CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/791367
CompositesWorld.com 49 » SPRAYABLE MATERIALS & SPRAY EQUIPMENT Gel coat applicator system Graco Inc. (North Canton, OH, US) has introduced its new, flexible and precise fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) gel coat system, designed for molded fiber-reinforced plastics, such as those used in automotive applications. Graco's gel coat system proportioner offers what is said to be precise on-ratio dispensing, while the company's RS gel coat gun offers an even and consis- tent spray pattern and easy mainte- nance. Features include good ratio stability and control, long-lasting seals and adjustable-ratio catalyst pump. The gun is said to be as much as 44% lighter than competing gun technologies, leading to better handling and spraying control for operators. The gun also reportedly delivers a good spray pattern due to its Air Assist Containment (AAC) technology, which wraps spray in a "containing shield" of air, preventing atomized droplets from escaping the spray pattern. The resulting decrease in overspray reduces material waste and creates a healthier environment for operators. Additionally, the gun's quick-disconnect front end reduces maintenance time, while the needle clamp's design relieves operators from the necessity to adjust needle settings after routine maintenance. www.graco.com/cwfrp THERMOSET RESIN & ADHESIVE SYSTEMS Styrene-free putty and resin Discussion of the hazards of styrene, ongoing for decades, has yet to reach a conclusion. Regarded as a hazardous chemical, especially in case of eye contact, but also skin contact, ingestion and inhalation, by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta, GA, US) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA, Helsinki, Finland), styrene is listed by the US Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS, Washington, DC, US) National Toxicology Program (NTP) as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" in the Report on Carcinogens (12 th ed.), despite a preponderance of evidence that indicates otherwise. Nevertheless, interest in styrene-free materials continues to be high in many markets. In response, Ilpa Adesivi (Bari, Italy) has developed styrene-free products, including its LINEA BLU line, which includes repair putty for fiberglass, spray putty and polyester resin. The company says that LINEA BLU products are not only safer, but also higher-performing than competing styrene-free products, and are characterized by high adhesion (comparable to epoxy systems) and low volumetric shrinkage on a variety of materials. Nearly odorless, LINEA BLU products are two- component, with a benzoyl peroxide paste hardener and high-boiling methacrylic solvents, and they dry quickly at room temperature. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are lower than 3% w/w (per ASTM 2369). The newer Gluepox cartridge, filled with LINEA BLU mastic and hardener, already dosed, makes for easy application. www.ilpa.it Custom tools in 10-12 days. Not 10-12 weeks. CUSTOM COMPOSITE CUTTING TOOLS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR APPLICATION Solutions: • Delamination • Close tolerance holes • Complicated profiles needing cut • Stack-ups • High production tool needs MADE WITH PRIDE IN THE HEARTLAND 800.428.TOOL | SuperiorToolService.com WICHITA, KANSAS • Trimming • Routing • Reaming • Countersinking NEW PRODUCTS