How to avoid hotpotting consistency issues

Frustrated at getting inconsistent spray performance after manually mixing two components? There’s an easy solution …

What causes inconsistency during hotpotting (manual mixing of two components)? Basically it’s human error. An operator may not mix the materials together properly, leading to under- or over-mixed material. The next day, another operator is given the job of mixing, and he might use a slightly different technique, resulting in inconsistency with the previous mix. 

How to avoid inconsistent mixing

Use a machine, such as a Graco XM plural-component system. It consists of two piston pumps, one for the base and one for the hardener, which feed the two paint components into a mixing vessel. The components are conveyed and mixed in the correct mixing ratio. The mixing manifold and the static mixer assembly ensure that the base paint and hardener are homogeneously mixed. The mixed material is then fed to the spray gun through an integrator hose and atomized at the nozzle. Advanced sensors allow the pumps to compensate for pressure fluctuations, resulting in accurate, on-ratio mixing for better coating quality and less waste. 

The mixing is always on-ratio. There’s no need to thin high-volume solids. Improved application consistency results in low sagging properties, better barrier protection, and improved corrosion protection. Re-work is significantly reduced, or even completely avoided. This enhances efficiency and productivity of the work site, which translates into jobs getting completed ahead of schedule and at a higher quality. 

The Graco XM plural-component system is ideal for high viscosity, high solid materials such as urethanes, epoxy asphalt, bitumen undercoats, adhesives, sealants, PVC and other materials, in medium to high viscosities.

Do you want to remove guesswork and human error when measuring and mixing materials? Drop us a line and we will be delighted to explain more details of how the Graco XM plural-component mixer achieves consistent mixing to improve your on-site profitability.