Scope of this guide
Intermediate version: symptom-to-cause triage with the confirm-by column — find the variable, run one change, verify.
Series: finishing.com recurring questions answered with platingclub line practice. Parameters are industry-standard starting ranges — confirm against your supplier TDS.
Triage: symptom → confirm → first move
| Symptom | Likely root | Confirm by | First move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiny oval spot on one face | Contact mark from dangler/door | Face map vs barrel contact points | Rotate parts; pad door contact |
| Bare kidney-shaped patch | Parts nested face-to-face | Nested pair in load sample | Media ratio up; load size down |
| Line across several parts | Barrel door edge rubbing | Track along door line | Door liner check |
| Ring at part edge | Media imprint | Media type check | Change media size/hardness |
| Mark repeats every load, same parts | Part geometry self-shadows | By-part-family pattern | Family-specific load card |
Engineer notes
- One variable per corrective action; verify with the confirm-by column.
- Records beat memory: log every trial on the tank card.
- Two failed actions in a row is a senior call — escalate with your log.
Safety: barrels pinch and loads are hot. Guards closed, hoist rated, heat gloves; lock-out before reaching anywhere near the door.
FAQ
Marks only on flat parts — why?
Nesting: flats stick face-to-face. Media ratio up, load size down.
How do I tell door marks from dangler marks?
Door marks line up along one line across parts; dangler marks sit at one point on one face.
When do I change media size?
When imprints show at edges or marks persist after loading fixes.