Choosing the right spray booth for limited spray applications is essential for efficiency and safety. Our top models, the Ductless SPB-52 and Ducted SPB-52D, each bring unique strengths tailored to specific operational needs. Both meet NFPA 33 standards and are ETL Listed for compliance ensuring safety and quality, but each design offers distinct advantages.Â
This guide will dive into the defining features, benefits, and ideal uses of each model to help you select the best match for your business, whether in automotive, industrial manufacturing, or aerospace.
Summary Table
| Feature | SPB-52 (Ductless) | SPB-52D (Ducted) |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration | 4-Stage, with Carbon Filtration | 2-Stage, External Exhaust |
| Mobility | Movable, Open Floor | Fixed, Stationary |
| Construction | 18-Gauge Steel, NFPA 33 and ETL Listed Compliant | 18-Gauge Steel, NFPA 33 and ETL Listed Compliant |
| Ideal Use-Cases | Internal, Flexible, Frequent Repositioning, where operations do not exceed 3.8 L (1 gal) in any 8-hour period. | High-Volume, Fixed Location, smaller operations exceeding 3.8 L (1 gal) in any 8-hour period. |
| Regulatory Needs | Minimal for indoor use | May require permits for external venting |
Key Differences Between SPB-52 and SPB-52D Spray Booths
1. Air Filtration System in Small Parts Spray Booths
- SPB-52 (Ductless): The SPB-52 features a comprehensive 4-stage filtration system, including carbon filters that remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. This setup makes it ideal for indoor use where external exhaust isn’t feasible, as it offers efficient, self-contained filtration.
- Benefit: Its advanced filtration minimizes contamination, ensuring a clean indoor environment without the need for exterior venting.
- Benefit: Its advanced filtration minimizes contamination, ensuring a clean indoor environment without the need for exterior venting.
- SPB-52D (Ducted): The SPB-52D uses a simpler 2-stage filtration system, minimizing additional filters required for standard operation.
- Benefit: Perfect for high-volume applications that need continuous venting outside, ensuring efficient exhaust without recirculating air indoors.
Contrast: The SPB-52 four-stage filtration is ideal for indoor setups, while the SPB-52D’s ducted exhaust is suited for industrial spaces needing unrestricted airflow.
Small Parts Paint Booth Mobility and Application Flexibility
- SPB-52 (Ductless): This model is highly portable, featuring an open-floor design that allows users to move it around heavy or awkwardly shaped parts with ease. It’s designed to adapt to various positioning needs within a workspace.
- Benefit: Ideal for industries where repositioning the booth frequently or accommodating different spray setups is necessary, such as automotive and small-scale manufacturing.
- Benefit: Ideal for industries where repositioning the booth frequently or accommodating different spray setups is necessary, such as automotive and small-scale manufacturing.
- SPB-52D (Ducted): The SPB-52D is a stationary unit, requiring a fixed location with ducting infrastructure for direct exhaust. This setup makes it perfect for dedicated, high-volume applications.
- Benefit: Provides a stable solution for continuous spray operations in one area, particularly suited for industrial manufacturing where mobility is less crucial.
Contrast: The SPB-52 offers flexibility and mobility, while the SPB-52D excels in a fixed, high-efficiency setup.
Construction Quality and Durability of Small Parts Spray Booths
- Both Models: Both the SPB-52 and SPB-52D boast durable construction with 18-gauge steel, CNC precision-cut panels, and full 2-inch companion flanges bolted for strength. Both models also comply with NFPA 33, meeting rigorous safety standards.
- Benefit: Their sturdy build ensures longevity and industrial-grade durability.
Contrast: The SPB-52 design facilitates repositioning without compromising its structure, while the SPB-52D is anchored for optimal stability in a fixed location
Airflow Control and Safety in Spray Booths for Small Parts
- SPB-52 (Ductless): Includes a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for adjustable fan speed, and manometers for monitoring filter health, along with a carbon filter to enhance indoor air quality.
- Benefit: The VFD and carbon filtration allow precise airflow control, making the SPB-52F ideal for sensitive indoor environments needing VOC removal.
- Benefit: The VFD and carbon filtration allow precise airflow control, making the SPB-52F ideal for sensitive indoor environments needing VOC removal.
- SPB-52D (Ducted): Equipped with fan and light switches for operational ease, and manometers to track filter performance.
- Benefit: The SPB-52D’s straightforward exhaust and fan system make it ideal for high-throughput environments where constant ventilation is critical.
Contrast: The SPB-52 provides customizable airflow for indoor applications, while the SPB-52D prioritizes consistent exhaust flow for fixed industrial setups.
 Ideal Use-Cases and Compliance for Small Parts Paint Booths
- SPB-52 (Ductless):
- Ideal For: Facilities without exterior venting options, requiring minimal setup for air filtration. The SPB-52 is versatile for environments with frequent repositioning needs.
- Regulatory Benefit: Simplified compliance due to lack of external exhaust requirements.
- Ideal For: Facilities without exterior venting options, requiring minimal setup for air filtration. The SPB-52 is versatile for environments with frequent repositioning needs.
- SPB-52D (Ducted):
- Ideal For: High-demand spaces with external exhaust capabilities, making it suited for industrial-grade, high-volume applications.
- Regulatory Consideration: May require specific permits for external venting, depending on local environmental regulations.
- Ideal For: High-demand spaces with external exhaust capabilities, making it suited for industrial-grade, high-volume applications.
Contrast: The SPB-52 fits flexible, internal applications with restricted venting, while the SPB-52D is built for permanent setups with external venting capacity.
How to Choose the Right Spray Booth Based on Your Business Needs
Automotive and Small-Scale Manufacturing
- Recommendation: The SPB-52 is ideal for automotive shops needing mobility and versatility. With its ductless design and robust filtration, it can easily accommodate diverse setups within a compact workspace.
Industrial Manufacturing and Heavy Equipment
- Recommendation: For stationary, high-throughput environments, the SPB-52D is a perfect fit. Its ducted exhaust is suited for continuous use in a fixed location.
Aerospace and High-Tech Industries
- Recommendation: The SPB-52’s advanced filtration and flexible mobility make it the best choice for industries with stringent air quality requirements.
Real-Life Applications: SPB-52F and SPB-52D Spray Booths
SPB-52 in Action: A small automotive repair shop uses the SPB-52F for its flexible design and compact footprint, enabling movement around vehicles and various parts. This mobility is essential in tighter spaces where adaptability is key.
SPB-52D in Industrial Settings: A large industrial plant employs the SPB-52D for consistent, high-volume spraying in a designated area. The ducted design ensures efficient exhaust management, making it ideal for managing emissions in a manufacturing environment.
Which Spray Booth for Small Parts Should You Choose?
The right spray booth depends on your specific operational needs:
- Choose SPB-52 if your business requires a flexible, ductless setup with high filtration capabilities and mobility within the workspace. Ideal for automotive, aerospace, and small-scale manufacturing applications.
- Opt for SPB-52D if you need a fixed, ducted spray booth for high-volume, continuous operations in a dedicated location, such as in industrial manufacturing.
For more guidance or to discuss the best option for your needs, contact Marathon Finishing Systems. Our team is here to help tailor a solution that meets your operational and regulatory requirements.