The Finish Line




Hi. my name is Dave Garrison and I have named my blogspot the Finish Line. I have been with Elliott Equipment Corporation for about 28 years; the last 15 as President and co-owner, so I have seen alot of changes in the spray finishing equipment business.

Our company has a wealth of experience specifying, recommending, selling and servicing many types of spray finishing equipment; such as Electrostatic Spray Guns, Powder Spray Guns, HVLP Spray Guns and Air Assisted Airless Spray Guns.

We hope to be able to provide you useful information and innovative solutions to your spray finishing and industrial fluid handling applications.

What's new in Graco Pumps? Diagnostics and Cycle Counters on board!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by David Garrison

NXT, Graco NXT, Graco Pump, Graco Data Trak, Datatrak, Graco Pumps, Smart Pump, Smart Pumps, Graco Smart Pump, Paint Pump

 

There have been some very smart new additions to Graco's air operated pump line recently. Many of Graco's pumps know offer "Data Trak" as an option; which makes them a kind of "Smart" pump.

Data Trak is an intrinsically safe pump monitoring device that is designed to protect and monitor the pump. It features:

  • Easy to set Runaway Control (That actually works dependably)
  • Pump diagnostics that advise when to maintain the pump
  • Resettable Batch Counter that tracks material usage and maintenance schedule

Data Trak can be used to monitor paint volumes used on a particular job for process control, or to count pump cycles and schedule preventatve maintenance.

Data Trak has been introduced on a number of Graco's Pump Product Platforms such as:

  • Merkur Fine Finish Pumps
  • Husky 1050 air operated Diaphragm Pumps
  • Warm and Hot Melt Pumps
  • Hydra Clean Pumps
  • Supply Pumps
  • Circulation pumps
  • NXT Contractor Airless Pumps

To find out how we can integrate one of Graco's Pumps with advanced Data Trak into your manufacturing process, please give us a call at 800-823-7527 or visit us at our website.

Also see us for any paint spray booth, spray gun, paint mixer, paint proportioner or powder coating equipment needs you have.
 

Who sells Graco Pumps in Indiana? We do.

Sunday, January 3, 2010 by David Garrison

I'm surprised at the number of times I get a call asking whether Elliott Equipment Corporation sells Graco pumps in Indiana. The answer is an emphatic yes. Graco pumps are used in a wide variety of industrial applications such as :

Pumping Paints and Solvents for decorative product finishing

Extruding Hot Melts for product assembly

Applying viscous Sealers to automobile bodies

Spraying protective Paints and Coatings on commercial buildings

Transfering Chemicals and other Process Fluids

Emptying drums for blending diverse materials

Injecting cream into Ding Dongs (True; but just wanted to be sure you were paying attention)

If you have a requiment for a pump to transfer, spray, extrude, pump or apply a fluid or semi solid material; we have a Graco Pump that can do the job.

Specifying the correct Graco Pump for each of these applications requires a degree of expertise and know how that can only be provided by a distributor such as Elliott Equipment Corporation who has the years of experience gained from recommending and installing these pumps for companies like yours.

In addition to Graco Pumps; we can supply a wide variety of associated products such as spray booths, paint spray equipment, paint mixers and paint proportioners and powder coat equipment.

Elliott Equipment Corporation can help you make your process more efficient, safer and deliver value that adds to your bottom line . Give us a call today and see how .
 

                                                           800-823-7527



 


Looking for a Spray Booth in Indiana? Or at least someone who knows something about them?

Monday, December 28, 2009 by David Garrison

Elliott Equipment has been selling Spray Booths in Indiana since 1947. You may find a number of internet sites that will be more than happy to collect your money for a paint spray booth but none of these sites have salesmen who will take the time to visit your facility, make an assessment of your specific requirements and make a recommendation based on your needs.

Sure; spray booths are simple aren't they? Just a bunch of punched and flanged panels with some filters, a motor and some ductwork. To avoid being dissatisfied with your purchase; consider the following:

1. What is your part size? Do you know the recommended booth dimensions for a part of your size? An incorrectly sized paint spray booth will not give the sprayer the room to manuever his spray gun appropriately and this may lead to defects on the sprayed part.

2. Have you considered whether replacement (Makeup) air will be needed? Never even heard of such a thing? Spray booths must move at least 100 LF per minute across the operator in order to be considered code compliant. Multiply that 100 by the height and width of the boot you are considering. Turns out to be a pretty big number doesn't it? Now compare that to the cubic dimensions of the room you want to install the spray booth in. Most folks have no idea a paint spray booth will remove that volume of air.  This can have important implications on spray booth efficiency, performance and importantly: operator and plant safety. Another reason to have a professional assess your requirements and make a specific recommendation based on your needs.

3. Have you considered your Indiana Environmental permitting responsibilities? Didn't even know you had any such responsibilities? You mean there might be fines if I don't comply?

4.  I could go on an on. You mean freight is extra? No control panel included? Motor voltage isn't right for me? What do you mean stack isn't included? (And by the way- I didn't know it needed to be 6' above the roof line). Shouldn't vent towards a parking lot? Why not?

Let us point you in the right direct there as well as answer any important question you might have. This is too important a decision to your manufacturing process to leave to an anonymous website who may well not have your best interests in mind.

Give us a call at 800-823-7527. We'd be happy to make a no obligation consultation to help you out . Or send a note to david.garrison@elliottequipment.com 

(We can also help you with all your Graco and  Binks Spray Equipment needs like Electrostatic, HVLP and Air Assisted Airless Guns, Paint Proportioners, Pressure Tanks, Paint Mixers and Spray Gun Cleaners)

Graco Pumps. Best selection and value in the Industry

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 by David Garrison


Graco Supply Systems, Graco Pumps, Sealant Pump, Double Post Ram Pump, Graco Checkmate Pump, NXT Pumps                                                                 Graco Fast Flo Drum Pump
 

Elliott Equipment Corporation is proud to be one of Graco's oldest distributors of their air operated pump and fluid handling product line. Graco's pumps are specified and recommended in a wide variety of industrial applications to move, dispense,  measure, spray, transfer, extrude, meter, proportion and pump fluid materials.

 
      Common applications for Graco Pumps would be :
  • Paint and Chemical transfer and circulation
  • Wastewater evacuation
  • Dispensing of viscous fluid materials such as caulks, silicones and semi solid foods
  • Supplying paints. coatings and adhesives to a variety of conventional, HVLP, air assisted airless and electrostatic spray guns
  • Supplying lubricants to machinery and vehicles
  • Proportioning 2 component paints, coatings, potting compounds and insulating and structural foams
Typical Pump configurations would include:
  • Positive Displacement Pumps with pressure ranges from 0-7200 PSI
  • Low and Medium Pressure Diaphragm Pumps
  • Hot Melt and High Viscosity Ram Mounted "chop check" style pumps
  • Electric Airless Pumps used by painting contractors
  • Drum bung mounted pumps for barrel and tote tank evacuation
  • 2 Component Proportioning Pumps
  • Pneumatic, Electric, Gas and Hydraulic power sources

       Graco Hydra Clean            Graco Merkur
Elliott Equipment Corporation has the product and the experience to help you with your fluid handling needs. Give us a call and let us show you. 

                                                                                                    800-823-7527
                                                                                david.garrison@elliottequipment.com

Who is Graco? Nope; not the baby stroller company.

Monday, December 14, 2009 by David Garrison


Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid materials.
Graco Inc. is traded on the NYSE under the GGG symbol.

(I'm no stock analyst but I do know from personal experience that you would be very hard pressed to find a stock in any sector that has outperformed the market so consistently for so many decades like Graco stock has.)

Ok; I admit it; I lifted that verbiage from the first paragraph of my post straight from the Graco website. I have, however always liked their concise description of what it is they (and in turn we) do. In the markets we serve that means they make and we distribute and integrate a wide variety of fluid handling products such as:
  • electrostatic spray guns;
  • air operated pumps,
  • pressure tanks
  • paint mixers
  • high pressure and HVLP spray guns
  • paint proportioners


Many folks can give you a discounted price for a part # that you provide them. We have been in business since 1947 and with the experience gained through those years, we can provide a solution for your application requirements that goes beyond simply a discounted price.     We can provide value.

Do you have a spray finishing or fluid handling application that has you stumped?
Give us a call.
800-823-7527

Spray painting difficult parts. Here's some help.

Monday, November 9, 2009 by David Garrison

We often get calls from customers looking for help in spraying parts with difficult geometries. Long tubular parts, parts with blind corners and interior parts with small openings can successfuly be coated with Binks Spray Gun Extensions.


Last week a customer called wanting to coat an ammunition box that had deep recesses and was difficult to coat with conventional paint spray equipment or high pressure spray guns. Lots of overspray, and poor finish quality created a finishing headache for him.


                                                                                       
We were able to the offer the customer a Binks 12" HVLP Extension that he could use with a traditional Mach1 HVLP gun which solved his problem. He also purchased an extension for his existing Binks 2001 gun that had a 45 degree angle head that give him greater control and flexibilty when finishing other difficult parts.

Click here to see a selection of spray gun extensions that can make your finishing job easier
or give us a call at 800-823-7527 and we'll help find a solution for your tough finishing problem

Binks invents the first industrial paint spray gun. in 1890!!!

Monday, October 26, 2009 by David Garrison

I had an inquiry the other day from a customer who wanted to know who invented the paint spray gun. He was writing an article for his hobby club and needed background information on paint spray gun equipment. I thought this information might be of interest to the general public so I have included it here on my blog.

As is so happens, Binks Manufacturing; now a subsidiary of ITW and manufacturer of the famous Binks Spray Gun line claims credit for inventing the paint spray gun.

 
In 1890, Joe Binks; an employee at Marshall Fields Department Store invented a sprayer to whitewash the massive basements of the store. His home made invention remained obscure until 1893 when Chicago hosted the massive 1893 Columbian Exposition;  the last and best of the 19th Century World's Fairs. With only days left until the opening, 90% of the buildings were still unpainted. It was Joe Binks' golden opportunity to demonstrate his sprayer and by opening day, all the buildings were a gleaming white.
The "White City" as the fair was known, opened on time, thanks to the Binks Sprayer. He later founded the Star Brass Works, later changed to Binks Mfg. Co., that would become one of the premier manufacturers of industrial and commercial spray paint gun equipment.
 





So there you have it; some trivia to impress your friends and co-workers. If you'd like to see what is available in today's modern world of Binks Spray Guns and fluid handling products:

Gives us a call at
 
800-823-7527

or visit us at one of our websites

www.elliottequipment.com

www.sprayequipmentpackages.com

What's the latest in Paint Spray Gun Equipment? Get the scoop here.

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by David Garrison


Nitrotherm SprayIn the past few years an Italian company has been marketing a process that I think has some legs. It's not a new type of spray finishing gun; rather an enhancement to the spray finishing process that can have some significant benefits in terms of paint savings, finish quality and dry times. The process is called NitrothermSpray and it is making inroads into automotive, wood and aerospace applications by delivering some pretty substantial benefits.

NitrothermSpray can be used with several different types of spray finishing equipment. Air Spray guns, HVLP Spray Guns, Electrostatic Spray guns and and Air Assisted Airless Spray guns are all easily adapted to this new technology.

The heart of the technology is the Nitrogen Generator. Your existing spray gun is attached up to the Nitrogen Outlet instead of a traditional compressed air outlet.
 


 

The process briefly is this: 

1. Nitrogen is extracted from the compressed air.  Nitrogen is Inert and Anhydrous which means that the finish will be much more consistent using Nitrogen. Customers are seeing dramatic reductions in dirt and moisture problems related to the use of compressed air.

2. Ionization of the Nitrogen creates a positive charge that attracts the paint to the surface that is being painted.  This results in less overspray and a higher transfer efficiency rate.

3. A Heated Hose is used for viscosity reduction and control and reduces or eliminates the need for solvents which reduces VOC's and creates a Greener Environment.  This helps to make significant improvements in dry times and time to re-coat which leads to improved productivity

 

Want to learn more or arrange a demo? http://www.n2spraysolutions.com/

or give us a call at 800-823-7527


Straight talk on HVLP Spray Guns and Transfer Efficiency.

Monday, September 21, 2009 by David Garrison

Devilbiss Compact HVLP Spray GunIn a post last week on Electrostatic Spray Guns, you may have seen my comment about the transfer efficiency of HVLP Guns being in the 20-20% range. Kind of a provocative statement, wouldn't you say? Here is how I would defend that statement.

Since HVLP guns were mandated for most finishing operations in California by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) a number of years ago; most other states environemtal governing bodies have implemented similar regulations and the transfer efficiency number of 65% has been generally accepted.

The problem is; finishers are fooling themselves if they think they are really achieving that high a degree of efficiency; and are hurting themselves (and their bottom line) if they are using anywhere near that number when calculating their actual applied coating costs.
  • When the tests were done many years ago that deemed HVLP Spray Guns 65% transfer efficient; one must look closely at the criteria used. Virtually any type spray gun can have an artificially high transfer efficiency rate if the test criteria are favorable enough. Consider this: if one were to use as a test substrate a 4' by 8' sheet and limit the coating viscosity and flow rate enough; with no criteria for finish quality; one can achieve virtually any transfer efficiency one desires. I am afraid that was the case when these test were done. There were no universally accepted standards used that would have allowed the test results to have universal significance under actual factory conditions. In other words; had the test substrate been 1" tubular weldments; would one expect to still see 65% transfer efficiency? That is the problem with the tests and the reason the 65% transfer efficiency claim should be viewed cautiously.

  • In real world practice; HVLP guns began to be used in applications where their limitations became glaringly evident. When coating viscosity's exceeded certain ranges, or when production rates were high; HVLP guns simply could not offer acceptable atomization characteristics. At that point finishers began to try to operate the guns outside the relatively narrow range of their physical limitations and the guns became nothing more than a very expensive conventional air spray gun,. It's a simple matter of physics; when we lower the atomizing air pressure (one aspect of atomizing energy)  of a spray gun enough; even if we keep the atomizing air volume high (another aspect of atomizing energy); we quickly reach a point where there simply isn't enough physical energy available to atomize the coating satisfactorily. either the finish quality or the production rate will suffer.

Our experience has shown that HVLP Guns are a good choice on lighter viscosity coatings or where production speeds are low to moderate.  Air Assisted Airless Spray Guns are most suitable for wood products clearcoats (sealers, lacquers, paints, varnishes) and other industrial finishes where good quality atomization (Not Class A Automotive) and higher production speeds are required. Electrostatic Spray Guns-both Conventional and Air Assisted Airless will also have production speed and atomization advantages over HVLP Guns in many applications.


Now; nothing I have said in this post should be construed as telling finishers to ditch their HVLP guns. On the contrary; EPA rules are EPA rules and substantial fines can be imposed upon finishers if the equipment they use is deemed to be non-compliant. The point of this blog is more to have users of spray guns carefully consider whether HVLP guns are their best choice or perhaps have them consider one of the other compliant technologies such as Air Assisted Airless (which also have HVLP Air Caps) or Electrostatic Spray Guns.

Want to learn more? Have a different opinion?       800-823-7527

Which Electrostatic Gun? When? Why?

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by David Garrison
Graco Pro XS Air SpraSpray Guny Electrostatic We get many inquiries asking for electrostatic spray guns and most of the time the caller is looking for a recommendation on whether it should be an air spray or air assisted airless electrostatic gun. For this post we will focus on liguid electrostatic spray guns; not powder spray guns.

I start out by asking a number of questions to help me make a recommendation. 



  • What is the part you are painting? Size, Geometry, Complexity?
  • What is it made out of? Metal, Plastic, Wood?
  • What is your finish quality criteria? "Class A" Automotive?, Industrial? Just trying to cover the imperfections?
  • What is most important? Finish Quality? Speed? Transfer Efficiency and Paint saving?
  • Are the parts conveyorized or  too large for a spray booth?
  • Are you trying to finish on site or outdoors?
  • Is the coating solvent or waterbased?
  • How much is the coating per gallon.? How much do you use a day, week, month, year?
  • Really still want to use an air spray gun but the environmental inspector says it has to be electrostatic?
The answer to these questions will help me make a recommendation on the best spray technology for their application. One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to electrostatics. 

Then I try to clear up some misconceptions about the nature of spraying paint electrostatically. I can tell you the number of folks who have the idea that (1) electrostatics will completely eliminate overspray or (2) somehow "bond" the paint to the substrate better. Neither of these truisms is true.

(1) Depending on the technology chosen and the answer to; the questions above we might reach transfer efficiencies in the 40%-75% range. (Actually there is a gun used to refinish metal furniture onsite that will achieve efficiencies in the 90% range; but that is a topic for another post and not pertinent to our discussion here) Even with those transfer efficiency ranges, you can see that these guns will still produce overspray. Given; however; that conventional air spray or even air asisted airless or HVLP guns will have efficiencies in the 20-30% range these are significant improvements that we are talking about and these paint savings and productivity increases can easily pay for the cost of one of these guns in a short period of time. from then on the savings go directly to the bottom line.

(HVLP guns with a transfer efficiency of 20-30%? What about the 65% you always hear about? Check back in the near future for a post with straight talk on the real transfer efficiency of an HVLP gun.)

(2)
 While it is true that paint; as it is sprayed will be electrostatically attracted to the substrate; once the negatively charged paint is deposited on the part; the electrostatic charge is disipated and the paint sticks or "bonds" to the part in the same manner as if it had been painted conventionally.

Graco Merkur Pro XS  AA Air Assisted Airless Electrostatic Pump and Spray Gun

Want to learn more?

800-823-7527

www.elliottequipment.com

Elliott Equipment Corporation. A little more about us and who we are.

Thursday, September 10, 2009 by David Garrison
Incorporated in 1947; Elliott Equipment Corporation actually has it's roots in a company that has been in business since 1916. M and E Engineering was founded by William Egner at that time and they were know for manufacturing Paint Finishing Spray Booths, Spray Finishing Equipment and a variety of Fluid Handling Products. M and E was certainly one of the earliest; if not the earliest distributor of Binks and Graco Spray Finishing and Air Operated Pumping Equipment in the Midwest.

In 1947, my father-in-law Russell Elliott, purchased everything but the Spray Booth manufacturing portion of M and E Engineering and incorporated as Elliott Equipment Corporation; which has been in continual successful operation since that time. 
Here's a little trivia for you. The spray booth manufacturing portion of the business that M and E still owned was ultimately sold to Stewart Warner Alemite; who then sold it to JBI; which is now known as Global Finishing Solutions; the largest manufacturer of spray booths in the USA. and of course; we distribute their spray booths as well!

Russell passed away too early in 1980 and his two sons Robert and Ken and I now own the business. My son Kent joined us about 6 years ago; so we are now into the third generation with our hope to carry it through to another generation.

I often wonder what Russell would have thought of the progress that has been made in our industry. Electronic 2 Component Paint Proportioners that minimize paint waste and increase productivity located right in the spray booth, NXT Smart Pumps that can diagnose their own repair needs and report fluid flow information; Liquid and Powder Coat Electrostatic Spray Guns that save paint and reduce air pollution.

Gives us a call and let's talk about your future

800-823-7527

Binks Spray Guns Part 2. An unmatched product line.

Friday, September 4, 2009 by David Garrison

 

In an earlier post I blogged about the great variety of industrial spray guns that are on the market. I'd like to drill down a little further and present a more in-depth look at the specific types of Binks/Devilbiss Spray Finishing Guns available.
 

In addition to this great variety of spray guns, Binks and Devilbiss have always had an almost bewildering number of needle/nozzle/air cap combintations and they have always had a reputation as being THE spray gun manufacturer that will have an application tool suitable for your finishing application.

Have questions about these guns or any of our Spray Finishing Equipment?
Need a quick quote?
Give us a call at 800-823-7527

OR

Visit us at one of our websites:

www.elliottequipment.com
www.sprayequipmentpackages.com

Looking for used Spray Guns or Fluid Handling Equipment? Look no further.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 by David Garrison


We get alot of requests for used conventional and HVLP spray guns, air operated pumps and a variety of other fluid handling and spray finishing equipment. We try to maintain an inventory of such equipment for the value buyer.

Prices are typically at least 30% off the normal selling price and all equipment is cleaned and serviced prior to being posted on our SprayEquipmentPackages.com website. Some of the items are new and have never been used.


Here are some recent bargains:

  Brand New Delta XT HVLP Spray Gun offers greater material savings
  and EPA Approval
  High Transfer Efficiency and good quality atomization
  SST Fluid Nozzle and Fluid Passages
 .055 Fluid Tip




Like new Graco Falcon Air Assisted Airless Spray Unit complete with pump, gun, dual regulators; hose set and 5 gallon pickup tube

Low pump pulsation means consistent spray pattern and high quality finish

Compact lower displacement pump flushes material quickly and easily, reducing material costs

Positive displacement, 2-ball piston design provides uniform and easily controlled delivery Stainless steel wetted parts to handle a wide range of fluids

Miracle MBB-5-C Paint Shaker

 

The highly efficient, fast operating clamping system allows you to shake 1, 2, or 5 gallon steel or plastic pails up to 80 pounds without the use of adapters.  Simply load your 5 gallon pail horizontally and secure the clamp.  The Blue Boy MBB-5-C 5 gallon paint shaker comes with an explosion proof 115/230 volt ½ H.P. motor, giving you all the versatility you need to get the job done right.
 

For these and more great values in new and used equipment; visit us at:

www.sprayequipmentpackages.com

or call us at

800-823-7527


Great Online resources for Finishers.

Monday, August 31, 2009 by David Garrison
As you would expect; the web can be a great resource for information related to our field. Folks who use fluid handling products, finishing spray booths, powder coating equipment, liquid paint spray equipment, and flat line finishing equipment have a number of online publications they can go to for answers to common questions, find vendors of new and used equipment and learn about advancements in the finishing field. Many times these magazines are available in both online and print versions for those old fogies like me who actually like the feel of paper in their hands.

Here are several:



Use these tools to connect to others in your field, look for a job; advertise your product or service or simply find out what is going on in your field.

We have some great online resources at our website as well. Click on  the Ask Elliott link on the right or give us a call at 800-823-7527 and we'll try to steer you in the right direction.

More on Paint Mixers

Thursday, August 27, 2009 by David Garrison
In an earlier post we talked about Miracle 5 Gallon Paint Mixers. These are great for pre-mixing 1 or 5 gallon pails, but what do you do with it once it's mixed to keep it in suspension, or how do you mix it if it is supplied in a 55 gallon drum? Here are a few ideas.

5 gallon pail paint mixer
If a 5 gallon pail- use a combination pail cover agitator. The pail cover will fit tightly over your 5 gallon pail and a simple, reliable air motor will drive a propeller style agitator.



 
55 gallon drum paint mixer, in drum back geared agitator, 24C519, 24C293, 24C520 ,24C521  The agitator speed is easily controlled with a needle valve.
If you need a paint mixer to mix a 55 gallon drum there are several options. Find out if your paint supplier can supply his coating with agitator paddles built in. If they can; there are a number of agitator motor drives that simply attach to the in drum paddles. These are very convenient and easy to use. Graco has a new agitator drive that features a reliable oil free,leak free gearbox that will give years of trouble free service.



Many suppliers offer their paint in an open-top 55 gallon drum. the paint mixer on the left is an example of such a unit. The agitator and cover are attached to a pneumatic lift that will raise them together for easy drum changeout. This one has a siphon tube built in through the center port of the agitator for convenience when siphon feeding from a wall mount pump. We even have one that the pump is built right onto the cover for extra convenience.


Want to see a goofy video on the in-drum agitator pictured above? Click Here

Want an quote or more information on any of these Fluid Handling Products? Click here

Or give us a call at

800-823-7527

Binks , Nordson and Graco Spray Guns. Best in the business. Period!

Monday, August 24, 2009 by David Garrison
Admittedly; the number of Industrial Spray Guns on the market is bewildering. How is a spray finisher to chose from so many options? Here's just a partial list of what is available to chose from:  
  • HVLP Spray Guns
  • Conventional Air Spray Guns
  • Air Assisted Airless Spray Guns (Somebody asked me the other day if that name was a joke. When you think about it; it does sound kind of goofy. How can an airless guns be air assisted? Call and I'll explain it)
  • Airless Spray Guns
  • Powder Spray Guns
  • Electrostatic Spray Guns (Air, Air Assisted Airless and Airless)
  • Touchup Guns
  • Extension Guns (For spraying pipe interiors down to 2"!!!!)
 ITW Binks/Devilbiss, Nordson and Graco are the acknowledged market leaders in the Industrial Paint Spray equipment market. All three proudly manufacture their equipment in the US and have a world wide reputation for producing high quality products that lead the market in innovation.

If you're looking for a recommendation on what gun is appropriate for your application; let us know. In business since 1947- we will have the answer for you.


Flat Line Finishing Systems. Not just for the Big Guys anymore.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 by David Garrison

In our world, a flat line finishing system is an automated process that manufacturers use to apply a finish coating on typically linear or flat stock such as trim, flooring, moldings, paneling or even kitchen cabinet doors. In fact, our partner manufacturer Dubois Equipment Company has used a flat line concept UV Sprayer to finish Pet Cremains Urns. (Of all things).

The advantage of Flat Line Finishing is that the process can tightly control many of the finishing variables and produce high quality finished goods with little labor, little coatings usage or waste and at very high  production rates. While it would be common on finish coats to use many of the same types of spray equipment used in manual production lines (Like air spray, HVLP or Air Assisted Airless Guns) a flat line finishing system could use any of the following kinds of coaters:
In the world of low cost foreign competition eroding US manufacturers' market shares; it is becoming vital to automate as much of any labor intensive process as possible. The finish room; where the final appearance process is done is ripe for  the kinds of automation that we can provide through a well designed, short ROI Flat Line System.

Give us a call and let's talk about your application
800-823-7527
Want a closer look?  

Graco and Binks HVLP Spray Guns. How do I set them up?

Friday, August 14, 2009 by David Garrison

Did you ever wonder just what pressures you were supposed to use when setting up an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure Spray Gun? In order for the gun to function as it was designed; the setup is actually quite different than when setting up an air spray gun.

For purposes of this post we will talk about setting up a pressure feed HVLP Gun (Pressure Cup or Tank); which you would commonly see in more of an industrial application.

The first thing to remember is that while an air spray and HVLP gun may look alike and share many common features; the HVLP gun will not provide the coatings savings and reduced overspray if set up just like an air spray gun.

As  a rule; fluid; pressures to the HVLP gun will be significantly lower than those supplied to an air spray gun. The reason for this is that we need to maximize the time the coating is in front of the air cap in order for the HVLP Gun to properly atomize the coating. The HVLP Gun only has so much atomization energy compared to a conventional air spray gun and simple physics will prevent the coating from atomizing properly if the fluid pressure is to high.

To demonstrate; turn the atomization air  to the paint gun off. Set your tank pressure to 25 PSI. Watch how far the paint travels when the gun is triggered. Depending on the paint viscosity, I'd bet it would shoot clear to the paint filters. Liken it to if the paint coming out of the gun at 25 MPH. Now readjust the tank regulator so that the pressure is 10 PSI (or 10 MPH.) That lower fluid pressure (slower coating speed) allows the coating to remain in the atomization zone for microseconds longer- giving the HVLP gun a chance to do it's job.


Rule of thumb; again depending on paint viscosity; the coating coming out of the gun should travel straight 6-8" before falling off downwards. (Again- no atomization air) Whatever your gauge says when that distance is achieved is the correct pressure. It would commonly be in the 5-10 PSI range. At that point; add atomization air until you get a well defined and well atomized spray pattern. The newer industrial HVLP guns will commonly need 20-40 PSI or so of atomization air. Again; only the minimum air required to achieve a satisfactory degree of atomization should be used.  Any more is wasteful.

If you can't keep up with production speeds with the gun setup this way, you gun bump up to the next largest fluid nozzle. Still can't keep up? Consider an Electrostatic or Air Assisted Airless Gun.  HVLP guns are great for certain applications but are not a panacea.

When your HVLP spray finishing equipment is properly set up; it will give you a great paint job and provide the desired economic benefits that it is designed to do.

Here's a cool cheat sheet to help with common gun setup and troubleshooting questions


Have more questions? Give us a call at 800-823-7527 or visit us at our website at

 

Elliott Equipment Corporation. A little bit about us and where we are.

Saturday, August 8, 2009 by David Garrison

Since 1947; Elliott Equipment has served manufacturers with advanced Finishing Equipment and Fluid Handling solutions including automatic finishing, powder coat, electrostatic, HVLP, sealant equipment, flat line finishing systems, electronic paint mixing, product assembly solutions and more.

In addition to being recognized as a premium distributor by our manufacturing partners, Graco, Binks, Devilbiss, Global Finishing, Spraying Systems, Paasche, Research Products, Miracle, Chemco, ExitFlex, Miracle Paint Mixers and others, we design engineered solutions for virtually every type of coating, lubrication, sealant or transfer applications.

We maintain locations in Indianapolis and Jasper Indiana (which we opened in 1996) and our central locations insure short delivery times.


Here's a picture of our Jasper location
                                              
   
                                                          
                                                                        

Here's a picture of our Indianapolis Location


                            

If you have a question or need further information about our product line, need a demo or have an application for which you need an equipment recommendation; please give us  call. We would be happy to serve you.
 
1-800-823-7527
Elliott Equipment Corporation
www.elliottequipment.com