Air Power Attends Graco Finishing Series Launch Event

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GRaco Finishing Series Event

 

The Air Power Sales team attended Graco’s 2019 Finishing Series Launch Event. It was held at the Georgia Power Center in Atlanta, GA and GEMA’s Training Facility located in Indianapolis, IN. This exclusive training is designed around Graco’s extensive product and application knowledge further equipping our team of Account Managers and supporting Application Specialist’s ability to support, promote, and identify opportunities within the manufacturing community.  We were able to receive 10 hours of hands-on training directly with Graco’s team of product managers, engineers, and marketing leaders; allowing for a successful and mutually beneficial event.  This training centered around cutting edge technology and product enhancements; with topics including: product messages, combating competition in the field, and proven examples (case studies) of how these technologies solve customer challenges.  Below are the seven (7) topics that the Air Power and Graco team covered in detail.

Intelligent Paint Kitchen for Pneumatic Pumps

 

Graco’s intelligent paint kitchen is a system of smart sensors communicating with each other that optimize the performance of your circulation system.  It is a less complex, less expensive alternative to advanced remote monitoring and control for the entire paint room — especially when compared to traditional custom built systems. All components are standard products, not a custom-built system, which makes them easy to be configured and install. And because both the initial investment and installation costs are lower, you’re able to be more competitive in a global market. With the intelligent paint kitchen, you can remotely monitor and control key circulation system parameters like pressures, flow rates, tank levels and agitator speeds. The enhanced awareness of key circulation system parameters in real-time enables quick diagnosis of issues and ensures your system is operating at peak efficiency.

 

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Intelligent Paint Kitchen

 

New Pro XP Electrostatic Gun Models

 

Graco Pro XP Manual Electrostatic Spray GunGraco took their trademark, high performing electrostatic spray guns and made them better. They are smaller, lighter and designed to maximize your profits. Available in 40, 60 and 85 kV, the Pro Xp electrostatic spray gun also has a round spray option for when you need a bell-shaped pattern and a High Conductivity version for when you have low resistivity material.

 

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Graco Pro XP Electrostatic Gun Models

 

Radial Piston Agitator

 

These units consume 30 to 50 percent less air than rotary vane motors. Manufacturers can upgrade to radial piston agitators, which run the most efficiently at low to medium speeds.

 

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Agitators

 

Sealed 4-Ball Plus Lower

 

Graco Sealed 4-Ball Plus Lower

Graco’s sealed lower not only has longer maintenance cycles, but it is also easier, faster and cheaper to replace than an entire pump assembly. The lower is completely sealed, so it can be used for every pumping application in your mix room, including catalyzed coatings. Common components make it simpler to maintain your pump, and it reduces inventory level on repair parts. Plus our positive displacement piston pumps displace fluid in both directions of the stroke, providing low cycle rates and high flow, ideal for applications using shear-sensitive materials.

 

 

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Sealed 4-Ball Plus Lower

 

Active Surge Suppressor

Graco Surge Suppressor

Graco surge suppressors were designed specifically for the finishing industry from decades of pump technology research. The streamlined fluid path ensures low shear, smooth fluid flow, and superior flush ability.

 

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Active Surge Suppressor

 

ProDispense

 

Graco ProDispenseGraco’s ProDispense is a cost effective, user-friendly electronic system that gives you the capability to quickly and accurately fill cavities with industrial fluids in assembly line environments. The ProDispense allows for Consistent fluid dispense that is compatible with manual or automatic applications.  The easy to use interface allows for the tracking of volume.  The fluid panel configurations allow for a wide range of material viscosity and flow rates with accuracy ranges of 1 to 3 percent.

 

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Graco ProDispense

 

ProControl 1KE

 

Graco ProControl 1KEGraco’s ProControl 1KE allows you to actively manage fluid and air pressure to lock in precise spray parameters. It not only monitors fluids, it has added controls to manage fluids and improve spray performance. These systems allow for precise control of pressure, flow rates, and atomizing air with the ability to easily adjust.  The user interface allows for accurate reporting of material usage while remotely monitoring all fluids via the advanced web interface on your corporate network.

 

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Graco ProControl 1KE

 

NEW Gema OptiFlex Pro Powder Coating Systems

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Gema OptiFlex Pro Series

POWER – QUALITY – CONTROL

 

 

The new generation of OptiFlex Pro manual units impresses with additional application performance due to the outstanding PowerBoost technology. With OptiFlex Pro, you easily process all powder types and coat complex parts in superior quality – all this worldwide and in the most difficult industrial environments. The use of the Electrostatic App is your first step into Smart Factory Automation and makes the manual coating process transparent.

Maximum Coating Performance

The first choice in manual powder coating

The OptiFlex Pro manual units are uncompromisingly and agilely designed for maximum industrial suitability and worldwide use. The intelligent and durable components fit perfectly together and form the powerful package for superior manual powder coating. The ergonomic and intuitive operation enables every user to achieve the best coating results at any time.

 

PowerBoost

Safe technology for more power performance

The newly developed PowerBoost technology of the OptiFlex Pro series offers with the 110kV the highest powder charging capacity in the powder coating industry while complying with safety regulations. The operator benefits from an outstanding coating performance. The new feature completes the proven high-voltage functionalities, such as PCC mode, presettings an individual coating programs and extends the application range significantly.

OptiSelect Pro

highest industrial suitability

– The new OptiSelect Pro gun features a particularly robust and durable design. The ergonomic and light-weight gun is well-balanced in the hand, has a good grip and enables you to coat efficiently and faster.
– The new PowerBoost high-performance technology charges all types of powder even more efficiently. The benefits of the additional power provide higher productivity, faster conveying speeds and maximum area performance.
–  The integrated remote control allows easily to activate the PowerBoost powder charging mode and to regulate the powder output right away.
– The integrated cleaning of the powder conveying components can be enhanced by the optional PowerClean module, which ensures a faster and efficient cleaning. This improves performance when processing difficult powders and facilitates colour change.
– The latest generation of nozzles ensures an excellent powder distribution and penetration.

 

Best Application Results

Be one step ahead of the competition!

With OptiFlex Pro you coat extremely efficiently and with consistently high quality.

The PCC (Precise Charge Control) mode regulates the spray current even in the lowest ampere ranges (0-10µA) with the highest accuracy. This prevents overcharging of even the most demanding powders such as metallic powder and ensures the highest quality in thick film and multi-layer applications and recess areas.

The DVC (Digital Valve Control) technology allows an exact and repeatable adjustment of the powder output and ensures an uniform layer thickness.

 

OptiFlow injector

for repeatable quality

 

The new OptiFlow injector with cartridge design further optimises the venturi principle in terms of transport efficiency and low wear. By simply exchanging the one-piece cartridge, the injector performance is optimally maintained. The usage of fewer parts and the seamless design of the injector improves the ability for fast color changes.

Main features OptiFlow injector:

-Cartridge design merges injector nozzle and conveying insert into a single component
– Powder outputs of up to 450 g/min achievable depending upon hose length and diameter
– Quick release design for the powder hose
– Unique Inline-Design
– Cartridge sleeve manufactured from high quality non stick materials
– Robust diecast injector housing
– Quick disconnect air connections

 

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Gema OptiFlex Pro Series

 

OptiFlex Pro B

For frequent color changes

If your production requires frequent and quick color changes, then we would recommend the OptiFlex Pro B, which is designed to use the manufacturer’s original powder box.
– Highest flexibility
– Shortest and cleanest color changes
– For direct transport from the original powder box
– Complete emptying of the powder box thanks to the tilted vibrating base
– Integrated fluidization
– Scratch resistant and easy accessible box plate

 

Download Data Sheet

Gema OptiFlex Pro B

 

OptiFlex Pro Q

Color change in 35 seconds

Are super-fast colour changes your priority? OptiFlex Pro Q is equipped with additional features that allow:
– Super-fast colour change in 30-40 seconds
– Suitable for all types of powder
– Minimal space usage

 

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Gema OptiFlex Pro Q

 

OptiFlex Pro F

For continuous powder use

If continuous use of the same powder over a long period of time is the bulk of your production schedule, then we would recommend the OptiFlex Pro F with the 50-litre fluidized powder container.
– Ideal for large powder quantities
– Compatible with all powder types
– Scratch-free 50 litre powder container with fluidization
– Easy cleaning of the container

 

Download Data Sheet

Gema OptiFlex Pro F

 

OptiFlex Pro S

For powders that are difficult to fluidize

Do you need to economically process powders with a tendency to separation during fluidization? OptiFlex Pro S is your best choice!
– Unique stirrer system with 18 litre hopper capacity
– Processing of powders with poor fluidization capability
– Preventing the separation of powders
– Processing of small quantities without any loss
– Complete emptying of remaining powder

OptiFlex Pro C

For Lab use

Do you want to coat small batches or samples? Your solution is the OptiFlex Pro C with self-fluidizing application cup.
– Perfectly suited for small powder quantities
– Self-fluidizing application cup (optionally 150 ml or 500 ml)
– Processes powder quantities from 20 g to 250 g
– The application cup can be easily combined with every coating unit

 

OptiFlex Pro L

For small batches

Do you carry out lab applications or quality tests? The OptiFlex Pro L unit is the perfect solution for lab use and quality control.
– Fluidized powder hopper
– 4 litre hopper volume
– Removable powder hopper
– Easy cleaning

 

OptiFlex Pro W

The universal solution

For upgrades, to be mounted on booth walls or at your production site: OptiFlex Pro W can be integrated in any existing surrounding.
– Its bracket can be mounted on any powder booth
– Takes the powder from fluidized hoppers or original powder box

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Gema Manual Equipment and Guns

OptiFlex Pro Microsite

Air Power Attends 2019 Gema Symposium

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Air Power Manufacturing Solutions was invited to attend Gema’s 2019 Symposium held in a small town nestled in the mountains of Pontresina in Graubünden, Switzerland. Two of Air Power’s application specialists, Travis Stirewalt and Bob Cosey, traveled to Switzerland to represent Air Power at the Symposium. Gema invited distributors from 64 countries around the world to participate in this 4-day experience in the Swiss Alps.

GEMA: HEADQUARTERS

The event kicked off with a visit to the worldwide headquarters of Gema in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The group spent the day having the Gema “Lab Experience” which involved touring the lab facilities and interacting with the many systems they have on display. Gema has everything from small, handheld manual applications to large complex fully automated and robotic systems available in their lab. All the systems are fully operational and show the versatility of the line of equipment that Gema has to offer.

Over the three days, the group spent time in an Educational Forum focused on new Gema products to be released to distributors to launch in April/May 2019. Gema presented groundbreaking projects on automation, gave insights into new sales strategies, and demonstrated important standards on service excellence.

THURSDAY: SNOW GAMES

Gema transported the entire group to a ski lodge located nearby, where they had some special events planned for the day. They spent the morning participating in tubing, snow shoe races and other team building games in the snow while enjoying the beautiful view of the Swiss Alps. Gema used this opportunity to unveil the first manufactured OptiFlex Pro units featuring their new design. The group spent Friday learning all about the features of Gema’s new design and the changes they’ve made to enhance the users experience and improve the OptiFlex system.

We would like to thank Gema for inviting our team out to participate in the 2019 Gema Symposium!

 

 

 

Air Power Application Specialist Bob Cosey and wife Shelley Cosey

 

Air Power Application Specialist Travis Stirewalt and wife Donna Stirewalt

 

 

Air Power Enters 2019 with a New Corporate Brand

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Industry-leading manufacturing supporter rebrands itself with a new website, logo, corporate video and it’s most defining element, the corporate tagline

An established, well-recognized, industry-leading brand, Air Power has created a place for itself as the manufacturing community’s provider of choice. And while the achievements and capabilities of Air Power have carried the company through the last 50 years, its success has never come from remaining idle. Air Power enters 2019 with a new corporate brand that more accurately reflects what the company offers and the value it provides to the market.

With an updated website, logo and corporate message, Air Power’s rebrand provides clarity to its mission as an organization and its commitment to the manufacturing community. The rebrand includes bolder colors, user-friendly and interactive website navigation, a more refined company message, a brand anthem video and Air Power’s most defining element, the new tagline: Assemble. Move. Coat.

The  “Assemble. Move. Coat.” tagline exemplifies the core of the company. For manufacturing organizations that assemble, move or coat product at any point in the production process, Air Power is the partner to turn to.

The brand anthem video offers an audible and visual representation of the values that define Air Power. By showcasing the core of Air Power’s culture, it’s employees, the brand anthem video sets the expectations for what customers and prospects can trust Air Power to deliver on.

“Air Power has been the industry-leading partner for the manufacturing community for 50 years. We’ve been the brand organizations turn to for quality products and highly-engineered, innovative solutions that effectively assemble, move and coat the products that shape our world,” said Dan Senff, President of Air Power. “Our rebranding efforts go far beyond a marketing exercise. These changes were intentional, allowing us to more effectively tell the story of our brand and what we bring to the table for customers, prospects and the industry at large.”

Air Power Attends BHP Chamber of Commerce 2019 Membership Awards Celebration

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Air Power Manufacturing Solutions was invited to the BHP Chamber of Commerce 2019 Membership Awards Celebration held on Tuesday, February 19th. The event was held over lunch at the beautiful High Point Country Club. The 2019 Membership Awards Celebration is an annual event held by the Business High Point Chamber of Commerce. This event is the Business High Point Chamber’s opportunity to recognize all the people who make their organization great.

The celebration kicked off with a welcome from the President and CEO of the BHP Chamber, Patrick Chapin. The welcome was followed by a short prayer led by Reverend Dr. Frank Thomas of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of High Point. Thereafter, we heard a brief message from the Sponsor of the event, Phillip Morgan of Piedmont Natural Gas. Lastly, there was an address from the BHP Chamber Chairman David S. Congdon, CEO of Old Dominion Freight.

Congratulations to All the Winners and Nominees

 

We’d like to thank the Business High Point Chamber of Commerce for recognizing Air Power Manufacturing Solutions for reaching our 50 year milestone. We would also like to congratulate the nominees and following winners:

Small Business of the Year – Northwood Animal Hospital

Business of the Year – Bethany Medical Center

Minority-Owned Business of the Year – Karma Contracting

Community Organization of the Year – Bobby Labonte Foundation

Young Professional of the Year – Cyril Jefferson of Communities in School

President’s Award – Christi Barbour & Christi Spangle of Barbour Spangle Design

Volunteer of the Year – Eric Abeles, 2019 Co-Chair of Leadership High Point

Vision Investor of the Year – Mark A. Norcross of X8 Aviation

Distinguished Citizen of the Year – Robert G. Culp III

 

Air Power Inc. Acquires Lee Patterson Company

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Industrial Finishing Equipment Supplier based in Orlando, FL

 

HIGH POINT, NC, February 15 — Air Power, Inc. is a leading distributor of industrial products and integrated solutions provider. They recently announced the acquisition of Lee Patterson Company of Florida. The addition of Lee Patterson Company joins two extraordinary industrial distributors with rich histories and similar cultures. These companies join under a common goal, to further provide innovative solutions to the Southeast manufacturing community. Air Power’s President, Dan Senff commented:

 

“We are excited to join forces with Lee Patterson Co. and bring continued value to the Florida market.  We see a great opportunity to work hand in hand with a great team to provide support, services, and solutions to the many Florida customers who Assemble, Move, and Coat products.  Lee Patterson Co. has been serving the market since 1947 and has a great reputation for servicing their customer base and providing value-added solutions.  As our geographic footprint grows into and throughout Florida, we will continue to provide market leading services and solutions to our customers.  Our business model and approach to the market aligns very well and we are excited about what this means for our customers and our employees.”

-Dan Senff, President, Air Power Inc.

Aligning with Lee Patterson Company

 

The two companies will work closely together over the next several months to align systems, incorporate best practices and bring additional tools, resources, and infrastructure to the Florida market.  Lee Patterson Co.  is an  Industrial Finishing Equipment Supplier. They specialize in paint booths, paint booth filters, paint spray applicators, paint spray guns, air compressors, powder coating equipment, sandblasting equipment,  and pneumatic hand tools.  Together, the two companies represent the leading brands in the Finishing Industry (Liquid & Powder), Mix, Meter, & Dispense Technology of fluids, sealants and adhesives, as well as Tools and Material Handling solutions.

For customers, this acquisition will mean extended access to additional brands, a team of Application Specialists, Engineers, Service Technicians (in-house & field), Project Managers, Lab facilities, and support network to further create the value needed in today’s environment.

About Air Power

 

Air Power is a leading distributor of industrial products and integrated solutions provider.  Their team shows a true dedication to supporting the needs of their customer base by not only distributing industrial equipment, but also offering repair services in-house and in the field, engineering services for integrated solutions and over 50 years of industry experience.

Air Power boasts an impressive team of over 30 Account managers, over 40 Application specialists, and 9 branch locations in 3 regions across the Southeast, (in addition to 7 additional team members based in a 10th branch in Monterrey, MX); all under 1 company with 1 mission: to build lasting relationships by supporting the manufacturing community with quality products and highly engineered solutions to effectively assemble, move, and coat the products that shape our world.   Air Power has been serving the Southeast manufacturing community for over 50 years.  If you Assemble, Move, or Coat products, Air Power can help you!

Contact Air Power: (800) 334-1001 or www.airpower-usa.com

 

2019 Annual Sales Meeting: “No Fear, No Limits, No Excuses”

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Sales Meeting Welcome Reception

This past week, January 30th through February 1st, 2019, Air Power held its Annual Sales Meeting themed “No Fear, No Limits, No Excuses” to celebrate the accomplishments achieved in 2018 while promoting organizational goals moving forward in 2019.

Welcome Reception

We arrived on Wednesday at the beautiful Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Although colder than anticipated, we quickly warmed as Sames Kremlin hosted a Happy Hour for our team at Billy G’s Smokehouse. Our welcome reception began as Dan Senff, President of Air Power, took the stage.  Dan energized the sales team, supporting team members, and accompanying spouses  as he introduced this year’s theme;  No Fear, No Limits, No Excuses!

Vendor Day Event

Henry Ford once stated “Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success” and Thursday was a success. A highlight of the Air Power Sales meeting was our Vendor Fair.  36 of Air Power’s most valued vendor partners gathered for this exclusive event.  Air Power strategically aligned its brand message in 2018 to promote manufacturing solutions within customers who assemble, move, and coat the product of today’s world.

Vendor Day Jan. 2019 Charleston, SC

This vendor fair was an opportunity for Air Power to further align with its vendor partners, sales staff, and supporting members to elaborate on this message.  This gave our valued vendor partners one-on-one time with each and every Account Manager and Supporting Sales Staff member within our organization. Our team members spent time with each vendor partner to strategically plan and learn of new technologies to promote in 2019.

Air Power would like to thank all of our vendor partners that participated in this event.  A huge shout out to our Tier 1 Sponsors and their commitment to Air Power: Graco, Ingersoll Rand, Carlisle, ARO, Levitate, Henkel Loctite, and Heraeus. “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself”; Henry Ford knew this to be true as does Air Power with its trusted and valued vendor partners.

Banquet and Awards Ceremony

Following Vendor Day the Air Power marketing team organized a wonderful night of food, awards, and games.  The Banquet & Awards Ceremony ended with the presentation of Branch of the Year and Salesman of the Year.  We’d like to congratulate Luis Beltran and his team within our Atlanta, GA Branch for being named 2018 Branch of the Year.

2018 Branch of the Year – Atlanta, GA

  Our final award of the night was for Air Power 2018 Salesman of the Year. This is awarded to the Air Power Account Manager whom achieved overall sales goal through diversified product offering, utilization of supporting team members, and conducting themselves in a manner representative of the Air Power organization.  This year the top honor went to Rusty Clinton from our Charlotte, North Carolina sales region. Congratulations, Rusty!

Friday wrapped up the entire event and pulled the No Fear, No Limit, No Excuses theme together as Dan Crear, Vice President Sales Training for Action Selling, joined the sales team and supporting staff bringing energy and insight during a professional development session entitled “The End Game”.

2018 was a great year, but hold on, as we move into 2019 with No Fear, No Limits, and No Excuses.

 

2019 Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony

 

2018 Salesman of the Year Rusty Clinton

 

Beach After Party

Air Power at FABTECH Atlanta

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Fabtech Booth

Air Power’s booth at Fabtech Atlanta Nov 6th-8th, 2018

Air Power at FABTECH Atlanta

We had a blast at FABTECH 2018 in Atlanta, GA! Thanks to everyone who made the trip and a special thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth to talk to us about how we can help you streamline your manufacturing process. If you missed all the fun, Check out this quick video of our favorite parts of FABTECH Atlanta!
Please Like, Subscribe, and Share this video!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AirPowerUSA/
Twitter: twitter.com/Air_Power_Inc
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/airpower-inc/

Air Power’s Brand Launch Party

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In celebration of our new branding launch, Air Power hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony presented by the Business High Point Chamber of Commerce. We’d like to Thank everyone who attended, physically and virtually!

Check out our Brand New Website! https://www.airpower-usa.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/airp…
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Air_Power_Inc
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AirPowerUSA/

Get More Paint on Product with Electrostatic Spray Guns

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Background

Instead of using a spray booth to paint their products, they use exhaust plenum. Most colors used are enamel solvent based and the products painted are made up of 50% expanded steel, which is difficult to coat and very time consuming. The HVLP non electrostatic spray gun they were using produced a large amount of overspray.

 

Air Power Solution

Air Power Inc. introduced the Ransburg RansFlex 45kV, an electrostatic spray gun with much less overspray. The 45kV is better on expanded metal and less faraday cage resistance.

 

Download PDF

Download a PDF of the full case study.