What Are the Benefits of an AMU?
Adding an Air Makeup Unit to a paint booth can provide several unique advantages that increase overall productivity and improve finish quality. While the basic function of an AMU is fairly simple, the number of benefits it offers is impressive. An AMU provides a solution to issues created by the air pressure imbalances that can occur during paint booth operation.
Counteracting Negative Air Pressure
During operation, the exhaust system of a paint booth utilizes and then expels a large volume of air. This significant amount of air movement can quickly create an imbalance of air pressure. When air leaves the inside of a booth without being replaced at the same rate, the internal air pressure quickly becomes lower than the external air pressure. A negative air pressure situation such as this can cause several adverse effects:
- Strong drafts, especially around windows and doors
- Low-quality indoor air
- Imperfect paint curing
- Malfunctioning exhaust fans
- Poor temperature control
- Suction pressure that makes doors difficult to open
The Air Makeup Unit fixes these issues by addressing the underlying cause: negative air pressure. The AMU provides air to a paint booth at the proper rate to replace the air that’s lost through exhaust. Many systems can automatically balance the pressure by making small adjustments to offset pressure changes such as a door opening.
Removing Air Particulates
The pressure and quality of the air inside a paint booth can have a significant effect on the overall finish of the coating. When there is negative air pressure inside the booth, it is easy for dirt and debris to be pulled in when a draft occurs. If the air inside the booth becomes contaminated with particulates, it can severely impact the condition of the final product.
An AMU provides clean, filtered air to a paint booth, improving the overall air quality and reducing particles and debris that can compromise the finish of the coating. This setup may also improve the overall air quality in the building itself, because there is no longer a need to draw unfiltered outdoor air inside to address pressure inequalities.
Reducing Curing Time
An AMU can improve productivity by reducing the time it takes to complete a project. It can take an inordinately long time for a finish to cure in cold air. Some AMU models have a heating option that can provide warm air to the booth, creating the ideal environment for optimal curing efficiency. A heated AMU may be especially helpful during the winter months to eliminate prolonged curing times due to cold temperatures.
Improving the Working Environment
An AMU can significantly improve the operation of a paint booth, enhancing both efficiency and finish quality. In addition, there are other advantages that an AMU can provide:
- Faster curing time
- Reduced load on a building’s HVAC system
- Improved indoor air quality
- Lower energy requirements
- Less risk of personnel injuries from pressurized doors
Managing shop conditions and ensuring finish quality is easy when there is an AMU system controlling pressure and air quality.
Choosing the Right AMU
Adding an AMU to your paint booth is a simple way to improve your productivity, cut production costs, and ensure exceptional quality on all your finishes. There are several models available, and each one has unique advantages. Contact us to learn about all the options and determine which one is the best solution to your needs. You can give us a call at 888-312-7488 or email us at sales@paint-booths.com.
