Apparatus for atomization in electrostatic coating and method

Apparatus for atomizing liquid coating material for electrostatic deposition on an article, comprising an annular housing rotatable about its axis and accommodating introduction of coating material therein, said housing having a smooth inner surface and a single row of discrete, individual and circumferentially spaced passages extending therethrough in directions outwardly of said axis;

• and means for introducing coating material into said housing, said housing upon rotation of said housing and introduction of coating material into said housing, causing the material to flow under centrifugal force in a thin film across said smooth inner surface toward, into and through said passages, said discrete passages causing the material therein to attain the same rotational velocity as said housing and to be atomized as it is projected from and beyond said passages, whereby to effect improved atomization of the material, said housing further having a relatively sharp and circumferentially extending edge on the outer periphery thereof in close proximity with outlets from said passages for enhancing an electrostatic charge imparted to projected material when a voltage gradient is established between said housing and the article.