A dust-free Galaxy
Spray booths and infra-red systems
Sydney Automotive Paints & Equipment builds and markets the Galaxy spray booth and baking oven which was developed after the company decided to look for a virtually dust-free booth. With the help of a dry ice smoke machine, technicians filled a booth with smoke and studied what happened to the overspray in the spray cycle. The results of this study identified the source of the dust infiltration. Armed with this information, technicians commissioned an engineering company to change the design of the traditional booth in order that dust be eliminated from entering the job in the bake cycle.
The Galaxy booth contains 72 lights to cut out dark spots, uses a direct drive variable speed motor, double-glazed windows and a fully automated switchboard. "The difference in having an average spray booth and the best on the market is approximately $40 per week," said SAPE general manager Terry Feehan.
Enquiries, tel: (02) 9568 2233, fax: (02) 9569 3157.
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 the compact model No. 20036 which features three cassettes, three gold coated halogen tubes, 230V, 3.3kW, single phase 50Hz. The control panel is fully integrated into the upright of the Compact Lamp. The new gold coated tubes are of a higher quality and are even more efficient and effective than previous models.
Enquiries, Michael Koodak, tel: (03) 9428 0728, fax: (03) 9428 0890.
Sure Cure catalytic gas infra-red booths
OlymThe heater emits long-wave infra-red energy generated from a catalytic reaction. Gas (Natural or LPG) enters the rear of the heater and is dispersed through the catalyst pad. At the same time, oxygen from the air is diffusing through the front of the emitter. Once the gas and oxygen converge in the pad, a catalytic reaction takes place resulting in flameless combustion and the creation of infra-red energy.
Chris Emmins' experience in spray booth maintenance was a major factor in the design of the booths. A specially-built water scrubber filtration system and quick-change inlet filters mean the Sure Cure booth does not need extensive maintenance down-time and can operate 364 days a year, allowing much higher throughput than normal booths.
Luckey stated that a smart operator using this new booth with High Solids paints could increase production by up to 150 per cent without the need to increase painting staff levels.
Enquiries, Karl Luckey, tel: 0414 451 456, Chris Emmins, tel: 0414 553 342.
IRT cures all
Sydney Automotive Paints & Equipment market a full range of IRT infra-red equipment. Top of the range is the IRT 7000 Series Automated Paint Curing Arch. Everything from a single spot repair to 40 or more mixed jobs a day can be achieved. The arch can cure any paint and panel in a matter of minutes, including waterborne materials and high solids.
The arch is suspended by rails attached to the spray booth walls and is easily adapted to all types of booth. The arch is computer-controlled and pre-programmed with specific information related to different paint products, materials and colours.
SAPE also carries the IRT 5000 Series Suspended Rail Systems in its range. Designed specifically for spray booth and prep area applications, the rail system can be equipped with any number of heaters, all hanging on easy-glide, self-balanced cassette arms. IRT rails can be tailor-made to fit any type of installation. Drying time and power are both controlled by a microprocessor which automatically handles the entire curing process after pre-programming.
The IRT range also includes various mobile models for curing partial repairs. Utilising easy mobility and high reach with extremely rapid curing times, these mobile units greatly improve throughput in all refinishing operations.
Enquiries, tel: (02) 9568 2233, fax: (02) 9569 3157.
Itech covers all infra-red needs
Itech provides a range of infrared units capable of efficiently drying surface areas: small spot repairs of 0.2 sq m to full panels of 2.2 sq m. All Itech models are fitted with electronic timing switches and on/off switching for individual heat banks. Multiple heat bank models have an angular head, height and reach adjustment plus half to full power auto timing.
Itech suggests that at a distance of 80cm from the surface, approximate dry times are:
* Body filler 3-4 mins
* Primers 12-14 mins
* Top coats 10-12 mins
Infrared curing of top coats without infrared primer cure should be avoided in order to prevent 'solvent pop' caused by solvent entrapped in partially cured primer coats. Itech claims that infra-red technology is now an indispensable part of today's paint shops, offering cost-effective savings on booth time and running costs as well as increased work flow and productivity.
The Itech range is available from Australian Warehouse Distributors.
Enquiries, tel: (03) 9553 1977.
Infrarr provides the solution
CMC Services Australia offers a complete range of infra-red and spray booth solutions for the Australian market including the Infrarr infra-red systems. Featuring aluminium frame technology, easy manoeuvrability and handling, and extremely long-life fast-medium-wave infra-red emitters, the Infrarr range is well-suited to any bodyshop wanting to increase efficiencies.
The range includes the flexible cassette and suspended rail system as well as mobile units and a vertical rail system. Infrarr infra-red systems are computerised and can be pre-programmed with six drying times, standard or personal programs.
Enquiries, tel: (03) 9482 9222, fax: (03) 9482 9333, email: cmcaust@ozemail.com.au.