Anti-Spatter Sprayer: How to See the Best Results
When using anti-spatter liquid in a robotic weld cell, there are steps you can take to optimize the application of the spray. The addition of an anti-spatter sprayer to a nozzle cleaning station helps ensure delivery of consistent amounts of anti-spatter liquid, leading to longer consumable life, better weld quality and higher productivity. You can also add an anti-spatter multi-feed system to help lower costs, minimize downtime and increase safety. These systems eliminate the need to refill spray reservoirs frequently by feeding up to 10 reamers from a single 5- or 55-gallon drum of anti-spatter liquid.
Follow these best practices for anti-spatter liquid usage
Position the robotic MIG Gun and front-end consumables correctly. Aligning these in the right location for the ream cycle and anti-spatter liquid application helps apply the liquid uniformly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper setup based on the nozzle bore size. If the sprayer is too far away from the nozzle, it will not provide adequate coverage to prevent spatter buildup. If the nozzle and sprayer are too close, too much spray may saturate the nozzle insulator, which can lead to premature failure.
Spray for about a half-second. If you need to spray longer, it usually means the sprayer is too far away. Never spray the liquid for three or more seconds, as it can harm the consumables, cause residue buildup in the weld cell (and with it slippery surfaces) and may damage power sources by adversely affecting the electrical circuits.
Use a spray containment unit. This 3- to 4-inch unit fits over the spray head on the anti-spatter liquid sprayer to capture excess anti-spatter liquid. After the spatter has been cleared from the nozzle during the reaming cycle, the nozzle docks on the spray containment unit. An opening at the top of the cylinder allows the anti-spatter liquid to spray onto the nozzle while an O-ring seals the nozzle in place; only the outside edge and inside of the nozzle are sprayed.
The spray containment unit also collects anti-spatter liquid runoff so it can be easily drained into a container and disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental control regulations. Anti-spatter liquid cannot be reused.
To care for a spray containment unit, routinely remove any spatter or debris from the bottom and clear the screen or filter inside the unit of contaminants using clean, compressed air.
Learn more about anti-spatter liquid and available accessories.
This article is the third in a three-part series focused on the use and benefits of anti-spatter liquid. Read article one, Spatter in Welding: Should You Consider Anti-Spatter Liquid? and article two, How to Select and Use Anti-Spatter Liquid.