With the highly anticipated jet X flagship model set to arrive, PPG National Training Manager, Trevor Duke got an early opportunity to see how it’s been designed to make you a better painter.
Despite more than 36 years in the trade, Trevor Duke admits he gets a bit excited when a new version of SATA’s premium spray gun emerges.
Having used the SATAjet X 5500 for the past four or five years, he was keen to get an early look at its replacement, the ‘jet X’, particularly given that it has been billed as ‘the most digital SATA of all time’.
“The jet X is definitely an improvement on the SATAjet X 5500 which was already an amazing gun. What is really interesting is that the DIGITAL version of the SATAjet X 5500 was by far the most popular locally and now SATA has stepped up the digital technology to the next level with this new flagship gun.”
“Although it’s possible to purchase the jet X BASIC which shares all the clever nozzle technology with the rest of the range, this non-DIGITAL version is an entry level gun that you can compare ‘apples with apples’ with conventional competitors. The majority of local buyers are expected to go with the jet X DIGITAL or the jet X DIGITAL PRO and I would highly recommend it. Choosing the digital technology is about providing more information to help the painter make informed decisions.”
“I found that the jet X DIGITAL had everything I needed. It’s adam X unit faces back towards the user so it’s easy to see the display with the inlet air pressure and the ambient temperature. I think having the ambient temperature conveniently on display is a very handy tool that helps remind painters that they need to adapt to the conditions. By clearly seeing what the temperature is, you are far more likely to choose the correct hardener and thinner.”
“The adam X Pro unit on the jet X DIGITAL PRO adds even more capabilities. It includes an optical alarm that triggers when the target air pressure deviates by more than 0.2 bar. This feature can let you know if there are issues with your compressed air supply system that can cause a pressure drop at the gun, such as high air consumption in the workshop or simply a compressed air system that might require an update.”
“It’s important because a drop in pressure at the gun can alter colours and metallic orientation or cause solvent boil in clearcoats. The adam X Pro also records data including the number of trigger pulls, operating hours and painting time. This data can then be transmitted via a QR code to your own personal dashboard on a PC or smart phone. If you take part in the SATA Loyalty Program, ‘coins & more’, you can even collect ‘SATA coins’ via the new adam X Pro and redeem them later on for cool rewards in the SATA Loyalty App (check it out at https://jetx.sata.com/adamx).”
Precision application
While SATA’s innovative digital technology is a definite highlight, Duke points out that the SATA R&D team have also been hard at work further improving the spray experience for all jet X models.
“No matter what your paint technique is, the jet X is going to give you a spray pattern which is incredibly controllable. Thanks to its new SATA designed ‘labyrinth nozzle technology’ the fluid stream is atomised so finely that it eliminates that light flutter many guns have when the fluid starts to flow and this allows you to put on the material really nicely.”
“There is also excellent mottle control but where it really comes into play is with the more tricky modern colours, such as Mazda’s 51K Rhodium White Metallic and 46V Soul Red Crystal. The fine atomisation of the jet X applies these colours with excellent ease and control.”
Ergonomics designed for you
Ergonomics is an area of SATA design that is sometimes undervalued but the design team have obviously thought about it with the jet X because, says Duke, they have come up with a gun that is a joy to use.
“Apart from fitting naturally into your hand, the jet X has lots of little ergonomic touches that painters will love. For example, the inlet air pressure adjuster has been moved to the bottom of the handle and I found it a massive advantage because it’s easier and more natural to use.”
“Another point I picked up on straightaway and so did others, was the way the gun seems to naturally point directly towards the panel when you have to reach out over big flat panels, like a bonnet or roof. If the gun is slightly tilted, one edge is going to be wetter while the other is drier. In contrast, the jet X natural points directly at the panel so you get a fully controlled, even fan from top to bottom without having to lift your arm or cock your wrist to point the gun.”
Return on investment
You don’t buy a SATA gun based on price. According to Duke, it’s all about what it can do for you and the return on investment.
“I am really impressed with the new jet X. I understand that one of these flagship SATA guns is not a cheap purchase but, given the advantages you get, I believe it’s money well spent. The way it sprays, the way it handles and the control it gives the painter is second to none. This is a tool that you will pick up every single day and it’s going to make doing your job so much easier. Look after it and your jet X is going to go on performing for you long into the future. To me, that is priceless!”
SATA’s new flagship model, the jet X, is set to arrive locally. To be one of the first to enjoy its many benefits, be sure to speak to your local SATA distributor.