Renovation of Rimstock Paint Workshop

Rimstock Paint Shop Renovation Founded in 1985 and headquartered in West Bromwich in the heart of England, Rimstock designs, manufactures and supplies alloy wheels to more than 40 countries worldwide. It is a leading, prestigious wheel manufacturer in the United Kingdom. In its state-of-the-art facilities, the company takes customers' initial design concepts through to production and distribution. Rimstock specializes in the design and manufacture of cast and forged wheels, and also operates in-house certified complete test facilities compliant with German TÜV approval standards. In 2018, a new facility specializing in forged alloy wheel production was brought on stream. Through this facility, it offers OEMs lighter forged wheels that, while more complex and stronger than cast wheels, significantly improve vehicle braking, road handling and fuel economy.

A Challenge in the Paint Shop

Rimstock's modern paint shop includes an acrylic powder clear coat system and an 11-tank pre-treatment corrosion prevention process. However, there was a problem in the paint shop. The existing spray guns were delivering inconsistent coating results. To remedy this, the feed system had to be drained and refilled for each color. The constant washing of the feed system and subsequent readjustment of the spray gun settings caused significant and unnecessary waste of material, money and time.   In search of a better solution, Rimstock consulted with Fluid Handling Solutions, an authorized Graco distributor based in nearby Wolverhampton. Nick Turton from FHS proposed a solution incorporating Graco AirPro Auto spray guns, Triton pumps and Color Change Valves. Graco's AirPro automatic spray guns are lightweight and compact, and provide consistent spray patterns for high-quality finish coats. The models feature a fluid control knob for precise fluid adjustment and an air cap with indicators providing fast and accurate positioning in both vertical and horizontal orientations. These low-pressure and versatile applicators work extremely well with a wide variety of materials and applications. High-wear models are used with carbide needles and nozzles for long service life when used with abrasive materials. Graco's Triton 1:1 pumps are a more efficient alternative to conventional pressure containers and standard diaphragm pumps. Using air-operated diaphragm technology, this spray package applies high-quality, decorative finish coats to wood and metal. Equipment suitable for all types of metal and wood applications is compatible with a wide variety of spray technologies (conventional, HVLP, compliant, air-atomized electrostatic). Graco's low and high-pressure Color Change Valves are ideal for a wide range of solvent-based, water-based and high-solids materials. A durable, precisely machined manifold delivers exceptional performance, while large ¼-inch fluid ports provide less restriction and pressure drop. A cartridge-type valve that can be quickly disconnected without removing fluid lines simplifies servicing and reduces maintenance time.

Immediate Results

Fluid Handling Solutions installed eight AirPro Auto spray guns, five Triton pumps and two Color Change Valves at Rimstock for spraying primer and topcoat onto rotating wheels. The new paint system was built on two recirculating primer systems, two recirculating topcoat systems and one endpoint solvent system. Two 4-valve Color Change Valve manifolds were installed in the paint booth, one for primer and one for topcoat. Each Color Change Valve manifold was supplied with two circulating paint feeds, endpoint solvent and exhaust air. Two automatic spray stations were installed in the paint booth. Each station was fitted with four Graco AirPro Auto guns with threaded micro-adjusters (for a total of eight guns). The guns were mounted on adjustable arms that were locked in position during commissioning. Wheels pass through each station and are rotated as the guns spray. Rimstock is very satisfied with the new wheel coating system. Mike Wise, Finish Operations Manager, stated: "The indexed fluid needle Graco AirPro Auto guns provide greater control over spray application and film build. The Triton feed pumps and Color Change Valves reduced paint waste and time during color changes."   Philippe Godbil Finishing Product Marketing Manager Graco