Graco develops first ergonomically certified pneumatic spray gun

Stellair™ and Stellair ACE reduce fatigue potential and increase productivity of industrial spray painters

MINNEAPOLIS-Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) , a leading manufacturer of fluid handling equipment, launches Stellar ACE and Stellar™, The only industrial air spray gun certified for ergonomic performance. Advanced testing by American Ergonomics proves that manual pressure-feed sprayers reduce fatigue potential and increase the productivity of industrial spray painting workers.

“Painting is really hard work,” said Peter Linder, vice president of North American sales and global product management for Graco’s industrial division. He was one of many executives who worked a shift in the factory’s spray booth to better understand the needs of industrial spray painters.

“By the end of the day, my shoulder was really sore,” Linder recalled. “This experience made me even more aware of the need to promote a product line of spray guns that painters would ask for because it improved their health and made their job of painting easier.”

Designed for industrial spray painters: Stellar ACE and Stellar

While previous spray guns were designed with ergonomics in mind, Graco recognized the importance of continuous improvement by partnering with American Ergonomics. American Ergonomics is a global engineering consulting services and product testing company.

This collaboration resulted in the industry’s first ergonomically certified paint spray gun.

The Stellair ACE weighs 209 grams (7.4 ounces) – 50% lighter than almost all other manual pressure-feed spray guns. This is thanks to its durable, unique carbon-reinforced polymer construction. Stellair ACE uses up to 25% less muscle force than comparable industrial air spray guns.
The Stellair features aluminum construction and weighs 410 grams (14.46 ounces), still making it one of the lightest industrial spray guns on the market. Stellar reduces muscle effort by up to 18% compared to similar air guns.

Weight reduction is not the only ergonomic advancement considered in the new gun design. Graco engineers also focused on minimizing hand pressure points, improving overall gun balance and enhancing hose flexibility. American Ergonomics’ research and testing allows them to objectively measure these improvements.

Certified by American Ergonomics

American Ergonomics researched and evaluated the ergonomics of manual air spray guns in three key phases: design analysis and optimization, design review and testing, and ergonomic evaluation. Each stage involves professional spray painters working in an industrial environment.

“Painters consistently rate the new Graco sprayers as superior to other products in terms of weight, feel, comfort, balance, trigger control and adjustability,” said Kevin Costello, president of the American Academy of Ergonomics. “Their feedback will be important for ergonomic performance certification. We look forward to field trials in production paint shop applications to meet formal certification requirements.”

To learn more about how Stellar ACE and Stellair hand air spray guns provide industrial painters with the superior ergonomics, serviceability and spray performance they need to enjoy and do their jobs well, visit www.graco.com /stellair .

Watch: Expert-Approved Ergonomics: Stellair and Stellair ACE Air Spray Guns

Media Kit: Stellair and Stellair ACE Industrial Air Spray Guns

About Graco

Graco Inc. provides fluid and coating management technology and expertise for industrial and commercial applications. The company designs, manufactures and sells systems and equipment for moving, measuring, controlling, dispensing and spraying fluid and powder materials. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Graco is a recognized leader in its expertise, serving customers in the manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries worldwide.

Graco’s Industrial segment manufactures liquid coating and advanced fluid dispensing equipment for industrial applications. The division’s products include liquid finishing equipment for applying liquids to metal, wood and plastics, with a focus on providing solutions that integrate easily with paint monitoring and control systems.

For more information about Graco Inc., please visit www.graco.com .

ABOUT UNITED STATES ERGONOMICS

United States Ergonomics specializes in product and workplace ergonomics. The company improves production efficiency while reducing ergonomic risks and ensuring health and safety. United States Ergonomics operates a state-of-the-art ergonomics laboratory that provides advanced workplace design, product testing and certification.

Being certified by United States Ergonomics means that the product has completed the rigorous testing process defined by the International Society of Ergonomics. Certified products provide users with measurable ergonomic benefits by improving comfort and fit and minimizing the risk of injury.

For more information about United States Ergonomics, please visit us-ergo.com .

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