Non-isocyanate, two pack acrylics are now used in a range of end use sectors, including heavy duty, transport, ACE (agricultural and construction equipment), VR (vehicle refinishing), plastics and general industrial enamels. The variety of application methods used in these sectors include:
• brush
• conventional spray
• air assisted airless spray
• airless spray
• HVLP (High volume low pressure)
• Electrostatic spray
The method utilised will be dictated by a variety of factors, including end use sector, factory/field application, user preference, economics and finish required. The trend in recent years has been to optimise transfer efficiencies during application and, as a direct result, reduce overspray and VOC emissions. This has resulted in a reduction in the use of conventional spray and an increase in the use of HVLP, airless and electrostatic spray. With the increasing usage of these application techniques, reformulation of the thinning solvents is required to reduce foaming, pin holing and solvent popping as well as to enhance flow.