Vitreous China Manufacturer Improves Coating Process; Reduces Maintenance Yime
 Precise Coating Results in More Satisfied Customers
PROBLEM: A vitreous china manufacturer in Ohio was using spray guns to coat pottery, such as pasta bowls and soup bowls, with a ceramic glaze. The spray guns being used at the time required the manufacturer to manually adjust the fan air line to achieve the proper spray pattern and distribution. Because the spray guns operated from a single line that controlled both the fan air and liquid flow, it was impossible to adjust the fan air without also affecting the liquid flow. Not only did this frequent manual adjustment cause a loss of production time, the spray pattern was imprecise and the ceramic glaze coating wasn't applied consistently. The problem was intensified due to the frequent change in dish type and size – when the adjustment process had to start all over again.
Another problem facing the manufacturer was that the ceramic glaze caused frequent build-up on the nozzles' fluid caps. This forced workers to clean the "crusted" areas every day.
SOLUTION: As soon as the manufacturer learned about Spraying Systems Co.'s new VAACO variable spray nozzle, they tested the spray nozzle to see if it would live up to its claims. The VAACO nozzle, designed for viscous spray applications where uniform spray distribution is critical, offers independent adjustment of the atomizing air, fan air and liquid flow. This allowed the manufacturer to quickly and easily fine-tune the spray pattern and achieve the precise coverage required. The need to shut down the line for manual adjustments was also eliminated. Plus, in some instances, the liquid flow can be automatically adjusted to change the spray pattern eliminating the need to change spray set-ups.
The other major benefit of the VAACO nozzle is that it features a built-in, clean-out needle. This clean-out feature eliminated the build-up and crusting problems – and subsequent maintenance time – caused by the ceramic glaze. The china manufacturer now enjoys improved coating, better overall product quality, less scrap and improved customer satisfaction.
The VAA and VAU variable spray nozzles help achieve precise, consistent coating or moisturizing in applications where uniform spray distribution is critical. The spray nozzles allow for independent adjustment of the atomizing air, fan air and liquid flow.
For example, the atomizing air pressure can be reduced to produce a larger drop size. Or, the fan air line pressure can be adjusted to regulate the spray pattern and coverage without affecting the drop size or flow rate. The result is a more accurate, uniform spray distribution. The independent control of the liquid flow achieves various distribution patterns with the use of just one nozzle.
The VAU nozzle has a built-in clean-out/shut-off needle that is activated during each spray cycle. The VAA offers continuous operation and can be equipped with a manual shut-off needle, a clean-out needle, or a combination shut-off/clean-out needle.
Both the VAA and VAU nozzles provide a second inlet port that can be used for spraying two liquid solutions or as an outlet in recirculating systems. This feature is helpful when spraying viscous or heated liquids.
The VAA and VAU nozzles can be post, bar, or support mounted using a 3/8"-24 UNF (F) thread connection or optional mounting adapters.
The VAA and VAU nozzles feature seven different external mix spray set-ups with flows ranging from 0.74 to 47 gph (2.8 to 179 l/h). The low to high pressure atomizing range is 10 to 90 psi (0.7 to 6.2 bar), with a minimum of 35 psi (2.4 bar) air pressure required to operate the air cylinder.
|
