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Rimstock upgrades paint shop
The UK’s largest manufacturer of alloy wheels upgrades its wheel coating system with Graco equipment
Founded in 1985 and based in West Bromwich in the heart of England, Rimstock designs, manufactures and supplies alloy wheels to more than 40 countries around the world. It is the UK’s leading prestige wheel manufacturer. In its state-of-the-art facilities the company takes customers’ initial design concepts through to manufacture and distribution. Specialising in the design and production of cast and forged wheels, Rimstock also has full testing facilities available in-house, certified to test to German TÜV approval standards.
In 2018, a new plant was commissioned on site, specialising in the manufacture of forged alloy wheels. These offer OEMs more complex, stronger yet lighter forged wheels, which significantly improve vehicle braking, handling and fuel economy compared to cast wheels.
A challenge in the paint shop
Rimstock’s modern paint shop includes an acrylic powder clear coating system and an 11-tank pre-treatment anti-corrosion process. However, a problem arose in the paint shop. The existing spray guns were giving inconsistent coating results. To rectify this, the supply system was having to be continually emptied and refilled for each colour. This continuous flushing of the supply system and then the constant adjustment of the spray gun settings was causing a significant and unnecessary waste of materials, money, and time.
In an attempt to find a better solution, Rimstock spoke with authorised Graco distributor Fluid Handling Solutions in nearby Wolverhampton. Nick Turton from FHS proposed a solution incorporating Graco AirPro Auto spray guns, Triton pumps, and Colour Change Valves.
Graco’s AirPro automatic spray guns are lightweight and compact, and provide consistent spray patterns for a high-quality finish. Models are available with a fluid control knob for precision fluid adjustment, as well as an indexing aircap that provides fast and accurate positioning in either a vertical or horizontal position. These low-pressure, versatile applicators work well for many different materials and applications. High-wear models are available with a carbide needle and nozzle for long life with abrasive materials.
Graco’s Triton 1:1 pumps offer a more effective alternative to traditional pressure pots and standard diaphragm pumps. By utilising air-operated diaphragm technology, this spray package applies a high-quality, decorative finish to wood and metal. They are suitable for all types of metal and wood applications and are compatible with a wide range of spray technologies (conventional, HVLP, compliant, electrostatic air spray).
Graco’s low and high pressure Colour Change Valves are ideal for a wide range of solvent-borne, water-borne and high-solids materials. A durable, precision-machined manifold offers outstanding performance, while large ¼-inch fluid ports provide less restriction and pressure drop. The cartridge-style valve disconnects quickly without removing fluid lines for easier serviceability and reduced maintenance time.
Immediate resultS
Fluid Handling Solutions installed eight AirPro Auto spray guns, five Triton pumps and two Colour Change Valves to spray basecoat and clearcoat onto the rotating wheels at Rimstock. The new paint system was installed on two recirculating basecoat systems, two recirculating clearcoat systems, and one dead-end solvent system.
Two 4-valve Colour Change Valve manifolds were installed in the paint booth: one for the basecoat and the other for clearcoat. Each Colour Change Valve manifold was supplied with two recirculating paints, dead-end solvent and purge air.
Two automatic spray stations were installed in the paint booth. Each station was fitted with four Graco AirPro Auto guns with knurled micro adjuster (so a total of eight guns). The guns were mounted on adjustable arms which were fixed in position during commissioning. The wheels pass each station and are rotated as the guns spray.
Rimstock are very pleased with their new wheel painting system. “The Graco AirPro Auto guns with indexing fluid needle give more control of the spray application and film builds,” explains Mike Wise, Operations Manager, Finishing. “The Triton supply pumps and Colour Change Valves have decreased waste paint and time when changing colours.”
MORE INFORMATION
If you are interested in using any of these Graco products in your own paint booth or discuss your specific requirements or setup a product demonstration, fill in the form below.
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