Spray Booth
Moving to the spray booth is a critical flow consideration. If you have too many stations in the sanding and preparation area, a back-up can occur when trying to flow toward the spray booth. Make sure that the floor layout reflects business expectations.
The Paint Booth
The preparation application has its own set of ventilation requirements (set forth by the National Fire Protection Association) designed to reduce the amount of particulate on or around the product in question. Once the product makes it to the spray booth, it requires a different (more stringent) particle protection/heating/curing and ventilation standard that allows for a perfect finish to be applied to the product. What this new set of standards also does is open up a host of options to meet these new particulate protection/finishing requirements. The spray booth manufacturer can help with individual questions regarding spray booth requirements. In all likelihood, the spray booth types that will most likely be available to meet these requirements include: water wash, dry filter, dry baffle and clean room. Each of these booths has specific features designed for specific circumstance. Therefore, discussing your needs with your spray booth manufacturer is typically the best way to go.
Spray booths essentially have two functions (although not necessarily included in every model in the same configuration)-controlling the number of particles in the spray booth and curing the finishing coat. Particle control is accomplished with airflow and filtering, rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Essentially, the spray booth system changes and filters the air within the spray booth at a desired rate. This removes unwanted particles, whether dust or paint, from the spray booth. The second function is to cure the finish of the product with accelerated heat and/or air. There are several configurations for both functions, and your spray booth manufacturer or rep is the best person to help you determine which rate or method is best suited for the desired application.
Efficiency and Cost Considerations
When it comes to cost considerations, spray booth applications that need additional planning, as the finishing process proceeds, include airflow rates and method of applying heat. Although cost is the ultimate end to the process, the predominant consideration is achieving the best possible finish for the product. Getting to the finished product requires directing how much airflow is moving through the booth and how much heat, and in what form, is being applied. The air flow within the booth can be initiated from all directions. Floor, wall or ceiling can be chosen as the primary air direction, depending upon the product in question and the specific need. Heat can be controlled and applied in a flash form, which reduces finishing particles that "jump" off the product during finishing, or through slower methods depending upon need. In either event, inefficiency or the wrong choice of paint booth will surely increase costs.
High rates of air change and/or higher heat levels require more power. Gas or electric power sources are most often used and can constitute a significant cost in production. It is possible to control these costs somewhat by choosing the correct spray booths for the correct spray booth applications. This is where your greatest advantage is your relationship and ongoing communication with your spray booth manufacturer or qualified rep. In most instances, the cost savings will be found in the motors used to achieve the desired particle or heat level for the booth. If a high level of heat and particle removal is desired, at a relative cost reduction, variable frequency drives should be considered.
A further cost that should be considered for all spray booth applications is environmental in nature. The filtering process of the finishing agent is good, but does leave the sometimes toxic agent on the filter. In some instances this presents additional costs for filter disposal. If this is the case, and a high throughput is anticipated, a recycling system that returns overspray through the system may be cost effective. Installation of a system such as this may have initial costs but a lower back end may be possible if the correct system is specified. Contacting the spray booth manufacturer for an estimate is the best way to proceed if this is a viable option. Options are varied when choosing a spray booth, which is why it pays to consult with your friendly, knowledgeable Saima North American Representative. Click here to request contact, or call 1-800-524-0340 today.
|
