Information on the ToughTek S340e materials and mixing procedures.

What types of materials can I pump using the ToughTek™ S340e?

The following types of materials can be pumped using the S340e:

• Cement Based Plaster (Stucco)
• EIFS (External Insulation and Finishing System) Materials
                o  Liquid Applied Weather Barriers
                o  Base Coat
                o  Finish

A list of Stucco and EIFS materials tested with the S340e can be found on Graco.com.  For additional materials, please contact Graco Technical Assistance.

How should I mix the material I want to pump with the ToughTek™ S340e?

Always refer to material manufacturer’s recommendation for proper mixing consistency.  Below are some general guidelines for Stucco and EIFS.  

When using a mortar or concrete mixer it is important to thoroughly mix stuccos for at least 3 minutes allowing the aggregate and cement to be fully wetted out. It is also recommend that stuccos be allowed to rest for up to 5 minutes after mixing prior to pumping.  This further allows the material to wet out.

EIFS finish coats, and liquid applied weather barriers can be mixed with a drill and paddle mixer until the material reaches a homogenous (or consistent) appearance and consistency.

How do I know how much water to add to my mix?

For stuccos refer to material manufacturers recommended quantity of water.  Normally this is specified in a range of water to be added to obtain a good workable consistency.   Depending on variations in bag mix and on environmental concerns, like temperature, the amount of water might need to be adjusted within the manufacturers range.  I.e. on a hot day more water may be required to keep the material at a good workable consistency.

EIFS finish coats sometimes allow water to be added to thin out the mix.  Refer to manufacturer's datasheets to see if the addition of water is allowed, and in what quantity.
 

What is a proper working consistency of the mix?  How do I know if my mix is the correct consistency?

The workable consistency refers to the ability of the material to move or flow.  When mixing cementitious materials the addition of the correct quantity of water is critical.  Too little water and the mix won't flow and will be difficult to pump; too much water and the mix will sag and not build up correctly when applied.  Always refer to the material manufacturer’s recommendation for quantity of water to add to the mix.

For Stucco, it is recommended to do a plunge test for consistency.  Follow the steps below to perform the test.

Plunge Test for Consistency
Tools Required:
-     4" long, 8oz plumb bob
-     String (to suspend plumb bob)

Procedure:
-     Once material to be pumped has been mixed suspend a 4", 8oz, plumb-bob directly over the material.  
-     The tip of the plumb-bob should just be touching the top of the material.
-     Release the plumb-bob into the material.
-     For a good consistency mix the plumb-bob should plunge into the material at least ¾ the length of the plumb-bob.  This means that for a 4" plumb-bob only 1" of the plumb-bob should be visible above the top of the material.
-     If the plumb-bob does not plunge at least ¾ of its length then the material should have additional water added to it.  
-     Re-test with plumb-bob until at least ¾" plunge depth is achieved.


My material is not flowing or loading into the pump.  Why is this?

If the material is not flowing into the pump from the hopper, it may just need some assistance in getting started.  Use a squeegee, a plastic putty knife, a spatula, etc. to start/aid the material flow by pushing it down the hopper into the pump inlet.  DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS!  While the machine is running it may be necessary to periodically aid the material as to not cavitate the pump.  

If the material will still not flow into the pump inlet on its own, you may have a material consistency issue. Refer to material manufacturers recommended quantity of water to add to the dry stucco mix.  Normally this is specified in a range of water to be added to obtain a good workable consistency.   Depending on variations in bag mix and on environmental concerns, like temperature, the amount of water might need to be adjusted within the manufacturers range.  I.e. on a hot day more water may be required to keep the material at a good workable consistency.

For Stucco, it is recommended to do a plunge test for consistency.  Follow the steps below to perform the test.

Plunge Test for Consistency
Tools Required:
-     4" long, 8oz plumb bob
-     String (to suspend plumb bob)

Procedure:
-     Once material to be pumped has been mixed suspend a 4", 8oz, plumb-bob directly over the material.  
-     The tip of the plumb-bob should just be touching the top of the material.
-     Release the plumb-bob into the material.
-     For a good consistency mix the plunge-bob should plunge into the material at least ¾ the length of the plumb-bob.  This means that for a 4" plumb-bob only 1" of the plumb-bob should be visible above the top of the material.
-     If the plumb-bob does not plunge at least ¾ of its length then the material should have additional water added to it.  
-     Re-test with plumb-bob until at least ¾" plunge depth is achieved.

The cement content of my material is below 25%.  Is there any way to still pump this material?

When cement content is below 25% of mix, or when problems are encountered during the pumping of stucco, a pump aid (such as Easy-Spred®) can be added to the mix.  Pump aides work by helping to prevent water from separating out of the mix while under pressure.  Consult the material manufacturer for acceptable pump aides to be used with the mix.