strong enough to allow the desired gloss to be achieved. As a result, some of the coated strips may have to be discarded because the gloss is outside the specifications. Furthermore, the UV radiation dose to which the wet film must be exposed to begin achieving the surface roughness that results in the set gloss value may not be appropriate. In such cases, the heating module may need to compensate for the shifted UV radiation dose by heating more intensely, which can be time-consuming. Again, some of the coated strips may have to be discarded because the gloss is outside the specifications. It is advantageous to set initial line conditions to minimize the length of coated strips that are outside the specifications.

[0094] To do so, in a first substep, several process parameters and / or specifications of the coated strip are collected. An example of a process parameter is the initial line speed LS0, which is preferably the recommended speed for the next coil to be coated on the coil coating line. Another example is the initial thickness FTh0 of the wet film applied onto the strip by the paint applicator. The initial film thickness is preferably the organic coating thickness specified for the next coil to be coated on the coil coating line. Another example is the temperature of the moving strip before the paint applicator, preferably before the inductor. Examples of specifications are the initial strip thickness STh0, the initial strip width SWd0, and the paint color. Preferably, the initial line speed LS0, initial thickness FTh0, initial strip thickness STh0, initial strip width SWd0, and paint color are collected. From a practical standpoint, the process parameters and / or specifications can be manually entered into a gloss control tool, particularly into a setting module. Alternatively, they can be automatically obtained from the order book of the coil coating line, particularly from a scheduling tool, and / or derived from the order book. For example, the initial film thickness FTh0 can be derived from the organic coating thickness specified in the order book.

[0095] Once process parameters and / or specifications are collected, in a second substep, initial line conditions are set taking the collected process parameters and / or specifications into account. In particular, they are calculated from the collected process parameters and / or specifications. The following initial line conditions may be set: -Initial power of the heating module PW0, - Initial UV dose D0 of the UV curing device, or, if applicable, the UV module, - The initial length L0 between the ultraviolet curing device, or UV module if applicable, and the electron beam curing device.

[0096] The initial power PW0 can be set by knowing the mass flow rate of the moving strip, the specific heat capacity of the strip, and the heating yield. The initial UV dose D0 can be set based on data obtained in a calibration step performed before the initial line setup step. The initial length L0 can be set based on data obtained in a calibration step performed before the initial line setup step.

[0097] From a practical standpoint, initial line conditions can be manually entered into the coil coating line control tool. Alternatively, they can be automatically entered by the gloss control tool within the coil coating line control tool.

[0098] In one transformation configuration, the initial line setting step 110 is performed before the setting step 100. This is done by setting the gloss value G s , set gloss range R s In addition to the initial combination of constant K, this helps to start manufacturing with line conditions already optimized for the first coil of the manufacturing activity. During manufacturing, collection and correction steps may be performed to control gloss. Any one of the set parameters, in particular the set gloss value G s , set gloss range R s When either of the constants K and / or K must be changed for any reason, such as a change in the specified gloss or a change in the Radcure paint, the measured gloss is set to the gloss range R sMaintaining this depends on the performance of the collection step 120 and the correction step 130.

[0099] In another variant, the initial line setting step 110 is performed after the setting step 100, as shown in Figure 2. In this way, the initial line conditions are set to the set gloss value G s This can be done by taking this into consideration. Therefore, the line conditions are better optimized for the first coil of the manufacturing activity. Furthermore, during manufacturing, any one of the set parameters, in particular the set gloss value G s , set gloss range R s If either of the constants K must be changed for any reason, the initial line settings may be reset to help minimize the transition period.

[0100] In another variant, the initial line setting step 110 is performed before or after the setting step 100 in order to obtain the advantages of both variants described above.

[0101] In another variation, particularly during continuous operation of a coil coating line, the initial line setup step may be performed in parallel with the collection step. In such continuous operation, since the strip consists of different coils mounted to one another from end to end, changes in the characteristics and technical specifications of the strip often occur. Reinitializing the line conditions when one of these changes occurs helps to reach the set gloss value as quickly as possible.

[0102] Next, a second embodiment of the method will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0103] In this embodiment, the correction step is -Calculated corrected temperature T c However, the maximum temperature T that would cause Radcure paint to degrade max We guarantee that it will not exceed, - Correct the deviation of the measured gloss G accordingly. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes additional substeps.

[0104] Thanks to this configuration, the method further prevents thermal degradation of the wet film when heated within the heating module.

[0105] The details provided in describing the first embodiment apply to the second embodiment. Additional steps and corresponding features are described in detail here.

[0106] Setting step 100 is the maximum temperature T of the Radcure paint. max This further includes setting the temperature. This temperature can be the temperature recommended by the paint supplier, or it can be determined by the operator of the coil coating line, in particular by measuring the emission of paint monomers as a function of temperature, which is performed offline or possibly online at the heating module level. From a practical standpoint, the maximum temperature T max This can be manually entered in the gloss control tool, particularly in the settings module. Alternatively, it can be automatically obtained by cross-referencing the different maximum temperatures entered in the gloss control tool with paint standards from the coil coating line order book, particularly from the scheduling tool.

[0107] The collection step 120 further includes collecting the UV dose D of the UV module. The power of the UV module is generally known from the operator, and sometimes from the control tools of the coil coating line, but for a given power, the actual UV dose to which the wetted film is exposed varies with the line speed LS. Therefore, the UV dose is calculated and collected based on the power of the UV module and the line speed. The line speed itself is generally known from the operator, and sometimes from the control tools of the coil coating line.

[0108] Preferably, the UV dose is recalculated and collected each time either the power of the UV module and / or the line speed is adjusted. More preferably, the collection of the UV dose is substantially continuous. Preferably, the UV dose is automatically collected in a gloss management tool, particularly in the acquisition module, more preferably using a suitable interface.

[0109] During correction step 130, when the corrected temperature T c is calculated, it is compared with the maximum temperature T max . If T c is lower than T max , as in the first embodiment, the power of the heating module is adjusted so that the wet film reaches the corrected temperature T c in at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the ultraviolet curing device. Alternatively, if the coil coating line is equipped with an inductor upstream of the paint applicator, when the corrected temperature is calculated, the power of the inductor is adjusted to adjust the temperature of the strip at the level of the paint applicator, thereby causing the wet film to reach the corrected temperature T c in at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the ultraviolet curing device.

[0110] If T c exceeds T max , the gloss must be corrected without further increasing the power of the heating module or the inductor. One way to do this is to adjust the power of the UV module, particularly to increase it. It has actually been observed that this affects the gloss of the organic coating. The gloss decreases as the UV dose on the wet film increases. As a result, correction step 130 further includes calculating the corrected UV dose D by which the wet film within at least the width portion of the moving strip must be exposed in the UV module according to Equation 2: c D s =f1(D,G,G )···(2) c .

[0111] Equation (2) can be obtained in a calibration step that is performed before the correction step, preferably before the setting step. During this calibration step, the wet films of the radiation curing paint used on the coil coating line are exposed to different UV doses, cured by EB under standard curing conditions, and the gloss of the organic coating is measured. Thus, the function f1 can be derived for each radiation curing paint. This calibration step need only be performed once and need not be performed every time the method according to the invention is carried out.

[0112] Preferably, the function f1 of the predefined mathematical relationship between the UV dose to which the wet film of the radiation curing paint is exposed and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing is set during the setting step. By "predefined" it is meant that a calibration step as described above has preferably been carried out before the method is implemented on the coil coating line. The function f1 can be manually input into the gloss management tool, particularly into the setting module. Alternatively, it can be automatically obtained by crossing the predefined mathematical relationship input into the gloss management tool with the paint criteria from the order book of the coil coating line, particularly from the scheduling tool.

[0113] For example, in the case of radiation curing paints commercially available for the coating of steel coils, it has been observed that f1 is usually related to a gloss curve that decreases asymptotically as the UV dose increases.

[0114] When the corrected UV dose is calculated, the result of the calculation, i.e., the corrected UV dose D c is preferably made available to the line operator. The latter can then make the necessary corrections.

[0115] Generally speaking, line settings other than the power of the heating module and, if applicable, other than the power of the inductor are adjusted taking into account the calculated corrected UV dose D c so that the value G sThe gloss is obtained on the organic coating in at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the electron beam curing device.

[0116] In the modified configuration shown in Figure 3, once the corrected UV dose is calculated, the power of the UV module is adjusted, in particular, increased, thereby allowing the wet film within at least the width portion of the moving strip to receive the UV dose D within the UV module. c It is exposed to UV radiation. By adjusting the UV module, the amount of UV radiation the wet film is exposed to in the width portion of the UV module is corrected, and a value G is applied to the organic coating in the width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device. s This gloss can be achieved. The power of the UV module can be adjusted manually by the operator or automatically using a gloss control tool.

[0117] Next, a third embodiment of the method will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0118] In this embodiment, the correction step is: -Calculated corrected UV dose D c However, the maximum UV dose D to which the wet film may be exposed max We guarantee that it will not exceed this. - Correct the deviation of the measured gloss G accordingly. This embodiment differs primarily from the second embodiment in that it includes additional substeps.

[0119] Thanks to this configuration, the method further prevents over-curing of the wet film within the UV curing device, which can negatively affect gloss.

[0120] The details provided in describing the first and second embodiments apply to the third embodiment. Additional steps and corresponding features are described in detail here.

[0121] In this embodiment, the UV module of the UV curing device in the coil coating line is movable along path P. Therefore, the length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device can be adjusted.

[0122] Setting step 100 is the maximum UV dose D to which the wet film can be exposed in the UV module. max This further includes setting the UV dose, which may be one recommended by the paint supplier, or it may be determined by the operator of the coil coating line, particularly during the calibration step. From a practical standpoint, the maximum UV dose D max This can be manually entered into the gloss control tool, particularly in the settings module. Alternatively, it can be automatically obtained by cross-referencing the different maximum UV doses entered into the gloss control tool with paint standards from the coil coating line order book, particularly from the scheduling tool.

[0123] The collection step 120 further includes collecting the length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device. This length is generally known from the operator, and possibly from a control tool on the coil coating line. This can be collected manually. Preferably, it is collected automatically in a gloss control tool, more preferably using a suitable interface. Preferably, it is collected only when the length L changes.

[0124] During correction step 130, the corrected UV dose D c When calculated, it becomes the maximum UV dose D max It is compared to D. c is D max If it is lower than, the wet film within at least the width portion of the moving strip will receive UV dose D in the UV module. cThe power / settings of the UV module are adjusted to expose the film to a specific UV radiation. The adjustment of the UV module corrects the amount of UV radiation the wet film is exposed to in the width portion of the UV module, as in the second embodiment, resulting in a gloss of value Gs on the organic coating in the width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device.

[0125] D c is D max If it exceeds this, the gloss must be corrected without further increasing the UV dose of the UV module. One way to do this is to adjust, in particular, the length between the UV module and the electron beam curing device. It has been observed that this affects the gloss of the organic coating. The longer the time between UV curing and EB curing, the lower the gloss. As a result, the correction step 130 is given by Equation 3: L c =f2(L, G, G s )···(3) Accordingly, the corrected length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device c This further includes calculating [the result].

[0126] Equation (3) can be obtained in a calibration step, which is performed before the correction step, preferably before the setting step. During this calibration step, a wet film of the RadCure coating to be used on the coil coating line is sequentially exposed to UV curing and EB curing under standard curing conditions, the time between the two curings is varied, and the gloss of the organic coating is measured. Thus, the function f2 can be derived for each RadCure coating. This calibration step only needs to be performed once and does not need to be performed every time the method according to the present invention is carried out.

[0127] Preferably, a function f2 of a predefined mathematical relationship between the length between the UV module and the electron beam curing device and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing is set during the setup step. "Predefined" means that the calibration step, preferably as described above, has been performed before the method is carried out on the coil coating line. The function f2 may be manually entered into the gloss control tool, particularly the setup module. Alternatively, it may be automatically obtained by cross-referencing the predefined mathematical relationship entered into the gloss control tool with paint criteria from the coil coating line order book, particularly from the scheduling tool.

[0128] For example, in commercially available Radcure coatings for steel coil coatings, it has been observed that f2 is typically associated with a gloss curve that decreases asymptote as L increases.

[0129] Once the corrected length is calculated, the result of the calculation, i.e., the corrected length L, is obtained. c It is preferable that this be made available to the line operator. The latter can make any necessary corrections.

[0130] Generally speaking, the calculated correction length L c Taking this into consideration, the line settings other than the power of the heating module, the power of the inductor if applicable, and the power of the UV module are adjusted, thereby the value G s The gloss is obtained on the organic coating in at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the electron beam curing device.

[0131] In the modified form shown in Figure 4, once the corrected length is calculated, the length between the UV module and the electron beam curing device is adjusted, in particular, extended, and as a result, the value G s The gloss is obtained on the organic coating on at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the electron beam curing device. Length adjustment can be performed manually by the operator or automatically using a gloss control tool.

[0132] Alternatively, the line speed may be adjusted, particularly if the length between the UV module and the electron beam curing device cannot be further extended or shortened. In this case, the initial line setup may be performed again to adjust the initial power PW0 of the heating module, the initial UV dose D0 of the ultraviolet curing device, and the initial length L0 between the ultraviolet curing device and the electron beam curing device to the new line speed.

[0133] The present invention also provides a method for forming an organic coating on a moving strip on a coil coating line, comprising a paint applicator, a heating device with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device, and an electron beam curing device, sequentially along a path P of the moving strip, wherein the method is: - A step of applying a wet film of Radcure paint onto a moving strip using a paint applicator. - A step of heating the wet film of Radcure coating in a heating module, - Steps include exposing a wetted film of RadCure coating to UV light within an ultraviolet curing device. - A step of curing a wetted film of RadCure coating within an electron beam device to form an organic coating. Includes, The gloss of the organic coating is: - Gloss value G set for organic coating s The set gloss range R of the organic coating s and setting a proportionality constant K for a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, - Collect measurements of the wet film temperature T in at least a width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device, and collect measurements of the gloss G of the organic coating in at least a width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device. - Measured gloss G, set gloss range R s This involves correcting deviations exceeding a certain value, as shown in Equation 1: T c=T+K(GG s ) (1) Accordingly, in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device, the corrected temperature T reached by the wet film c This includes a substep for calculating The present invention relates to a method for forming an organic coating, which is controlled by [the relevant authority].

[0134] All details provided regarding methods for controlling gloss and all details provided regarding coil coating lines apply to methods for forming organic coatings.

[0135] The present invention also provides a method for producing a pre-coated metal comprising a metal strip and an organic coating on a coil coating line comprising a paint applicator, a heating device with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device, and an electron beam curing device, sequentially along a path P of a moving metal strip: - A step of applying a wet film of Radcure paint onto a moving metal strip using a paint applicator. - A step of heating the wet film of Radcure coating in a heating module, - Steps include exposing a wetted film of RadCure coating to UV light within an ultraviolet curing device. - A step of curing a wetted film of RadCure coating within an electron beam device to form an organic coating. Includes, The gloss of the organic coating is: - Gloss value G set for organic coating s The set gloss range R of the organic coating s and setting a proportionality constant K for a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, - Collect measurements of the wet film temperature T in at least a width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device, and collect measurements of the gloss G of the organic coating in at least a width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device. - Measured gloss G, set gloss range R s This involves correcting deviations exceeding a certain value, as shown in Equation 1: T c =T+K(GG s ) (1) Accordingly, in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device, the corrected temperature T reached by the wet film c This includes a substep for calculating, This relates to a method for manufacturing pre-painted metal, which is controlled by [company name].

[0136] All details provided in relation to methods for controlling gloss and all details provided in relation to coil coating lines apply to methods for manufacturing pre-painted metals.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the gloss of an organic coating formed by the application and curing of a wet film of Radcure paint on a moving strip on a coil coating line, which comprises a paint applicator, a heating device with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device, and an electron beam curing device, in sequence along a path P of the moving strip, Set gloss value G for organic coating ｓ The set gloss range R of the organic coating. ｓ and the step of setting a proportionality constant K of a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, The steps include collecting a measurement of the temperature T of the wet film in at least a width portion of the moving strip upstream of the ultraviolet curing device, and collecting a measurement of the gloss G of the organic coating in at least a width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device, The set gloss range R of the measured gloss G. ｓ A step to correct a deviation exceeding the given value, Equation 1: T ｃ =T+K(G-G ｓ ) (1) Accordingly, in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device, the corrected temperature T reached by the wet film is ｃ A substep to calculate the calculated corrected temperature T ｃ Taking this into consideration, the step includes a substep of adjusting the coil coating line settings, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heating device does not include an infrared heater.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heating device is selected from among an induction heater, a convection heater, a forced air heater, a water spray heater, a water-air mist spray heater, and a heating roll.

4. Further including the initial line setup step, Multiple process parameters and / or specifications of the strip are collected, Considering the process parameters and / or specifications of the collected strips, the initial power PW of the heating module ０ , the initial UV dose D of the ultraviolet curing device ０ , and the initial length L between the ultraviolet curing device and the electron beam curing device ０ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one initial line condition is set.

5. A substep adjusts the coil coating line settings, correcting the temperature T in at least the width portion of the moving strip downstream of the heating module and upstream of the UV curing device when the wet film is heated. ｃ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising adjusting the power of the heating module to reach a certain value.

6. The coil coating line further includes an inductor upstream of the paint applicator, and a substep for adjusting the settings of the coil coating line is performed so that the wet film is heated to a corrected temperature T in at least the width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device downstream of the heating module. ｃ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising adjusting the power of the inductor to reach a certain value.

7. The UV curing device is equipped with a UV module. The setting step involves the maximum temperature T of the Radcure paint. ｍａｘ Further, it is possible to set The collection step further includes collecting the UV dose D of the UV module, The substep for adjusting the coil coating line settings is: T ｃ ga T ｍａｘ Evaluate whether it exceeds that, If not exceeding the corrected temperature T, the wet film is heated downstream of the heating module and in at least the width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device. ｃ Adjust the power of the heating module to reach [a certain value]. T ｃ ga T ｍａｘ If it exceeds, Formula 2: D ｃ =f １ (D,G,G ｓ ) (2) Accordingly, the corrected UV dose D must be applied to the wet film within at least the width portion of the UV module. ｃ Calculate, Calculated corrected UV dose D ｃ Taking this into consideration, adjust the coil coating line settings other than the heating device power. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A substep adjusts the settings of the coil coating line other than the power of the heating module, and the wet film of at least the width portion of the moving strip is corrected for UV dose D ｃ The method according to claim 7, comprising adjusting the power of the UV module so that it is exposed to UV light.

9. The UV module is movable along path P. The setting step is to determine the maximum UV dose D to which the wet film can be exposed in the UV module. ｍａｘ This further includes setting, The collection step further includes collecting the length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device. The substep of adjusting the coil coating line settings other than the power of the heating module is: D ｃ is D ｍａｘ Evaluate whether it exceeds that, If it does not exceed, the corrected UV dose D of the wet film within at least the width portion of the moving strip ｃ Adjust the power of the UV module so that it is exposed to light. D ｃ is D ｍａｘ If it exceeds, Formula 3: L ｃ =f ２ (L,G,G ｓ ) (3) Accordingly, the corrected length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device ｃ Calculate, Calculated correction length L ｃ Taking this into consideration, adjust the settings of the coil coating lines other than the power of the heating module and the UV module. The method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

10. A substep that adjusts the settings of the coil coating lines other than the power of the heating module and the power of the UV module adjusts the length L between the UV module and the electron beam curing device to a corrected length L. ｃ This includes adjusting to the value G ｓ The method according to claim 9, wherein the gloss is obtained on the organic coating within at least a width portion of the moving strip downstream of the electron beam curing device.

11. A coil coating line comprising, in sequence, a paint applicator, a heating device with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device, and an electron beam curing device, further comprising a gloss control tool for controlling the gloss of an organic coating formed by the application and curing of a wet film of Radcure paint on a moving strip on the coil coating line, wherein the gloss control tool Set gloss value G for organic coating ｓ The set gloss range R of the organic coating. ｓ and a setting module for setting a proportionality constant K of a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, An acquisition module that collects measurements of the wet film temperature T in at least a width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device and measurements of the gloss G of the organic coating in at least a width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device. The set gloss range R of the measured gloss G ｓ A correction module for correcting deviations exceeding a certain value, wherein the correction is given by Equation 1: T ｃ =T+K(G-G ｓ ) (1) Accordingly, in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device, the corrected temperature T reached by the wet film is ｃ The calculated and corrected temperature T ｃ A correction module that takes this into consideration, including adjusting the coil coating line settings. A coil coating line equipped with this feature.

12. The coil coating line according to claim 11, wherein the heating device does not include an infrared heater.

13. The coil coating line according to claim 11, wherein the heating device is selected from among an induction heater, a convection heater, a forced air heater, a water spray heater, a water-air mist spray heater, and a heating roll.

14. A method for forming an organic coating on a moving strip on a coil coating line, comprising a paint applicator, a heating device with a heating module, an ultraviolet curing device, and an electron beam curing device, sequentially along a path P of the moving strip, A step of applying a wet film of Radcure paint onto a moving strip using a paint applicator, A step of heating the wet film of Radcure coating in a heating module, Steps include: exposing a wetted film of RadCure coating to UV light within a UV curing device; A step in which a wetted film of RadCure coating is cured in an electron beam device to form an organic coating. Includes, The gloss of the organic coating is Set gloss value G for organic coating ｓ The set gloss range R of the organic coating. ｓ And, set a proportionality constant K for a predefined linear mathematical relationship between the temperature of the wet film before UV curing and the gloss of the organic coating after electron beam curing, The temperature T of the wet film in at least a width portion of the moving strip upstream of the UV curing device is collected, and the gloss G of the organic coating in at least a width portion downstream of the electron beam curing device is collected. The set gloss range R of the measured gloss G. ｓ Correct the deviation exceeding , and this correction step is given by Equation 1: T ｃ =T+K(G-G ｓ ) (1) Accordingly, in at least the width portion upstream of the UV curing device, the corrected temperature T reached by the wet film is ｃ A substep to calculate the calculated corrected temperature T ｃ This includes a substep of adjusting the coil coating line settings, taking into consideration the following: A method managed by [a specific entity / organization].

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