Airbrushes for modeling are technical devices that facilitate the process of creating accurate, original drawings on miniature cars, motorcycles, aircraft, safety helmets, and household items.
What important points should you focus on in order to choose an effective paint sprayer? Let's figure out how to choose an airbrush for modeling.
Principle of operation
Airbrushes for modeling function as follows:
- in the pneumatic valve of the device pressure is generated;
- after injection, air penetrates through a narrow hole, entering the near-jet region;
- here, mixed with air, paint is supplied, which is subsequently sprayed through a nozzle;
- air supply is provided by the compressor.
Main types
Separate airbrushes for modeling differ from each other according to the principle of operation:
- Devices with external mixing of paints - an extremely common solution that is used to create blurry drawings, background images. Using devices of this category, it is difficult to create a clear picture.
- Devices with internal mixing of paints are a pretty good, budget option for beginners who are engaged in decorating models at home.
- Single-acting systems - only adjustment of the incoming air level is possible here. Paints are fed continuously, in an even amount. Mixing can be both external and internal.
- Fixed action airbrushes are equipped with special starting devices that are responsible for adjusting the incoming dye by retracting the needle. They are represented mainly by expensive, professional models that are used for the most complex paintwork.
- Independent action airbrushes - separate adjustment of air supply and paint is possible.
Compressor
Work with an airbrush in modeling is provided by the compressor. The latter maintains and pumps up the necessary level of pressure, which contributes to the best distribution of paint.
To choose an airbrush according to individual needs, it is necessary to build on the pressure indicators (indicated in kgf / sq. Cm) and the performance (cubic m / min) of the compressor. The first characteristic determines the uniformity of the distribution of paint, the second is responsible for the speed of work.
Piston compressors are distinguished by the highest efficiency:
- Single-stage ones operate from a standard 220 V electrical network. Therefore, they are applicable primarily for work at home. Such devices easily distribute varnish and primer over small areas.
- Two stages have several pistons. There is an intercooler here, which allows you to maintain a consistently high level of pressure by passing compressed air to the outlet in portions, as necessary.
Another type of compressors is membrane devices, which pump air due to vibrations of a layer of elastic material. Due to the rapid abrasion of the membrane, such products are suitable for a small amount of work with long interruptions.
Benefits
The main advantage of an airbrush is the ability to create uniform coatings. In fact, masterfully mastering an ordinary brush, understanding the features of individual paints, one can get truly uniform surfaces. However, airbrushes for modeling allow you to cope with this task faster and get a better result. Therefore, the main advantages of such devices are the speed and uniformity of painting.