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Air compressors have been used in spray booths for as long as manufacturers have been coating surfaces. But as a carrier for gelcoat, compressed air is not without its drawbacks. For one thing, operators are forever battling static electricity, which disrupts surface distribution, attracts dust and other particles, and can even pose a risk of sparking and combustion.
The output from a conventional air compressor is turbulent by nature, with molecules of different sizes and properties constantly jostling each other. This can make for an unpredictable spray pattern and uneven paint coverage. In order to compensate, manufacturers are often forced to overspray, using more gelcoat than necessary while adding to harmful emissions.
Some gelcoats can also react to the carrier,causing unpredictable and undesirable results. There’s definitely room for process improvements.
Nitrotherm is a patented technology that converts conventional compressed air into heated, ionized, nitrogen. A generator unit filters the compressor output, leaving only pure, heated, calmed-state nitrogen in its place. The uniform, non-reactive molecular make-up is ideal for carrying and distributing fluid coatings, eliminating both turbulence and static.
The comparitive advantages of Nitrotherm are significant and manufacturers are starting to take note. This has been especially true in Europe, where the technology was invented. It is now being introduced to the US market by Lesta USA (a division of DeGeest), leaders in automation and finishing.
Better Finish Quality:
Saves Time and Material:
Reduces Waste and Emissions:
If you’re using a traditional spray system to apply paint or gel-coat, you don’t need to change out any of your existing equipment. The Nitrotherm generator is simply added between your air compressor and spray unit. It is compatible with most spray systems on the market, including the MVP line of Patriot, UltraMax, and Pro gel-coaters, in both manual and robotic applications.
In fact, the inherent properties of nitrogen can enhance the performance of premium spray systems like the Patriot, allowing operators to maximize the full potential of machine, coating, and carrier for superior results.
“Switching to Nitrotherm makes sense on a lot of levels. The investment pays for itself in time and material saved… sooner for higher volumes, but even for moderate volumes you can reach break-even in a very reasonable time frame. And the operator experience is so much better. When you don’t have to fight the elements, it’s so much easier to achieve satisfying results.”
-Troy Ziel, MVP Regional Sales Representative
Nitrotherm is an innovative solution that delivers a better finished product, a better, safer application process, and tangible operational cost savings. Working with Lesta USA, MVP is helping a growing number of customers take advantage of these benefits. If you’re interested in learning more about Nitrotherm, having an exploratory conversation to assess your fit, or setting up an onsite trial, contact MVP.
You can also learn more about Nitrotherm online by visiting Lesta USA.