Electrostatic applicators charge material particles as they pass or contact an electrode to achieve higher transfer efficiency. They rely upon the attraction of opposite electrical charges.
Because of this wraparound effect, electrostatic applicators are especially suitable for coating tubular products.
Many parameters determine the efficiency with which the material can wrap around the surface. These include:
To determine the correct coating to use in an electrostatic gun, you must consider its resistivity. The materials, solvents and reducers used in the manufacture of the coatings determine the resistivity of the coating.
This can be measured with a paint probe meter that measures megohms per centimeter of resistance. The best electrostatic results are achieved when the resistivity of the coating is between 25 and 50 megohms per centimeter.
Getting the paint formulated from the manufacturer for electrostatic use is typically the best solution.
While solventborne coating systems still remain the benchmark for overall performance, application and appearance characteristics, waterborne materials are growing in popularity because of more stringent air quality regulations. They contain and emit less organic solvent into the atmosphere while providing certain refinishing benefits and offering lower toxicity.
Waterborne materials have low resistivity, therefore, require different handling when spraying with electrostatic guns. Traditionally, spraying waterborne materials with manual air spray applicators required either conventional air spray guns or for electrostatics, an isolation system. Both methods have their disadvantages.
Conventional air spray guns do not deliver the transfer efficiency or wrap that electrostatic spraying delivers. In addition, if electrostatic automatic applicators are used in the finishing process, color match can be difficult because of the various material types used in certain applications. While isolation systems address these issues, they are difficult to work with in a high production facility.
One alternative for spraying waterborne materials with electrostatics is an external charging electrostatic applicator. The external charging electrostatic gun can be connected to a circulation system or a pump system. The waterborne material is charged as it is exiting the gun through an electrostatic field. The external charging electrostatic gun eliminates the need for an isolation system.
In addition, waterborne electrostatic guns have the advantage of delivering higher transfer efficiency and higher productivity than conventional air spray guns. Because of these cost saving benefits, smart consumers are replacing existing conventional air spray guns with waterborne electrostatic spray guns on a circulation system.
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Electrostatic spraying is a method of painting that uses a positively charged electron within the spray nozzle to positively charge the paint particles. The object being painted, meanwhile, is grounded or negatively charged.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Aohai Coating Equipment.
The science behind this method states that positively charged atoms will attract negatively charged atoms and repel other positively charged atoms. In the spraying process, this has two benefits:
1. Much better conditions for the operator
In the world of industrial painting, the safety and comfort of the operator must be paramount. As well as adhering to COSHH regulations, it’s the duty of the employer to keep their workers and the work environment safe. Electrostatic spray guns effectively wrap the paint around the product being painted so there’s less overspray and a lowered risk of injury and inhalation.
2. Increased transfer efficiency
Electrostatic spray operators offer exceptionally good transfer efficiency of up to 90%. This makes for less wastage and a better finish.
3. Significantly increases quality and production
A conventional spray gun will paint the surface directly in front of the gun whereas an electrostatic gun will wrap the paint around the object. The finish will be smoother and the area coated will be larger. Due to the nature of the product, this process is especially well suited to tubular products.
4. Reduces overspray, air pollution and VOC emissions
Because the positively charged paint particles are attracted to the grounded (or negatively charged) object, there’s a magnetic effect meaning more paint ends up where it’s supposed to go and less is lost to overspray, air-quality is better and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions are lowered.
5. Less outlay on paints
Right now, paint is in relatively short supply. The Covid pandemic is still having a knock-on effect and with demand high and raw materials low, you may find that you’re forking out more for your paint than ever before. An electrostatic spray gun will drastically reduce the amount of wastage. More of the paint will end up on its intended surface saving you on coating costs.
6. Reduced costs for the disposal of hazardous materials
Hazardous waste disposal costs can be high. The disposal process is often complicated and the amount of sites that offer this service is low, which means costs can easily spiral when you’re regularly disposing of hazardous waste. To put it simply, when more of the paint reaches its intended surface, there’s less to dispose of.
7. A more positive impact on the environment
VOCs may act as a greenhouse gas and contribute to climate change so the less VOCs we emit, the better the process is for the planet. By working with an electrostatic spray gun, your paint job will become more sustainable and you’ll be taking steps towards a greener future.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Manual Electrostatic Spray Gun.