Precision Spray Nozzle for UHS Coatings

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop a precision, low flowrate, air-assisted airless spray gun designed to accommodate the high viscosities of UHS coatings. The spray gun will utilize high pressures to provide a large range of flowrates of both liquid and air streams while maintaining sufficient atomization for a fine finish. The precision airless spray gun will also feature the ability to tailor the shape of the spray. While conventional spray guns can deliver large amounts of high viscosity coatings, PSI’s precision airless spray gun focuses on delivering a tailorable thin film for the most challenging, high-performance coatings. In the Phase I effort, PSI will develop the nozzle and air cap design using COMSOL Multiphysics, fabricate a prototype, and test its capabilities in an experimental test rig to determine the efficacy of the design. The Phase I Option will focus on features that will allow control over the spray shape and will investigate designs to preventing in-gun curing. In Phase II, the down-selected nozzle and air cap will be incorporated in a hand-held version of the prototype spray gun that is compatible with existing plural component spray pumps.