Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)
Q: How is Can-Am's Technology
Different From Conventional Compressed Air Powered Atomization?
A: According to the results of the
extensive testing conducted by and under the direction of the various
California regulatory agencies, Can-Am's Turbo-Coatair powered H.V.L.P.
consistently produces average transfer efficiencies greater than 65% while
conventional compressed air spraying systems have been found to deliver
transfer efficiencies in the 10 to 30% range.
In conventional
atomization, the high velocity air jets exiting from the numerous small holes
found in the face of conventional air caps blast the coating stream. One of the
detrimental side effects of the conventional atomization process is the large
amount of turbulence produced by the instantaneous expansion of the high
pressure air (typically 55 to 70 psi) as it passes through the openings in the
air cap. The combination of extreme turbulence and very high velocity air jets
over-atomize a significant portion of the coating creating a cloud of very finely
atomized paint, commonly known as overspray. This overspray tends to ride the
air currents within the spray booth, passing right past the object being
painted. Furthermore, the larger particles in the atomized coating stream are
blasted by the high velocity air stream that many of them simply bounce off of,
rather than adhere to its surface.
In contrast, the Can-Am
H.V.L.P. system utilizes a very soft airflow both to break up the coating into
fine, relatively uniform sized droplets and to carry them to their target.
Since the air pressure at the spray gun is in the 1.0 to 8.5 psi range, the
atomized coating particles are gently carried to and deposited on the target.
Can-Am's H.V.L.P. systems
utilize continuous air flow that totally eliminates the turbulence inherently
associated with high pressure systems. Another advantage of the continuous air
approach is that every droplet of coating exiting the spray gun is properly
atomized. Can-Am's H.V.L.P. systems will not produce finishes damaged by
spitting.
Q: What Are The Primary Components of
a Turbo-Coatair H.V.L.P. System?
A: A Can-Am high performance,
Turbo-Coatair H.V.L.P. finishing system is relatively straight forward, and is
comprised of three basic elements: a) the turbine air source; b) the H.V.L.P.
single chamber fan pattern control, lightweight, constant bleeder H.V.L.P.
spray guns; c) custom air transfer hoses capable of handling hot air.
The Turbo-Coatair turbine
can be conveniently located adjacent to the spray booth or centrally located to
serve several spray stations. Can-Am's Turbo-Coatair turbines are factory set
to prevent field misadjustment. This prevents needless paint waste.
Can-Am's family of H.V.L.P.
spray guns has been specifically designed to eliminate internal airflow
restrictions, which cause performance robbing pressure drops and Transfer
Efficiency robbing air turbulence. A number of different air cap and fluid tip
combinations have been developed to insure high quality atomization that can be
achieved at normal plant production line speeds, with the complete spectrum of
industrial liquid coatings.
Q: What kinds of Coatings Can Be
Applied By Can-Am's Turbo-Coatair H.V.L.P. Systems?
A: With very few exceptions, Can-Am's
equipment can apply all currently available industrial coatings at normal
production line speeds while producing finishes comparable to those produced by
conventional air spray systems. Can-Am's H.V.L.P. finishing systems are being
used to apply a broad range of low to high solids coatings at low and high
viscosity. Our versatile, high performance finishing systems are able to
atomize and spray almost any coating that can be poured.
Q: Does H.V.L.P. Painting Require Any
Special Skills?
A: No. Painters find Can-Am's H.V.L.P.
system easy to use. They particularly appreciate the Can-Am system's capability
to maintain normal line speeds. They also appreciate that Can-Am's pattern
control adjustment works just like the traditional high pressure conventional
air spray system they were trained on. While each painter is different, most
are able to fully acclimate themselves to Can-Am's family of H.V.L.P. spray
guns within 20-30 minutes of first spraying with the system.
Many plants have found
that, by properly utilizing the Can-Am Turbo-Coatair's warm air output, they
can lay down thicker coats with each pass when using a Can-Am H.V.L.P. gun.
Often, they are able to achieve the specified coverage with fewer passes or
coats, thus improving the productivity.
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CAN-AM ENGINEERED PRODUCTS, INC.
30850 Industrial Road • Livonia, MI 48150 • (734) 427-2020
or (800) 229-7551 • Fax (734) 427-4282