Overview of the most common spray pattern faults and how to rectify them
Spray pattern problems can significantly impair the quality of the paint job. Whether material build-up, distorted or asymmetrical spray patterns, the causes are many and varied, but most are easy to fix. Here is an overview of the most common problems, their causes and appropriate solutions.
Common faults and their solutions
| Malfunction | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Split spray pattern | Material too much thinned, spray pressure too high, front bores dirty | Check viscosity, possibly select a different nozzle size, clean thoroughly (SATA cleaning set # 64030), possibly replace nozzle set |
| Excessive material application in the centre | Atomiser pressure too low, viscosity too high | Correct pressure setting with SATA adam 2, SATA DIGITAL or SATA air micrometer, check material viscosity |
| Spray fan curved on one side | horn bores contaminated on one side, front bores contaminated | Carefully clean (SATA cleaning set # 64030), replace nozzle set if necessary |
| Spray pattern displaced in one direction (upwards or downwards) | dirty horn and front bores, dirty air circuit bore | Careful cleaning (SATA cleaning set # 64030), replace nozzle set if necessary |
| Spray fan S-shaped or angled | dirty horn bores | Clean carefully (SATA cleaning set # 64030), replace nozzle set if necessary. |
| Intermittent or fluttering spray fan | Loose paint nozzle, damaged air distribution ring, clogged vent hole | Tighten paint nozzle, replace air distributor ring, clear vent hole. |
Frequently asked questions
Question: What spray pattern problems can occur?
Answer: The most common faults include a split spray jet, a spray jet curved on one side, material application that is too heavy in the centre, a spray pattern that is offset on one side, an S-shaped spray jet and a fluttering spray jet.
Question: How can spray pattern problems be solved?
Answer: The most common solutions are to clean the air nozzles with the SATA cleaning set, check the viscosity and ensure the correct pressure setting. If necessary, damaged nozzle sets can be replaced.
Further tips and instructions can be found in our daily blog series on spray problems.
