No PLC Programming Required for Electrostatic Rotary Bell Atomization

CUSTOMER: Chemical manufacturer

GRACO EQUIPMENT: ProBell Rotary Atomizer and WB100 Waterborne Isolation System

CHALLENGE: An industrial laboratory manager and his team of chemists needed to fill a growing demand: Duplicate industrial paint line processes by using an electrostatic rotary bell atomizer.

They had been using air spray guns and an automatic test panel machine to show how the paint pigments and additives they developed could enhance finishes. However, paint manufacturers wanted to see how well their products applied along automotive and general industry paint lines, which often use bell technology and electrostatics.

Chemists – not PLC (programmable logic controller) programmers – would be running the new finishing equipment and spraying mostly waterborne material. That’s why they needed an easy-to-use applicator that could change spray parameters 30 to 50 times per test. They also needed a water-based isolation system to safely start electrostatic painting.

SOLUTION: While looking for rotary bell atomizers, they found that most solutions required programming skills to operate and change spray parameters. That was until the industrial laboratory team came to the Graco demonstration lab in Minneapolis to try out the ProBell Rotary Atomizer. 

The chemists found the ProBell easy-to-use. They needed no programming skills to change cup speed, current, fluid flow, inner and outer shaping air, or voltage, so that they could define accurate spray parameters for their material.

RESULTS: The industrial lab now includes a ProBell Rotary Atomizer mounted on a reciprocator and supplied by a WB100 Waterborne Isolation System.

Upon installation of the new electrostatic system, the chemical company’s local distributor and Graco representative provided a four-hour training session. Chemists since have had no trouble changing spray parameters as many as 50 times per test – no PLC programmers required.

The lab’s first electrostatic painting system remains in good working order with minimal maintenance. 

The ability to duplicate industrial paint line processes while evaluating material application has solidified relationships with major paint manufacturers, strengthening the chemical company’s bottom line.