What diameter of hook should I use to paint my parts?

Industrial paint applicators often tend to choose a wire diameter that is much too large for the weight of the parts they are going to hang on their conveyor.

To help you choose the right wire diameter to use, here is the load table showing the recommended wire diameter depending on the mass to be hung.

Among the parameters to be taken into account, the most important are the hook material, the wire diameter and the orthogonal distance.

A really rough formula for a single crochet:

Mmax ≈ σs x ø³ / 99.5e

Mmax = weight from which the deformation begins to be irreversible.

σs = flexural strength ≈ 0.8 x tensile force (MPa)

e = orthogonal distance

The typical dynamic behavior of standard hooks under load is the maximum load.

The load where the wire starts to permanently deform (flexural strength) is the same for DV and R formats, but about double for DV M form.

While DV and DV M describe a “concave” profile before the load collapses, R looks more like a convex figure.

Due to the shape of the hook the limits of the irreversible deformation after the load and the safety margin are very different.

The R-brackets have a small margin while for the DV it is much higher. DV / DVM forms are therefore safer choices.

You do powder coating and you also use HangOn suspension bars, here is the table of loads to use: