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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Basic questions:
1. What is Polyurea?There are a lot of official and unofficial descriptions of "what is Polyurea". The short one is: "Polyurea is an organic polymer that is the reaction of isocyanate with an amine terminated polyether resin, forming a plastic-like or rubber-like compound that may be used in many of the same ways as older technologies." The main difference to these "older technologies" is, that this reaction happens 1:1 without the need of catalysts. So a Polyurea-linkage is a very strong chemical chain, which cannot be (or only very hard) affected by weather-conditions (sun, UV, temperatures, etc.), chemical attacks (oils, solvents, environmental polution, etc.) and/or mechanical attacks.
2. Is Polyurea applyable everywhere?For a successful Polyurea-application the surface is the most important fact. "We are only as good as we are sticking to!" - these are the words of Dudley J. Primeaux II, which are trained also in all courses. That means, that the substrate to apply on must be in perfect condition, to ensure perfect adhesion and bonding. This again means, that most times the substrate has to be prepared for our spray-coating. Different substrates needs different preparation works in order to be "healthy", but if this is done well, Polyurea can be applied on it and will work for years (centuries). There are substrates, where Polyurea can be applied only with restrictions. 3. Can anyone apply Polyurea?Yes and no. Yes, if you have a basic understanding for the technology itself, have an affinity to proper application parameters and the use of a spray-gun, have an "eye" to see what you are producing and are prepared, to work hard. In any case you must participate at one of the trainings, where you can learn the main things (basic training) to be able to spray out or go very deep inside the technology (advanced applicator training) to be a qualified applicator. No, if you prefer to stay at home and enjoy your swimming-pool. 4. Is Polyurea an universal protection system?Polyurea is the description of a technology and not a coating-system itself. That means, there are different Polyurea-systems to use for different targets. A coating for a high abrasion resistant floor and a coating for a watertight membrane is done with different systems (materials). You should choice out a Polyurea-supplier with longyear experience in formulating Polyurea-systems and in different projects, so you can be shure, to get the right assistance and system for your projects. 5. What is the best Polyurea-system?Everyone, which is a 100% Polyurea-system ("pure Polyurea"). Several companies are offering spray-systems under a "Polyurea"-label, but not all these systems are realy "pure Polyurea". Only Polyurea-systems, which are labeled out with this sign:
are "pure Polyurea"-systems, take care on it! 6. What is the PDA-Europe (organization, advantages)?The PDA-Europe is the official trade association for the European Polyurea industry. Registered as an official, international not-for-profit association under Belgian law, PDA Europe promotes the highest possible standards for polyurea. Leading experts from across Europe's chemical industry make up the membership base of PDA Europe providing expert advice on product quality. The association also offers best practice information on areas of environmental consideration and safety and provides an established networking forum for key industry players to discuss the future of the polyurea market. PDA Europe has close links with the American PDA which was formed in 1999. We are a proud member of the PDA-Europe as a member of the board of directors. 7. Who is Fastsetpowerunits?Fastsetpowerunits is the individual enterprise of Gebhard Rauter. Gebhard steped in in the Polyurea-technology in year 1992 as a technician for Gusmer spray-equipment. His learned profession as aircraft-mechanic was helpful in learning and understanding, how coating-machines are working and what the needs to a successful coating are. As Gebhard was involved from begin on also directly in coating-jobs, he could collect a lot of practical experience out in the field. He passed also "Graco-equipment" times, til he choiced out, to be a part of GAMA. The presence at several global meetings and conferences and his reputation made attention to well known and honored persons in the Polyurea-technology, so meanwhile Gebhard is a part of an international working team of professionals in Polyurea. 8. Who is GAMA-Austria?GAMA-Austria is the official Austrian distributor of GAMA spray-equipment with open options. That means, GAMA-Austria can support you worldwide with spray-equipment out of the GAMA product range. As Fastsetpowerunits first took the place as GAMA-dealer first, GAMA-Austria set itself as official GAMA-dealer in 2008. GAMA-Austria is your first adress for offers, recommendations and spare-parts. In teamwork with Fastsetpowerunits, Gebhard is doing all technical support for GAMA-Austria. |
Specific questions:
1. What is the best coating-machine?The best coating-machine for you is that one, which performes your spray-polyurea well, which is easy in operation for you, needs low spare-parts and which satisfies you in price/profit range. As easy at is, so easy it is, to choice out the correct machine for your demands out of the bright range of different available spray-machines. Machine facturers are offering a bright range of different machines, everyone has also a "step-in" machine, which is low in price. Our experience showed us, that a lot of applicators are using machines, which are too small in performance for their projects (the reason for use is mostly the low price). Missing reserves in application parameters or unusefull handling are often seen outside. If you use an airdriven, electrical driven or hydraulical driven proportioning pump machine - at least you should choice out a machine, which is "a little bit more powerfull than you need it". This is most times "the next upper model in the machine range of the manufacturer. Also our recommendation is, to use a hydraulic driven machine, which performes more reliable and exact, especially in longtime use. 2. What is the best spray-gun?The best spray-gun for you must be that one, which keeps a pretty spray-pattern for long time, is easy to clean and has as less as possible parts in it. So maintenance is reduced to a minimum time. The spray-gun is one of the most important parts of the whole spray-equipment, so you should make your decision well. Maybe you can test some guns before buying it or you recall to the experience of other sprayers. The exchange of mixing-chamber (mixing-module) should be a fast process, the less O-rings to seal the gun, the better. Personal issues are the spray-pattern (round or flat) or if it is a mechanical-purge or air-purge gun (we would recommend a mechanical-purge gun). Things beside are the weight and the handling. 3. What outputs can I go (areas, details)?Most applicators, which have to coat an area of hugh amount, wants to go with an output of 10 kg/min (= time is money). As good as to understand this is, these high outputs can only be hard managed by the sprayer. We would say, that an output of around 4,5 kg/min is a range, most applicators are able to cover the wished progress in a job and on the other hand have the control over the application itself. Detail spraying (small and/or detailed subjects), where a smaller spray-pattern and low output are needed can be done by using a spray-gun for low output or exchanging the mxing-chamber to smallest available for your gun. Keep in mind also, what production your spray-equipment behind the gun is able to proceed - a small feeding pump and/or a small machine will not harmonize with a spray-gun assembled with a mixing-chamber for 8 kg/min. You will fail. 4. What do I have to take care of?On machine side:
On spray-gun side:
In application process:
5. Is a training helpfull?Not only helpfull - it is recommended in any case! Beside the course-contents the instructors are well experienced guys, who know also about the "applicators needs" and about the "practical side". So you are well at home by participating at a training, also to ask your special questions. Some Polyurea-distributors are making a training for using their material obsolet, what we appreciate in any case. 6. Where can I get assistance in case of problems?If you are working in a teamwork between your company, the system supplier and the machine supplier, you should be able, to reach your suppliers in any assistance you need. This teamwork is in the best case set up in a way, that you get assistance and support before you start a project and not only in case of problems. You should be also supported permanently while your project is running, to re-check all working steps. Reachability to the technical support of the machine supplier - also at outstanding times - is a point, you should be shure of before you buy any spray-equipment. 7. What are the prices for spray-equipment?When we are talking about spray-equipment, which is "normaly" used for spray-coatings ("fast set coatings") and not special equipment (moulding production, etc.), you will buy this equipment in a price-range from around 9.000,00 Euro to around 60.000,00 Euro. "Step-in" models can be bought sometimes for around 8.000,00 - 10.000,00 Euro, ready to spray. Depending to your application targets, it is usefull, to discuss out your needs in the forefield with your machine-dealer to be shure, to have fun (= satisfying operation of spray-equipment for long times under different conditions) with your equipment and not buying a machine only based on a "special price" without having background information. Keep in mind, that you will need also an air-compressor in the right configuration, spare-parts for feeding-pumps, machine and spray-gun, tools and cleaning-liquids.
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