CoatingsPro Magazine

JUL 2016

CoatingsPro offers an in-depth look at coatings based on case studies, successful business operation, new products, industry news, and the safe and profitable use of coatings and equipment.

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22 JULY 2016 COATINGSPROMAG.COM become a problem. Daily startup and shutdown procedures are recommended to extend the operating use between cleanings. Tese procedures generally achieve extended use; however, they won't entirely expose what is happen- ing within the equipment. Trying to push the use of equipment pieces, such as a spray gun, between cleanings can further damage individual parts, and so can avoiding deep cleaning. Operation Temperatures Another often-neglected variable in maintenance is the weather. Cold weather not only afects the viscosity of the materials, making it harder for the pumps to function and heaters to perform, it also afects the viscosity of oils and extends warm-up times for equipment. Storing materials and equipment inside a well-insulated and heated truck or trailer will extend the life by keeping critical components from freezing and causing other major long-term issues. Hot weather, on the other hand, breaks down lubricants faster but also afects the life performance of critical electrical components and increases the temperature of intake air, preventing motors and pumps from " breathing." Drawing cleaner, cooler air from outside of the equipment to feed air compressor intakes and properly venti- lating the air spaces to keep electrical components and lubricant lasting the expected hours will help your equip- ment operate better with less lag on the machine. Installing an air-condi- tioned space for hotter times of the year may help prevent breakdowns and keep heat-sensitive components, such as electronics and motors, from overheating. Two other environment-related issues may afect the maintenance and longevity of your equipment: dusty environments and moisture. Dust always fnds a way. Consider installing additional and/or fner particulate flters and increasing the frequency of recommended service intervals. Minimize the accumulation of dust by keeping doors closed and installing flters at air intakes throughout the rig. Tis will keep exposure to the environ- ment in which the equipment sets and runs at a manageable level. Use clean, dry compressed air to blow out dust and contaminants from consoles and areas, such as fan housing, piston shafts, and radiators, where dust settles. Clean, polish, and grease accordingly to keep seals performing. For moisture, the old adage that water is our friend and fercest foe holds true here. Not only does it soak the work environment, it starts the breakdown and formation of change in everything it comes in contact with. Water breaks down grease and lubricants and also causes materials to react faster. It gets in electrical connec- tions, which starts corrosion. Take the time to apply dielectric compound at connectors, clean corrosion, and seal-of. Check gaskets and rubber hoses for rot, and beware of water on your equipment. Quit Pointing Fingers As a business owner, you need to take ultimate responsibility to make sure your investment is taken care of; however, you can delegate these respon- sibilities to a knowledgeable employee or a contract-based worker. Te most important step is not to point fngers and assume someone else is capable of taking care of maintenance or knows how to do it. Just because someone can use the equipment doesn't mean he or she automatically knows how to take care of it. Train properly. Ultimately, taking care of equip- ment is an ongoing job. If you take care of your equipment from the frst time you use it, you will be rewarded with equipment that outlasts ingenuity. You may fnd yourself buying new equip- ment because a new feature was added, and in the process, saving lots of money because you have just sold the old equipment in good condition. Mistreating equipment is certainly a waterfall efect. W hen equipment is taken care of, you can save money. W hen equipment is not taken care of, it may cost money, give you a headache, and force you to lose money from your jobs. CP W hat's it look like when the A side is left in the hose? Check it out at www.coatingspromag.com/videos John Davidson is t he V P of Operat ions at SprayWork s Equ ipment Group. Wit h more t han 25 years of e x per ience in t he spray foam and poly urea indust r y, Dav id son br ings a wea lt h of k nowledge and hand s-on e x per ience. He has worked on commercia l and resident ia l bu i ld ings, br idges, and inf rast r uct ure. For more infor ma- t ion, contact: SprayWork s Equ ipment Group, Just because someone can use the equipment doesn't mean he or she automatically knows how to take care of it. Train properly. Photos courtesy of SprayWorks Equipment Group LLC Notes From the Field

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