Airbrush with lower and upper tank: differences and principle of operation
Content
The mechanism can be powered by a built-in electric motor or by a compressor that supplies compressed air to the console. The principle of operation is to supply paintwork material through a nozzle that crushes and sprays the solution. The shape (area) of paint distribution is called a torch.
The aerosol technique has turned car painting into a better, but at the same time relatively simple procedure. It is enough to take into account the features of the principle of operation of spray guns with lower and upper tanks.
The principle of operation of the device
The spray gun is a special tool designed for quick and uniform staining.
Widely used:
- during construction and restoration;
- for painting automotive parts and bodywork.
Electric paint sprayer
The spray gun converts electrical energy into pneumatic power. The power and weight of the device determine the range of main features:
- types of paint with which you can work;
- scope - areas suitable for staining.
Highly specialized models are large in size. Individual spray guns can weigh up to 25 kg.
Instead of compressed air, the design uses the pressure of a built-in pump. The design is based on reciprocating motion.
The springs actuate the piston, which provides:
- the flow of paintwork material (LKM) from the tank into the device;
- cleaning with a filter;
- compression and ejection of paint, followed by spraying.
Electric spray guns are equipped with flow indicators. Additional controls allow you to control the parameters:
- layer thickness;
- application area.
Electric models do not use air flow, which eliminates the grinding of coloring drops at the time of spraying. With all the convenience and simplicity, the coating is inferior to pneumatics. The disadvantage is partially compensated by the combined options.
Pneumatic spray gun
The design is based on a split channel. A working compressor supplies compressed air into the mechanism. Pressing the trigger of the "remote" pushes back the protective shutter and clears the way for the paint. As a result, the flow collides with the paint and breaks the composition into small particles, providing a uniform coating.
There are 2 types of dye mixing:
- inside the device, at the time of supplying paint from a can;
- outside the spray gun, between the protruding elements of the air cap.
In general, the spraying process repeats the principle of operation of a conventional aerosol. Although an air gun with a bottom tank works a little differently than when applying paint from above or from the side.
How a pneumatic spray gun works
The gun trigger is responsible for the valve that controls the air supply. Long press:
- the compressed flow enters the mechanism and begins to move the needle that blocks the nozzle;
- a change in internal pressure causes the paint to pass through the filter and enter the channel (cylinder or diaphragm) of the device;
- there is a mixing of paintwork materials with air and subsequent spraying of fine particles.
The principle of operation of the spray gun with the top tank is based on gravity. Under the influence of gravity, the paint itself flows down. Other designs take advantage of the pressure difference between the device and the tank. At the same time, in all models, an additional rod located on the inside of the nozzle is responsible for the feed power.
Features and scheme of operation of models
Manufacturers provide a wide range of paint sprayers.
Different brands may vary:
- external design;
- the position of the container;
- mechanism of action;
- nozzle diameter;
- the materials used;
- scope.
Which spray gun is better for - with a lower tank or with an upper one - will determine the features of painting a car. It is equally important to consider the area with which you will have to work. Some models will paint the body without any problems, while others show themselves well only on small or even surfaces.
Airbrush with top tank
Pneumatic spray gun with a top tank works by analogy with other models.
There are 2 main differences:
- location and fastening of the container;
- paint supply method.
For the tank, an internal or external threaded connection is used. An additional “soldier” filter is installed on the valve. The container itself can be made of metal or plastic. The optimal volume of paintwork materials is 600 ml.
Spray gun device
Micrometric adjustment screws allow you to control:
- material consumption;
- torch shape.
The scheme of the principle of operation of a pneumatic spray gun with a top tank is based on a combination of gravity and compressed air. The paint flows from the inverted container, after which it enters the spray head. There it collides with a stream that grinds and directs paintwork.
Airbrush with lower tank
The model is focused on construction and finishing works. This type of paint sprayer is mainly used for painting vertical and relatively flat surfaces.
Spray gun device
Scheme of the principle of operation of the spray gun with a lower tank:
- when air passes through the mechanism, the pressure in the container decreases;
- a sharp movement over the neck of the container provokes the ejection of paint;
- compressed air directs the liquid to the nozzle, simultaneously breaking it into small droplets.
Features of the spray gun
One of the features of the model is represented by the sputtering technique. The fact is that it is undesirable to tilt the tank to the sides or turn it over. The highest quality coating comes out if the painting took place at a right angle.
With side tank
Spray guns with side mount containers are classified as equipment for professional use. This is a relatively new format, also called a rotary atomizer.
Spray gun
The model uses the principle of operation of mechanisms with an upper tank. The only difference is that here the paint composition enters the nozzle from the side. The container is attached to the device with a special mount that allows you to rotate the tank 360 °. This is quite convenient, but limits the amount of paint to 300 ml.
What type of spray gun is best for painting cars
Painting a car with a spray gun with a lower tank complicates the principle of operation of the device. The nozzle provides a clear pattern only when spraying at right angles to a vertical surface. So models with mounting the container from below in a car service, if they are used, are extremely rare.
For the machine, it is better to choose a pneumatic paint sprayer with a top tank. Compared to electrical counterparts, it guarantees economical consumption and good coverage. Of the budget brands, ZUBR is popular. When choosing expensive models, it is advisable to focus on videos, reviews and reviews of real buyers.
Vacuum cups for paint sprayers
The vacuum tank consists of 2 elements:
- hard tube for protection;
- soft container with paint.
As the dye solution is consumed, the container deforms and contracts, maintaining a vacuum.
The use of such a tank greatly simplifies the process, allowing you to spray paint:
- at any angle;
- regardless of the location of the mechanism.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Before painting, it is advisable to make sure that there is no damage:
- start the compressor with a partially filled container and test the spray gun;
- check the position of the regulators, as well as the stability of the fittings and the hose.
Possible problems associated with a tank malfunction:
- Leakage of the tank at the attachment point of the container with the device. A new gasket is installed to ensure tightness. For lack of material, you can use a piece of nylon stocking or other fabric.
- Air getting into the tank. A frequent failure is caused by loose fasteners or a damaged gasket, as well as deformation of the nozzle or spray head. Requires replacement of the damaged element.
Remember that an air gun with a lower tank works correctly only if it is held straight. When tilted, the tool begins to “spit” unevenly with paint and quickly becomes clogged.
In addition, thick formulations for spraying are not suitable. In most cases, the paint must be mixed with a thinner before use, following the manufacturer's instructions. And it is desirable to check the quality of the application on a piece of plywood, metal or drawing paper.
Spray gun jet type
At the verification stage, the main parameters are configured:
- the bottom screw is responsible for the force of the air flow;
- the regulator above the handle controls the flow of paint;
- the top screw determines the shape - turning to the right rounds the torch, and turning to the left forms an oval.
Immediately after the end of the process, the spray gun must be cleaned. The rest of the composition is poured into a clean container. The device should work until the paint stops coming out of the nozzle. Then a suitable solvent is poured into the tank and the trigger is clamped again. The parts of the device will be cleaned as the solution passes. But in the end, the device will still need to be disassembled. And wash each part with soapy water.
