Spray mechanics generally prefer a product that maintains a good level of sprayability for processing. Applying or processing spray foams just on the cooler side of the temperature processing spectrum can aid in maintaining a good pattern.
Continue reading
Author Archive: John Davidson
What Is Lean Construction & Why You Should Care
Whether by choice or the imposition of an economic downturn, those within the construction trade who have realized the benefits of implementing lean concepts are way ahead in the industry. The manufacturing industry first experienced measurable results, proving the effectiveness of applying lean principles. Global recession has been behind the spread of lean construction throughout the world.
Continue reading
4 Ways to Support National Safety Month
June is National Safety Month and as we are wrapping up the month, there are some key areas workers should be vigilant of while working in the heat – especially moving into some of the hotter months.
- Wear properly ventilated suits: Many contractors don’t know that when it comes to protective wear, they have options. Some suits are designed for working better in the heat. While it can be tempting to remove it, it’s important to keep protective equipment on. Not only is it required by OSHA, but protective wear keeps you from inhaling fumes and being exposed to splashing chemicals.We suggest using more ventilated suits. Tyvek suits are a great option. Many workers cut slits in the back under the armpit area to keep cooler. Some suits are designed to be more protective in chest area and even have expanded mesh fabric under armpits that helps to vent well. These types of suits are commonly used in the food industry and car painting industry, but are great for polyurethane as well. The next time you purchase a protective suit, look at the features to identify the best suit for the time of year you are spraying.
Test Your Side Seals and O-Rings for Proper Seating
After replacing the o-rings in your AP-2 Gun, it’s important to make sure they are sealing properly. In order to test if the side seals are seating properly and the o-ring is sealing, follow these steps:
With the safety on and the gun disconnected from the hose, hook an air hose onto the gun and pull on the trigger. This pulls the chamber back slightly which cuts the airflow coming out of the tip. The air should cease from blowing out of the tip and should only slightly exhaust at the vent near the handle and the air-motor. If the side seal, the o-ring around the side seal or the oring at the screen screw is not sealing the air will push out of the check valve seat.
Continue reading
How to Fix your Transfer Pump – Before you Replace it
PMC GHO, IPM OP series, Graco T2 Transfer Air motor performance
After use, the transfer pump air motor starts operating sluggish and leaks air. This is generally due to deforming (wear) of the upper reversing spring and the upper air valve gasket. You can notice the spring wear off in two ways. The first being the pump fails to return to the down stroke and secondly the pump will pause momentarily when reversing to the down stroke which appears as a cavitation type action. In this situation, hanging the spring is the best solution, but when in a pinch, stretching the spring to its near original length can get you through the day.
4 Ways to Maintain Your Rig
Maintaining your equipment seems like an obvious requirement, but keeping your rig up to snuff can seem tedious. Trust us, it’s not the most fun job, but it is a necessity to the life of your rig AND surprise surprise, your equipment too! In this article, our experts pulled together four of the most effective steps in maintaining your rig – aside from your standing oil changes, engine checks, and tire checks.
Continue reading
Check Equipment for Moisture Buildup
Generally, when you check equipment for moisture buildup – you’re bleeding your pressure system and tanks. However, over time, moisture sometimes builds up in your spray foam hose air line. Periodic maintenance of the air line is required.
To safely remove moisture, complete these steps; place a fitting/dump valve into the air line that normally connects to the spray gun, turn on your air system, open the dump valve, then run the system wide open for 15 minutes or until moisture is displaced. These steps should be done in a safe area, suitable to rapid air release.
Watch for Crystals Forming in your Hose
When winterizing and storing hoses over an extended amount of time, be sure to clean the system thoroughly. Often, the flush and remaining isocyanate will separate over time. With the isocyanate clinging to the hose walls, fittings and various locations throughout the equipment doesn’t come out 100% with an initial flush. As a result, when the hose is put back in service, the heating required will cause expansion – dis-bonding the settled isocyanate. To help prevent this, be sure to thoroughly flush the system and follow up with a second flush within 3-4 days. This action will allow time for the remaining isocyanate to settle and be cleared with clean flush.
3 Ways to Care For Equipment in the Winter
Save Your Company Money and Time During Cold Temperatures
Weather has always been a factor on the logistics of completing jobs – especially cold weather. Most of us know, when the temperatures reach freezing the job is on hold. But what many of us don’t know is, what is the best way to store equipment and products during these freezing temperatures?
Prepare for Cold Weather
With the cold weather quickly approaching and roughly 20 good working days between now and Thanksgiving, it’s important to make the most of product yield and production by being prepared. Make sure drums are warm and ready for the job by keeping them heated with products such as the Barrel Blazer heating system. Temps are dropping in evening, so container temps are going to drop. Plan ahead and be effective!
