Selecting proper gun attachments is another important consideration in powder delivery systems. There are a host of different tips available today by all manufacturers for all equipment. There are flat spray nozzles, extension tips, various deflector sizes and shapes. Each of these tips serve different purposes and create different cloud patterns for penetrating different areas.
It is important to have flexibility with cloud patterns, particularly when you’re running a job shop with multiple metals and lots of different geometries.
The powder cloud adjustment is really important. Normally when you receive a powder coating gun, (when it’s brand new) it comes with a very large deflector, creating a very large cloud pattern. Well, if you’re coating very small parts with a very large cloud pattern, the chances are good that you’re not getting down to a reasonable transfer efficiency rate. You’re coating the air surface around the part way more than the actual part itself.
If you have too fine or too tight of a powder cloud, changing the deflector can cause too much velocity unless the powder delivery system is backed off accordingly. The proper setting is a small tip for a small part, a big tip for a big part, with just enough powder to get coverage on the part. Remember that the goal is to get the powder out of the box onto the part, not through the collector system.
Powder cloud adjustment is something that requires a little skill, a little time behind the gun and trying different tips. There is no perfect tip for all applications. Experiment with them.
Extension lances will help you get into recessed areas. It also makes it easier for the applicator. Think about it, you’re covering a two-foot area and you’re trying to do that with a manual gun with a short tip. When you spray like that, it takes a lot of arm action to cover a certain area. If you’ve got an extension, much less action is needed to cover the same area.
Have questions about gun attachments? Need to order some replacement tips? Give one of our service experts a call at 888-647-9929 and we can get you heading in the “Rite” direction! You can also contact us via email at info@buyritefinishing.com
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Various Nozzles, deflectors, and extensions