METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A COATING TO THE HEAD-SHANK JUNCTION OF EXTERNALLY THREADED ARTICLES

摘要

An apparatus for applying a coating to the head-shank junction of externally threaded fasteners (12) in an automated fashion. The fasteners (12) are positioned, head down, on rotating part holders (30) positioned about the periphery of a rotating disc (25). The part holders (30) may be magnetic or other forms, and are adapted to maintain the fasteners (12) in a generally fixed position during their movement. The fasteners (12) are pre-heated at a heating station (70) during their rotational movement on the disc (25). A dispenser (50) is then used to apply the coating to the articles (12), in timed sequence to the movement of the articles (12). In this fashion, a coating can be applied to selected portions of the entire periphery of the head-shank junction. A method for applying a coating to the head-shank junction of externally threaded fasteners (12) in an automated fashion also form part of the present invention.