Ready to Upgrade? Deciding Which Insulation Spray Machine to Buy

If you are thinking about upgrading your current insulation spray machine and spray foam equipment, you want to take a look at your options to make the best decision. There are several key components you will want to consider with insulation machines for sale.

Key Considerations When Evaluating Insulation Machines for Sale

You should always start with this question: how will your spray foam equipment be used? For example:

• What types of insulation projects do you take on?
• Will you be using open-cell or closed-cell foam?
• Do you need to spray thermal barrier as well?
• Will you be using this for roofing in addition to insulation?
• Are you doing residential, commercial, or industrial jobs?

The insulation spray machine you choose needs to be compatible with the applications you do and rugged enough to handle the volume.

Other considerations include:

Output

You can find insulation machines for sale at a wide variety of price points, from smaller, portable units to professional spray foam rigs that can handle the toughest commercial or industrial projects. You will want to match the output needed to the pump size and throughput.

For example, here is how some of Graco’s most popular units stack up:

• Entry-Level: The Reactor E-20 Spray Foam Proportioner Systems applies up to 20 pounds per minute.
• Mid-Production: The Reactor 2 H-30 Spray Foam Proportioner System puts out up to 28 pounds per minute.
• High-Production: The Reactor 2 H-40 Spray Foam Proportioner System outputs up to 52 pounds per minute.

While you want a high-performance piece of equipment, you also do not want to overpay for capacity you don’t need.

Heater Capacity

Keeping your chemicals at optimal temperature is crucial. You want to make sure that the insulation spray machine you choose can heat and maintain the required temperatures for the foam you will apply.

Hoses

Hose length can make a big difference. If you are doing commercial jobs where your spray foam rig is a distance from the application spot, you will need hose lengths that are long enough. For longer distances,

Ratios

Keeping your A and B components mixed in the right ratio is key to foam setting up properly. Look for machines that have sensors to monitor chemical pressure and temperature to maintain optimal ratios. Also, ensure there are safeguards in place to prevent cross-contamination inside proportioners or hoses, such as ISO locks.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

When evaluating insulation machines for sale, you want to do business with a quality manufacturer and supplier that will stand behind their products. Over time, your spray foam equipment will need replacement parts and maintenance, so you want to be sure the company you choose will support your product into the future.

For example, Intech Equipment & Supply features machines and equipment from the most trusted manufacturers, such as Graco, PMC, Leister, and Honeywell. Top manufacturers have a long track record of building high-quality products and offer warranties in case of any defects.

Operating Costs

Another factor in right-sizing your equipment for the job is operating costs. You can buy bigger equipment, but keep in mind that it will consume more material. This can cut into profit margins.

Spray Foam Guns

Pay particular attention to spray foam guns. There are different types of guns, such as air-purged or mechanical purge. Air purge uses compressed air to clean the gun after spraying. Mechanical guns have pistons that purge and recirculate the chemicals.

Spray foam application can cause considerable strain for operators, especially for big jobs. So, you will want to consider lighter-weight guns that can handle the volume and are ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue. For example, the PMC AP-2 Spray Gun is the lightest and lowest price air purge gun manufactured in the U.S., designed to minimize operator fatigue.

Two nice-to-have features are quick disconnects, making it easy to detach for change-outs or cleaning, and trigger locks to let operators spray in continuous mode.

One innovative solution is the ProConnect technology found in the Graco Fusion PC Gun, which utilizes a single cartridge including the fluid section, side seals, and O-rings. This lets you swap out components for a perfect rebuild in seconds rather than dealing with individual parts.

Additional Equipment

Besides your insulation spray machine, you need the right equipment to go along with it. There are plenty of options for items like chemical tanks, generators, spray foam trailers, and personal protective equipment. Intech Equipment & Supply can create a custom package to make sure you have everything you need.

Find the perfect insulation spray machine for your growing business. Call Intech Equipment & Supply at 866-652-9975 or contact us online today. 

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.