Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine Jan/Feb 2023 - 30

INDUSTRIAL FINISHING: MANUAL SPRAY GUNS
the most common are poor training on proper
use, lack of preventative maintenance on
wear components, or difficulty with coating
complex geometries. Gema is addressing this
by offering training that's focused on manual
coating techniques and proper usage. We've
also introduced advanced technology for
greater electrostatic power, control of that
power, as well as powder delivery technology
that is easy to use and maintain while
providing consistent powder delivery. "
To address the lack of skilled operators
entering the industry, Gema has introduced an
On-gun remote control, that allows operators
to make application changes directly on the
gun using graphic icons and an intuitive layout
for operators with different skill levels or
languages.
Some defects that can be caused by
improper guns settings include a heavy or light
film thickness, orange peel, light coated areas
with metal showing through, poor penetration
or non-uniform coverage, and fatty edges.
Regarding common setting issues, Hale
says, " Spraying more powder does not mean
greater transfer efficiency (TE), but in fact
spraying at the lowest possible spray rate
will help maximize TE. Reducing the voltage
is not the only nor the best way to overcome
faraday areas. Using the control unit's current control and limit
the current while leaving the voltage at the maximum value is the
best way to overcome faraday, while eliminating fatty edges and
back ionization. "
He also says that operators moving the gun too quickly and
making numerous passes is also not ideal. " They need to go slow
and let the powder build. You will get better TE, uniformity and
appearance while expending less energy. "
For improved TE in manual applications, Gema has developed
equipment with advanced electrostatic and powder delivery
technology that provides maximum TE and consistent delivery.
" Our PowerBoost technology offers 110,000 kiloVolts (KV)
and up to 110 microamperes (µA) of power, giving manual
coaters the ability to coat faster, use less powder, and put the right
amount of powder on the part, " says Hale. " Our pump technology
also contributes to the success of the manual coater by providing
consistent flow of powder to the gun. This is accomplished by the
135-degree angle design of the pump and powder insert cartridge.
This newly designed insert combines the traditional insert and
the nozzle jet into one piece. And each time a new cartridge is
inserted, it is in effect replacing two parts at the same time, which
returns the pump to a like new condition and ensures consistent
powder delivery. "
By dialing in manual gun settings, as well as making sure
operators are properly trained, companies can achieve repeatable,
flawless finishes, while saving on costly materials with more
efficient application processes. And as paint, powder and
equipment manufacturers all strive to improve the technology,
they are also a dedicated resource for companies looking to
improve on manual applications.
30
www.cfcm.ca
Powder Considerations
When deciding on a manual powder coating system,
Jeff Hale, marketing manager for Gema, suggests
asking the following questions:
1. What type of powder is being sprayed?
2. How long will you be spraying this powder?
3. How many colours do you spray?
4. How often will you need to change those colours?
5. How far away will the gun be used relative to the
location of the pump and powder supply?
6. How important is film control and consistency?
http://www.cfcm.ca
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine Jan/Feb 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine Jan/Feb 2023
