I.C.T.C. Holdings Corporation 1240 - Manual (Page 9)

HERO Operator’s Manual – Page 8 of 23
The size of the Air Cap is determined by the size of the center hole. Every Air Cap is stamped with
number 1, 2, or 3 to indicate the range in size. The larger the center hole (No. 3), the greater the amount
of atomizing air around the Fluid Tip. To ensure proper performance, ensure that the Air Cap hole is
large enough to allow atomizing air to flow freely around the Air Cap, but not so large that it will create a
distorted pattern. Trial and error is often the best way to select the appropriate Air Cap.
IMPORTANT: Needles and Fluid Tips are sized together – when changing the Needle, the Fluid Tip
must be changed as well. Air Caps are sized separately and can be changed without necessarily changing
the Needle and Fluid Tip.
Selecting The Proper Needle, Fluid Tip, And Air Cap Combination
To select the proper Needle and Fluid Tip, start with the Needle And Fluid Tip Selection Chart later in
this section. Needles and Fluid Tips range in size and should be selected based on the viscosity of the
coating being applied and the finish and application speed required. For non-viscous materials (thin
viscosity), select a smaller size Needle and Fluid Tip. For viscous materials (thick viscosity), select a
larger size Needle and Fluid Tip. For best results, use the Needle and Fluid Tip that performs best with
the trigger of the gun fully engaged.
To select the proper Air Cap, consider the size of the Needle and Fluid Tip, and finish required. The
size of the Air Cap is determined by the size of its center hole. In order for the air to atomize the coating,
the hole in the center of the Air Cap must be large enough to allow air to flow freely around the Fluid Tip.
Depending on the size of the Fluid Tip, you may have a choice of Air Caps: using a larger size Air Cap
may eliminate more overspray (mist), however using a smaller size Air Cap may produce a finer finish.
For information about testing your Needle/Fluid Tip/Air Cap combination, refer to Section 3.8 of
this manual – Testing Prior To Spraying.
Needle And Fluid Tip Selection Chart
Material Viscosity
Needle and Fluid
Tip
Wood Stains, Lacquers, Automotive, Cellulose, Synthetics,
Acrylic, Oil 0-20 sec 0.50 - 0.75mm
Polyurethane, Glitter Paints, Cellulose, Acrylics,
Synthetics, Lacquers, Fluorescents, Wood Stains, Creosote,
Wood Primer, Multi-Color, Latex 20-30 sec 1.00 – 1.50mm
Oil Base, Latex, Hammers, Oxides, Primers, Marine Paint,
Varnish, Enamels, Multi-Color, Industrial Synthetics 30-35 sec 1.50 – 2.00mm
Emulsions, Oxides, Chlorinated Rubber, Zinc Rich
Primers, Polyurethanes, Adhesives, Latex 35-40 sec 2.00 – 2.50mm
Hammers, Latex, Oil Base Primers, Enamels, Marine,
Masonry Paints, Texture Coatings, Heavy Primers, Water
and Solvent Based Adhesives 40+ sec 2.50 – 3.00mm