Paint it, dry it
Spray Booths & Infra-red Technology
Infra-red technology has come a long way from the basic infra-red lamp. Despite claims to the contrary, the move towards environmentally-friendly waterborne paints in the repair industry means average drying times may well lengthen. As a result, the use of infra-red technology, especially shortwave, is expected to grow.
A high quality, 12kW shortwave arch system will dry putty in under three minutes, primer in under eight minutes and top coat in under ten minutes. Shortwave infra-red works from the inside out -- the heat penetrates to the metal underneath.
As work providers continue to consolidate, those companies that can expand capacity and reduce labour times will be in a good position in the marketplace. Trends seen in the UK suggest rationalisation in the Australian industry will result in fewer, larger shops. Infra-red drying systems give the advantage to the user of quicker through-put and therefore allow for greater car repair volumes and improved energy and labour efficiencies.
Spray booths have transformed themselves in the past few decades from simple paint areas to multi-use high-tech pieces of equipment. Investing in a spray booth is a costly part of any bodyshop and with tougher environmental laws on the horizon, care must be taken to purchase a future-proof booth. Combination infra-red bake ovens and spray booths are available and many new booths carry sophisticated extraction systems.
Features such as full insulation, daylight lighting systems, water wash floors, detachable inlet filter systems and natural gas power are the trends in the spray booth sector that will increase efficiencies and enable quick and easy maintenance.
Small is beautiful
The INP Compact range of shortwave infra-red curing lamps, distributed in Australia by Michael Koodak, focuses on energy efficiencies, versatility and design quality. Low initial capital costs and operating costs, as well as dramatic reductions in drying times over traditional paint curing methods means the INP Compact range is a cost-effective option for any bodyshop.
Michael Koodak carries two compact models; the 20036 Compact Single and the new model -- the 20037 Compact Twin Blue. The 20036 features three cassettes, three gold coated halogen tubes, 230V, 3.3kW, single phase 50Hz. The new 20037 Blue model features six cassettes, six gold coated halogen tubes, 400V, 6.6kW, three phase+neutral+earth, 50Hz. The control panel is fully integrated into the upright of the Compact Twin. The new gold coated tubes are of a higher quality and are even more efficient and effective than previous models.
For more information or demonstrations, contact Michael Koodak, tel: 03 9428 0728, fax: 03 9428 0890.
Infra-red gets Itechnical
Itech Infrared Dryers has responded to trade requests for a wider configured drying system that can be used on both the vertical and horizontal panels such as guards, quarter panels, bonnets and boot lids.
The new model Helios 3000 is extremely versatile with an electronic timing switch and on/off switch for both drying banks. The specifications of this new model are: 240V, 3000W and a heating area of 1.6m x 0.9m.
The Helios 2000 is also now available: 220V, 2800W through four 700W transmitters; heating area of 1.2m x 0.9m. The new Spot 700/1000 is useful for difficult to reach places such as the inside of car doors and boots. It is manufactured to two power specs; 700W and 1000W.
Also available in Australia from Itech are the Sirce medium wave systems with ceramic emitters and the Sirhal shortwave systems with halogen emitters.
Enquiries to Australian Warehouse Distributors, tel: 03 9553 1977, fax: 03 9553 1225, email: stork.awd@bigpond.com.au
CMC leads the way
CMC, internationally known and recognised for its quality and technological advancement of spray baking ovens and preparation bays, continues to be unsurpassed in the industry for manufacturing and installing world class units.
The company has the ability to build 'made to measure' units to cater for all customer needs, ranging from the smallest operation to the largest.
The customer base includes major corporations Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Glasurit Technical Centre and one of the world's largest airlines, for which they provide the two largest ovens manufactured in the industry for use in their jumbo jets.
As well as Australia, CMC Australia have installed spray booths in New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia.
CMC Services Australia, tel: 61 3 9482 9222, fax: 61 3 9482 9333, email: cmcaust@ozemail.com.au, website: www.cmc-services.com.au.
Plaza cleans up
Without regular service and attention, spray booths will break down or become inefficient -- filters get blocked, the airflow becomes disrupted affecting the even distribution of paint, the water starts to smell and pumps break down.
Treating the water with flocculent chemicals will prolong the life of the water in the booth as well as keep the pumps operating efficiently and therefore increasing the time between services and reducing running costs and booth downtime. Treating the water also assists in overcoming corrosion and odour problems.
Plaza Chemicals has developed its own range of water treatment flocculent chemicals to break up the overspray paint in waterwash booths so that no matter what type of paint or booth used, the company can advise on specific treatments. A complete service involves pumping out and correctly disposing of waste water, high pressure cleaning of the booth, replacing all filters and treating water with the correct chemicals.
Recently acquired by ERS Australia, Plaza services Victoria and plans to expand this to Sydney and Brisbane in response to customer requests.
Plaza Chemicals, tel: 1800 118 800