Hvlp spray gun and integrated fluid nozzle therefor

Abstract

An improved HVLP spray gun which operates from an air supply source and an improved nozzle therefor are disclosed. The HVLP gun has a fluid nozzle including a first, integral, laterally extending portion including pressure reduction orifices which are calibrated, relative to a fluid passage in the nozzle, so that the spray gun operates as an HVLP spray gun. The fluid nozzle includes a second laterally extending portion including a surface, against which atomization air impinges after exiting the calibrated pressure reduction orifices, and a plurality of longitudinally extending air distribution holes, wherein atomization air, after passing through the calibrated pressure reduction orifices, is directed radially outwardly in an expansion chamber where the low velocity air is pressure equalized before exiting through the air distribution holes and being directed within the air cap inwardly toward a fluid atomizing annulus. An improved air driven HVLP paint spray gun which is especially lightweight and can be used to spray all types of coating materials including corrosive waterborne paints is also disclosed. A spray gun having a reduced trigger force needed to activate the gun is also disclosed. It is preferred that the leading edge of the fluid tip is doubly tapered so as to introduce the pressurized air directly onto the exiting fluid stream, which produces finer atomization with lower air volume consumption.