Air Cap Sets – Be in the Know!
Happy New Year from all of us at Fuji Spray!
One of our favourite quotes that we believe in and follow is….
The New Year brings new beginnings and new projects! As our first blog of 2017, we want to start you off on the right foot.
AIR CAP SETS – Which one is best for me?
You wouldn’t use a screwdriver to hammer in a nail, therefore you shouldn’t use a 2.0mm air cap set to spray stains.
To be prepared for all the tasks at hand, you need a properly stocked tool box. The same holds true for your spray painting system.
Your Fuji Spray system can handle almost any type of material provided you…
- use the correct air cap set
- thin your material appropriately
All Fuji Spray HVLP spray guns are installed with a multi-purpose air cap set that is generally used for most water borne and solvent based coatings. This is a good starting point; however there are several more air cap sets to choose from that may be better suited for the type of material you are spraying.
Fun Fact:
Did you know …that the T-Model Air Cap Sets (5100 Series) share some of the same needle.
Ex: Stamped needle will show the following #1011315 – therefore this needle can be used with the 1.3mm and 1.5mm nozzle and air cap set.
Choosing the Correct Air Cap Set:
Choosing the correct air cap set for your HVLP spray gun can sometimes be a challenge. We would like to help you in making the best selection.
For the most part when answering customer questions we often suggest one of the following air cap sets:
- 1.0 mm
- 1.3 mm
- 1.8 mm
1.0 mm Air Cap Set:
The 1.0 mm which is for fine to medium output is great for most fine finishing including many water-based / borne coatings.
1.3 mm Air Cap Set:
Our standard 1.3mm air cap set is also ideal for most water-based/borne products. This air cap set is also great for polyurethane and oil based paints when thinned properly.
1.8mm Air Cap Set:
The 1.8 mm is our high output air cap set. It is ideal for larger surfaces, and thicker layers. It is also great for primers, industrial coating (higher viscosity), oil based paints, epoxy enamels, plastic, adhesives, floor paving paints, latex (walls), splatter paints and multi fleck paints.
Be in the Know:
Over the years we have found that tips ranging from 1.0mm-1.8mm are ideal for most finishing applications.
The other remaining air cap sets are typically better suited for specialized materials or projects.
Not every setup will be identical for every user. Other important considerations include; percentage of thinning, ambient temperature, temperature of coating, strength of the turbine motor, and distance of the spray gun from the target.
Helpful Tip:
Keeping a record in a handy pocket book or notebook can make your life easier during any project. Recording information such as Coating being sprayed, Brand of Material, Thinning Percentage, Viscosity, Air cap size used will eliminate the “Guess Time” on your next project.
**Fuji Spray “Always Measure” Pocket Book…. Order one today!
Always remember that these are guidelines and experimentation is always the best way to decide which set up works best for you!
Happy Spraying!