Electrostatic test panel paint sprayer simulates production line performance at Nippon Paints UK

Electrostatic test panel paint sprayer simulates production line performance at Nippon Paints UK

Sheen Instruments' top of the range 4800N test panel spraying system has been developed to operate with an electrostatic bell applicator as well as the usual pneumatically powered HVLP spray guns (see Plate 1).

The development, which was carried out by Sheen Instruments in conjunction with ITW Ransburg using their"Aerobell" rotary bell atomiser, is in response to an order from NP Automotive Coatings (Europe) Ltd for a test panel sprayer that will simulate production line paint spraying in the laboratory.

The electronic control of the Aerobell, including the supply of paint to the gun, was handled by ITW Ransburg, while Sheen Instruments provided the interface and sequence control for applying paint samples to the test panels. The electrostatic rotary bell applies the base coats, which are followed by the final coat which is applied by a HVLP standard spray gun.

With a test spray area of 60 x 50cm, the test panel lift requirements of the Aerobell differ significantly from that of the HVLP gun. The Aerobell covers the area in two passes and one lift, but the HVLP requires up to ten passes with lift increments of 50mm to cover the same area. The 4800N overcomes this problem by providing a dedicated lift control for the Aerobell and an automatic changeover system to a pre-selected lift sequence of 40, 50 or 60mm for the HVLP gun.

 Plate 1 Sheen Instruments' top of the range 4800N test panel sprayer fitted with an "Aerobell" electrostatic bell applicator

In addition, the HVLP gun carrier is mounted on a small rodless cylinder, allowing it to be returned from the cone area of the Aerobell during its cycle.

The other functions of the 4800N remain the same. These include dwell timing between coats, coat count and gun traverse speed control.

Once the system has been set up ready for the test to begin, a remote control panel enables the operator to start and stop the sequence, and adjust the pressure of both guns from outside the booth.

Full information on the 4800N and the Aerobell electrostatic system is available from Sheen Instruments Limited.

For further details contact Sheen Instruments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 181 541 4333; Fax: +44 (0) 181 549 3374.