How to Keep Your PMC Spray Foam Gun Performing Like New
By Kevin MaloneYou are out on the job and in the flow when suddenly, your spray foam gun clogs and stops working, which is not only frustrating but also shuts down the project and costs you time. Time is money, and the longer your downtime, the more money you lose.
So, what does it take to keep your PMC spray foam gun operating at peak efficiency and avoid expensive downtime for maintenance? Here are a few tips.
Clean After Every Day of Use
We recommend regular maintenance and upkeep for top performance. You won’t need to clean it after every spray but set aside time at the end of the workday to thoroughly inspect your spray foam gun. While PMC spray foam guns can operate for several days without cleaning, however developing a habit of cleaning the gun is important. Cleaning can be tedious work, but it ensures smooth operation.
Spray foam guns should also be stripped regularly. Regular cleaning will remove the buildup of hardened foam that causes internal parts to wear more quickly. Spray foam guns should be soaked in compatible solvents to remove debris. Check the O-rings for any chips or cracks.
Be sure to clean the cleaning tools, too. If you don’t, you run the risk of damaging your spray foam gun or transferring mess from one cleaning to the next. It may take a little extra time, but it will prevent cross-contamination.
Maintenance is increasingly important for older spray foam guns or as you add more hours to their use.
Check Spray Foam Guns
A couple of key maintenance items that should be on your checklist include:
- Checking for moisture. Air purge guns stay on during the entire operation, so check for moisture. If you see water, stop. Find out where or why. Do not continue to spray.
- Checking filter screens. These should be cleaned daily, especially after heavy use.
- Lubricating gun parts. Besides cleaning, you need to lubricate all o-rings to keep them operating properly.
- Evaluating gun tip and chamber. Built-up material can clog the tips, so make sure to clean them regularly using drill bits and solvents.
- Check for any scratches or debris on the side of the chamber or the valving rod on a direct impingement gun
You may want to consider using a spray gun cover or a silicone spray mold release to keep the spray foam gun exterior clean and prevent material buildup.
Update Maintenance Logs
Make sure you keep accurate records on maintenance. Filling out maintenance logs can be a pain, but they can help document your activities, in case of safety or compliance issues. Detailed maintenance logs may help command higher prices later on if you decide to sell or replace your spray foam equipment.
Use Only High-Quality Spray Foam Gun Maintenance Products and Parts
It’s tempting to save a few dollars on maintenance products for cleaning, but this can cause problems over time. Make sure you use the best spray foam gun cleaning products and PMC spray foam gun parts. Distributors like Intech Equipment & Supply sell spray foam gun cleaning kits and silicone spray mold release that can do the job right.
It is also best practice to keep a few replacement parts on hand. Contractors typically like to carry extra wear parts for field repair or maintenance, including:
- Filters / Screens
- O-rings / Gaskets
- Chambers / Tips
- Lubrication materials designed specifically for PMC spray foam guns
- Gun rebuilt kits
Follow Manufacturer Recommendations
For the best performance, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Manufacturers put their equipment through multiple tests under different conditions and have determined the optimal way to care for their equipment for a long lifecycle. Follow PMC’s guidelines to keep your PMC spray foam gun running smoothly.
Work With a Reputable PMC Spray Foam Gun Supplier
When you work with an experienced, reputable PMC spray foam gun distributor like Intech Equipment & Supply, you get top-quality spray foam guns, parts, and accessories. You also get the combined experience of hundreds of years in the spray foam industry from a team of professionals dedicated to ensuring your contracting business runs efficiently.
We pride ourselves on providing service after the sale, helping you maintain your equipment, and troubleshooting any in-field problems you have. You can count on our team to get you the right fit equipment for your spray foam business and go out of our way to help you grow.
We have a broad selection of new and used PMC products. Used products go through a thorough inspection and are refurbished as needed.
Contact Intech Equipment & Supply at 866-652-9975 or contact us online today for PMC spray foam guns and PMC spray foam gun parts.
About Kevin Malone
Kevin Malone is a leading expert in the spray foam insulation industry with 34 years of experience in spray foam fluid handling and a passion for innovation. He currently offers his extensive knowledge to Intech Equipment and Supply customers by supporting them in selecting quality spray foam equipment to optimize their business. Learn more about Kevin here.