Spray foam insulation is surpassing fiberglass and other materials at a rapid pace. To ensure the best application, it's crucial to find the right spray foam rig for your needs.
Whether it's for a large project or part of your daily business operations, how can you find the right spray foam equipment for you?
Read on to learn more about the different kinds of rigs and how they can help you perform your job in a smooth, efficient way.
Define the Purpose and Use of Your Spray Foam Rig
In order to find the right spray foam rig, you'll need to determine what its main use will be. For example, a rig used for roofing will be different than one for insulation, and you will want to choose a specific type of rig for residential applications that's usually different from the one used for commercial work.
For most residential jobs, you'll require a spray foam rig that can produce at least an output of approximately five to eight pounds per minute (PPM). Anything under 15-20 PPM, such an air-driven machine, should work well for residential applications.
If you need something a bit more heavy-duty, a hydraulic spray foam rig machine is best. Spray foam roofing is a bit more intense and requires a complex rig, such as a mechanical purge machine. Examine your tasks and job requirements, then research the different formats of spray foam rigs to help you get the most from your investment.
You'll also want to take the material you plan to spray into considering when choosing a rig. If you're spraying just foam, you might need an air-driven, closed-cell spray foam rig for smaller projects.
If you need to spray coatings or cover a larger surface area, a machine-driven or hydraulic rig is best. These machines can handle both coatings and spray foam, and they ensure an even application over larger surface spaces for roofs and foundations.
Air Purge Spray Foam Rigs
For those who are new to spray foam applications, or if you just need something for smaller projects, an air-driven (or air purge) style rig is best. These spray foam rigs work well for startups and residential contractors, thanks in part to their affordable format.
An air purge rig requires an air compressor, which makes them a great choice if you're in a location where there are already air compressors being used. The pressure from the air helps to push the spray foam out and typically feature a maximum pressure rating of 3,000 PSI.
If you need to perform a coating application, you may need a higher air-pressure machine. Check the rating of your air purge rig to ensure that it will meet or exceed the needs of your specific application.
Air drive spray foam rigs use pneumatic technology that utilizes a single motor to power two pumps. They're extremely easy to use and feature a simple applicator trigger. When the trigger is pressed, it creates an even, consistent rate of pressure as you spray the foam and complete the job.
Solvent Purge Spray Foam Equipment
If you need something a bit more advanced, a solvent purge rig might be right for you. A chemical solvent is used in this rig to prevent materials from mixing together. It also flushes out any excess material that might be left behind in the rig's chamber.
You'll find solvent purge spray foam rigs used for coating work in most cases rather than for insulation of attic spaces. Most professionals who perform coating work prefer a solvent purge spray foam rig.
The solvent used in this equipment is extremely potent and effective, which means that the rig requires less air pressure to flush the chamber clean. A benefit to these rigs is that they offer a better spraying time, and much less downtime and maintenance.
You can also switch from large to small spray patterns quite quickly with a solvent purge-style rig. These rigs are typically more costly since they use specific solvent and foam chemicals in order to operate. You'll also need to ensure that the rig is always clean to ensure smooth, consistent spraying and the proper mixing of chemicals.
Mechanical Purge Spray Foam Rigs
A mechanical purge spray foam rig uses a mechanism called a valving rod to operate. This component prevents the chemicals from mixing together until it's ready for use.
Once you pull the trigger of the rig, it pulls back the rod to mix the chemicals together. Upon releasing the trigger, the rod goes back to the original position and also flushes out any foam that's left behind.
This type of spray foam rig is a good choice if you're in need of a variety of flow rates, depending on the specific job you're doing. Mechanical rigs are the most effective at mixing the materials you need in a fast, effective way.
With its professional design and reliable operation, mechanical rigs are most typically used for large-scale operations. It's important to make sure that you maintain a clean valving rod for the best results.
Find the Right Rig for You
Whether it's attic insulation or roof coatings, it's important to know the different types of spray foam rigs that are right for your needs. Explore the various styles and think about the maintenance requirements so you can utilize the rig that will help you get the job done in the best way possible.
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