Transfer efficiency increases 30 percent with ProBell atomiser

CUSTOMER: Aluminium and vinyl windows and doors manufacturer

GRACO EQUIPMENT: ProBell rotary applicator, informer

CHALLENGE: One of the United States’ largest suppliers of aluminum and vinyl windows and doors began noticing issues with aluminum extrusion finishing. These issues were leading to wasted material, increased downtime, and overall inefficiency on the paint line.

• Diminishing transfer efficiency: To paint window trims, they were using four electrostatic rotary atomizers placed on reciprocators. Unfortunately, only two atomizers worked consistently. As a consequence, aluminum extrusions often went from the paint line to the touch-up booth to bring coverage up to the manufacturer’s high standards.
  
  
• Unavailable replacement parts: The atomizers were old models that were difficult to maintain and repair. They consisted of more than 30 parts that could not easily be replaced.
  
  
• Manual system configuration: The operator had to set knobs and dials “just so.” If he was absent for any reason, it would take his replacement a lot of extra time just to get settings dialed in.

SOLUTION: With Informer in-line fluid monitoring, they benchmarked their material use.

The company set up a trial to compare their two working atomizers with two Graco ProBell Rotary Applicators. During the three-month trial, company representatives noticed these differences on the Graco side:

• Significantly fewer aluminum extrusions were sent back to the touch-up booth.
• Each applicator had no more than eight parts for which replacements were readily available, although they weren’t needed.
• Operators easily preset customized settings, based on color and size, to optimize their spray patterns..

RESULT: Their side-by-side comparison reported an increase in transfer efficiency of nearly 30 percent with the Graco ProBell Rotary Applicators. Paint line operators found Graco ProBell system controls easy-to-use. 

Their ability to control presets from the user interface allowed them to decrease downtime and improve efficiency.

The company replaced all four of their existing atomizers with four Graco ProBell Rotary Applicators. The plant manager continues to notice fewer aluminum extrusions being sent back for touchups.

^{All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.}