How much fluid does a spray system on an edgebander really use? Manufacturer figures are often estimates. We wanted to know exactly: our Premium two-component nozzle was tested together with a well-known machine manufacturer at an industrial plant in ongoing series production. The machine manufacturer measured the consumption of every single nozzle by weighing – over several weeks, at ten spray positions.
The result at a glance
- On average around 10,900 running metres of edge per litre and nozzle
- Around 0.9 litres per 1,000 running metres – for the complete machine with ten nozzles and four fluids
- Measured by a machine manufacturer, not by us
- Continuous use in an industrial plant, not lab conditions
How we tested
The edgebander was converted to LcM® Premium two-component nozzles and LcM® fluids. Each nozzle had its own bottle, so the consumption of every position could be recorded separately. Consumption was measured by weighing the fluid over one minute of spraying, in three test series over seven weeks.
- Feed rate: 25 m/min
- Atomising air: 3 bar
- 10 nozzles: release agent top/bottom, protective agent side (2×), anti-static coolant top/bottom (2×), cleaning agent top/bottom
- Fluids used: Lc 2/10 release agent, Lc 2/40 protective agent, Lc 2/21 anti-static coolant, Lc 2/30 cleaning agent
The nozzles only spray while a workpiece passes. At 25 m/min, one minute of spraying therefore equals exactly 25 running metres of edge. To convert grams into litres we used the density stated in the technical data sheet of each fluid.
Consumption per spray position
| Position | Average [g/min] | m per litre |
|---|---|---|
| Release agent top | 2.10 | approx. 9,500 |
| Release agent bottom | 4.65 | approx. 4,300 |
| Protective agent side (1) | 0.98 | approx. 20,700 |
| Protective agent side (2) | 1.27 | approx. 15,900 |
| Anti-static coolant top (1) | 1.37 | approx. 14,400 |
| Anti-static coolant bottom (1) | 1.82 | approx. 10,900 |
| Anti-static coolant top (2) | 1.67 | approx. 11,800 |
| Anti-static coolant bottom (2) | 0.75 | approx. 26,300 |
| Cleaning agent top | 1.73 | approx. 11,400 |
| Cleaning agent bottom | 1.93 | approx. 10,200 |
| Average per nozzle | 1.83 | approx. 10,900 |
What does this mean for costs?
Per 1,000 running metres of edge, the fully equipped machine in the test used:
- Release agent: approx. 0.34 l
- Protective agent: approx. 0.11 l
- Anti-static coolant: approx. 0.28 l
- Cleaning agent: approx. 0.19 l
- Total: approx. 0.9 l
With your own running metres per week you can estimate the demand and costs for your machine. We are happy to work it out with you.
Why the values differ by position
Not every position needs the same amount of fluid. The bottom release-agent nozzle works against glue squeeze-out on the underside of the panel and was set slightly higher in the test – that is why consumption is highest here. Side protective-agent nozzles, on the other hand, need very little. Our guide Setting spray nozzles correctly shows how to adjust each nozzle to what it really needs. The starting setting according to the data sheet is 17 clicks – many positions need less.
Important for interpretation
The values apply to the conditions of this test. Your actual consumption depends on feed rate, nozzle setting, workpiece, edge material and glue. With minimum-quantity spray technology it is normal for a bottle to last a long time – more on this in Assessing spray fluid consumption correctly.
Have the consumption on your machine checked
Would you like to know how much fluid your edgebander needs with LcM® Premium two-component nozzles? Tell us your machine, your edge materials and your running metres – we will prepare an estimate for you. Contact us now.
