When it comes to powder coating in New Zealand, manufacturers, fabricators, and processing teams often look for two main things: consistent, high-quality finishes and reliable, energy-efficient equipment. At Egmont Air, we get it: production quality and efficiency are critical for long-term success. Our team combines a down-to-earth approach with decades of industry expertise to deliver innovative powder coating services solutions.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of powder coating, the role of fume extraction and the importance of the right PLC board, as well as our New Zealand-manufactured powder coating ovens and booths. We’ll focus on how our unique Interlocking Shiplap Panel system, energy-efficient heating methods, and robust filtration technology help you achieve top-notch results. Whether you’re based in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, or anywhere else across New Zealand, Egmont Air is here to support your powder coating and fume extraction needs.

Understanding the Basics of Powder Coating

Powder coating is a finishing process where finely ground pigment and resin particles (the “powder”) are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto a metal surface. This coated item is then baked in a powder coating curing oven, causing the powder to melt and bond, forming a tough, uniform layer that offers exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear. A well-controlled process creates a durable, consistent finish—essential for everything from elite powder coating applications (like high-end automotive parts) to everyday products such as powder coated aluminium window frames. 

In our experience for a truly professional powder coating finish, as well as safety for your team, you need the right combination of reliable equipment, precise temperature control, and effective dust and fume extraction—and that’s exactly what we offer.

The Egmont Air Difference: Interlocking Shiplap Panel System

One standout feature of our NZ-manufactured ovens is our Interlocking Shiplap Panel system. Taking inspiration from centuries-old shipbuilding methods, this design ensures an airtight seal that won’t buckle or leak when your large powder coat oven heats and cools. Originally used by Vikings and still found in New Zealand’s weatherboard cladding, shiplapping offers these key benefits:

1. Superior Heat Retention – The overlapping panels form a tight seal, helping maintain a stable temperature inside the oven and minimising energy loss.
2. Accommodates Expansion & Contraction – Metal panels naturally expand when heated and contract when cooled. Our shiplap design handles this movement without compromising the oven’s structural integrity or performance.
3. Reduced Energy Consumption – By preventing leaks, you capture more heat, leading to faster bake times and lower power bills.

This feature that we build directly into every powder coating oven we manufacture, ensures high performance for New Zealand powder coating operations across the country.

Modulating Burners for Precision and Efficiency

Unlike older on/off or hi/low burners, our modulating burner system ramps its output up or down to maintain your target temperature—often within 0.3°C. This accuracy is a game-changer for preventing overshoot (avoid scorching sensitive finishes like lighter or metallic colors, which can be especially vulnerable to excessive heat), and undershoot (ensure the essential thermosetting reaction happens properly, so you don’t end up with under-baked parts that might not meet durability or adhesion standards).

By “idling” at partial power when full capacity isn’t needed, these systems greatly reduce energy costs. If your powder coating line is running half-full, there’s no reason to consume full energy—and Egmont Air’s modulating burners automatically adjust. This efficiency benefits everything from small batch jobs in Christchurch to large-scale powder coating operations in Auckland or Wellington.

Consistent Air Circulation for Quality Finishes

Beyond just heating, consistent airflow inside the oven is essential. Egmont Air uses a side-channel distribution system to move heated air evenly across the oven’s length and width. This ensures:

1. Uniform Temperatures – No more worrying about “hot” or “cold” spots causing uneven finishes.
2. Faster Bake Times – Even airflow speeds up the curing process for your powder coated aluminium and other metal parts.
3. Improved Energy Efficiency – The recirculation loop recaptures heated air, reducing the overall energy needed to keep the oven at the set temperature.

Combined with our 100mm thick rockwool-based insulation—featuring extra-heavy density to trap heat—you get a remarkably consistent, energy-efficient bake cycle in your powder coating oven.

Powder Coating Booths: Modular Design & Cartridge Filtration

Powder coating isn’t just about the oven. A properly designed powder coating booth is just as vital for product quality and operator safety. Egmont Air’s booths use galvanised panels for a corrosion-free enclosure, with an optional extended canopy for extra workspace. Within these booths:

• Cartridge Filtration – Fine dust particles collect on the filter surface, making them easy to clean using an automated reverse-pulse system.
• Automated Filter-Cleaning – The sudden shock-wave of compressed air knocks dust off the cartridges, so the airflow remains strong and efficient.
• Optimal Air Quality – By capturing particulates before they spread, you create a healthier environment and reduce contamination risks on freshly coated items.

Whether your focus is “elite powder coating” for high-end parts or general powder coating services, maintaining a spotless environment is crucial. Proper dust and fume extraction also keeps workers safe, which is why we recommend pairing your booth with one of our industrial fume extraction systems.

The Role of a Reliable Fume Extraction System

Effective dust and fume extraction is critical in any powder coating operation, whether you’re handling a handful of parts or managing a high-volume production line. The first step is to have your workspace assessed to decide if you need a small, localised solution or a comprehensive industrial system. Part of this assessment will identify where dust and fumes are actually generated—typically near the spray booth or curing oven—so that targeted capture points such as hoods or enclosures can be designed. Choosing the right extraction technology (cartridge filters, multi-stage options, etc.) ensures you meet both quality standards and regulatory requirements while preserving the pristine finish on your products.

Once you have a handle on these essentials, it’s time to integrate a solution that can scale with your operation. Egmont Air specialises in tailored dust and fume extraction setups across New Zealand, focusing on efficiency, compliance, and reliable filtration. By implementing a clear plan—from workplace assessment to final installation—you’ll protect worker health, avoid costly contamination, and sustain consistently high-quality finishes

Making Sense of PLC Boards: Control, Consistency, and Ease of Use

A reliable control system can make all the difference between consistent, high-quality finishes and costly errors. PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) boards act as the “brain” of your oven setup—coordinating temperature, timing, and safety features so the entire process runs smoothly. By automating key steps like preheating and controlled cooling, a well-designed PLC board reduces human error, boosts efficiency, and ensures that each batch receives a uniform, precise bake.

Why Egmont Air’s PLC Boards Stand Out
At Egmont Air, we’ve developed our own in-house PLC control boards using Schneider controllers. This means we aren’t just assembling off-the-shelf components—we’re tailoring the system to your specific powder coating needs. The board’s intuitive interface and single-button start-up sequence let operators focus on production, not programming. You can easily set temperature and bake duration, and the system automatically handles the rest—from purge sequences to shut-off. What’s more, the PLC’s customisable ladder-logic allows for additional safety interlocks or process integrations, making it a versatile solution for infrared powder coating oven and powder coating curing oven setups alike. By offering both user-friendliness and advanced control, Egmont Air’s PLC boards ensure a hassle-free, consistently high-quality finish—every single time.

Kiwi-Made, and Backed by Expertise

At Egmont Air, we’re proud of our New Zealand roots. Our team is built around Kiwi innovators who value honesty, quality, and down-to-earth service. Because we manufacture locally, we understand what matters most to businesses in Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, and beyond: efficiency, reliability, and a genuine partnership.

Our ovens, booths, and industrial fume extraction systems all come with full warranties, servicing options, and guaranteed workmanship. Plus, we provide CAD SolidWorks drawings for your review before manufacturing begins. That way, every system is tailored to your exact specifications—no surprises, no guesswork.

Ready to Boost Your Powder Coating Operations?

If you’re looking for a reliable partner in powder coating, Egmont Air is here to help. Our team combines decades of professional insight with a personal, friendly touch—so you feel supported every step of the way.

Contact us today at 0800 781200 or email sales@egmontair.co.nz to discuss how our solutions for powder coating oven heating elements, infrared powder coating oven setups, or full-scale industrial fume extraction systems can elevate your business.