Understanding Waterborne Equipment Needs
The switch to waterborne typically requires few, if any, equipment changes. However, to take full advantage of the benefits of conversion, customers should be aware of equipment considerations regarding spray guns, air movement and filtration.
Spray Guns
Spray gun manufacturers have quickly adapted to the need for waterborne-compatible equipment. To prevent corrosion, waterborne refinish systems require the use of dedicated spray guns that have stainless steel or composite internal components.
Air Movement
Shops that use waterborne systems need only hand-held or floor-stand blowers to promote the flow of air over painted surfaces. However, some high-throughput facilities may require an air drying system to accelerate evaporation and optimize flash and cure times. Booth retrofit kits are available, along with booths manufactured specifically for waterborne paint systems.
Tips for Shops Finishing Less Than Six Vehicles per Day
- Venturi-style air blowers connected to a high-volume air system
- Air blowers may be handheld, placed on a floor stand, or on a magnetic wall hanger
- Typical systems use roughly 8-18 CFM per blower during the average, 1-3 minute flash cycle
Tips for Shops Finishing Six or More Vehicles per Day
- Booth retrofits utilizing fans, blowers, air knives or vortex blowers can increase FPM
- Added benefit of operating independently of compressed air and/or utilizing less CFM
- Some solutions may also speed clearcoat bake times by creating a convection-style oven
Air Pressure
The compressor system used by the collision center must have adequate horsepower to deliver sufficient CFM and pressure to support all equipment.
Air Filtration
Clean, dry air is very important to the successful application of a waterborne system; hence, air purity should be measured and monitored.
