Fast & Fluid TI ELEMENT 2 Automatic Paint Tinting Machine

Overview

The Fast & Fluid TI ELEMENT 2 Automatic Paint Tinting Machine is an industrial-grade, closed-loop dispensing system engineered for high-precision colorant metering in architectural, decorative, and industrial coating applications. It operates on a volumetric piston displacement principle—leveraging ZeroPurge® positive-displacement technology—to deliver repeatable, traceable, and contamination-controlled dosing of waterborne, solvent-based, and universal colorants. Unlike gravimetric systems that rely on load cells and real-time weight feedback, the TI ELEMENT 2 achieves sub-50 µL resolution through calibrated stroke volume control, optical jar recognition, and synchronized electromagnetic valve actuation—enabling deterministic delivery without dynamic mass compensation. Designed for integration into both retail tinting stations and centralized production lines, it supports ISO/IEC 17025-aligned calibration traceability and complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Its architecture eliminates open-pour handling, reducing VOC exposure, minimizing operator error, and ensuring consistent batch-to-batch color fidelity across diverse base paint chemistries.

Key Features

• ZeroPurge® piston pump technology delivering 0.050 mL minimum dispense volume with ≤±0.5% volumetric repeatability (per ASTM D7877–22 for dispensing accuracy verification)
• Optically sensed POM jar platform supporting up to 24 colorant containers (1.3 L or 2.3 L), with automatic jar identification and height validation (max 47 cm)
• Closed-loop dispensing path incorporating stainless steel ball valves, non-drip nozzles, and magnetic “click-brush” activation with presence detection
• Self-cleaning fluid path design with programmable purge cycles—preventing pigment sedimentation, nozzle clogging, and cross-color carryover between batches
• Modular mechanical architecture: standardized components (pumps, valves, sensors) shared across Fast & Fluid’s ELEMENT platform—reducing spare parts inventory and service downtime
• Compact footprint (124 × 72 × 85 cm) and lightweight configuration (16 kg net) enabling deployment in constrained retail spaces without structural reinforcement

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TI ELEMENT 2 accommodates a broad spectrum of commercially available colorants—including acrylic, alkyd, polyurethane, and hybrid dispersion systems—across pH ranges of 4.0–10.5 and viscosity limits up to 15,000 mPa·s (Brookfield LVT, spindle #3, 12 rpm). All wetted materials (jars, tubing, pump heads, valves) are fabricated from FDA-compliant POM (polyoxymethylene), resistant to hydrolysis, UV degradation, and common organic solvents. The system meets CE marking requirements per EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and EN 61000-6-4 (emission), and carries UL 61010-1 certification for laboratory and industrial equipment safety. It supports audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP frameworks via optional timestamped log export (CSV/JSON), though native 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires external secure authentication and electronic signature modules.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Fast & Fluid’s ELEMENT Studio software (Windows-based, offline-capable), the TI ELEMENT 2 enables local storage of ≥50,000 color formulas with version history, usage logs, and material lot tracking. The software performs automatic dilution correction, spectral deviation analysis (vs. target CIELAB ΔE₀₀), and predictive yield calculation based on base paint density and colorant loading limits. Batch records include pump stroke count, valve actuation timestamps, jar-level consumption metrics, and manual override flags—all exportable for QA review. No cloud dependency is required; all data resides on the host PC with optional encrypted USB backup. Firmware updates are delivered via signed .bin packages with SHA-256 verification to ensure integrity.

Applications

• Retail point-of-sale tinting for architectural paints (e.g., interior emulsions, exterior elastomerics)
• Small-batch custom color development in R&D labs and contract manufacturing facilities
• Batch replication in OEM coating lines requiring strict color consistency across multi-site production
• Education and vocational training in paint technology programs—featuring intuitive UI and hardware fault diagnostics
• Sustainable operations: average 22% reduction in colorant overage versus manual dispensing (based on 2023 Fast & Fluid field study, n=47 sites)

FAQ

What colorant types are compatible with the TI ELEMENT 2?
Waterborne, solvent-based, and universal acrylic dispersions meeting ISO 8781-3 viscosity classification ≤4 (medium-high shear stability). High-solids or thixotropic pastes require pre-dilution verification.
Does the system support regulatory-compliant audit trails?
Yes—when paired with validated Windows OS configurations and external identity management, it generates immutable batch logs compliant with ISO 9001:2015 clause 8.5.2 and EU Annex 11 principles.
How often does the ZeroPurge® pump require recalibration?
None—optical stroke calibration is factory-set and verified per EN ISO 9001 internal audit; only physical damage or pump replacement triggers revalidation.
Can the TI ELEMENT 2 integrate with third-party ERP or MIS platforms?
Yes—via ASCII serial protocol (RS-232) or OPC UA (optional license), supporting bidirectional formula sync and consumption reporting.
Is compressed air required for operation?
No—fully electric actuation; only 230 V AC power and ambient temperature (10–35 °C) with <70% non-condensing RH are mandatory.