The UK-based F Ball and Company, a leading manufacturer of flooring adhesives and floor preparation products, has enhanced its market-leading range of products with the launch of the new IQ spray adhesive system.

Utilising innovative adhesive application technology, the system is considerably less labour-intensive than traditional trowelling methods, making textile flooring installations easier, faster and more cost-effective than ever before, says Lisa Arnold, a spokeswoman for the company.

The system is said to have generated widespread interest from flooring contractors since its launch and is already in use in Europe and the Middle East.

The IQ spray machine is available in two sizes: a two-box and a four-box unit. Each box contains 20 litres of adhesive, and is housed on a wheeled unit allowing it to be easily transported around large areas.

'Specially designed for projects involving fast-track deadlines or large floor areas covering over 200 sq m, the system achieves application rates of up to 100 sq m for every 10 minutes of spraying,' she says. 'The system offers contractors up to 60 per cent improved coverage than traditional trowel-applied adhesives, therefore, less adhesive is required for each contract, reducing transportation and storage costs.'

She continues: 'The IQ system is simple to set up and operate and as it is a totally sealed system it requires minimal cleaning. This enables contractors to complete the installation and be off site as quickly as possible and is particularly beneficial on projects where fast-track deadlines have been imposed.

'Adhesive is dispensed in even strips through a hand-held, trigger-operated lance, which has the advantage that contractors can get off their knees and onto their feet. The system is also airless to minimise atomisation of the adhesive. This ensures that overspray is virtually eliminated. Once the user is familiar with the system, distances as little as one centimetre away from surfaces can be sprayed.

'A range of specially-formulated spray adhesives has been developed for use exclusively with the IQ spray system. The range includes Styccobond S910 sprayable fast carpet adhesive which has an early build-up of strength and good wet grab. Styccobond S911 sprayable carpet adhesive has been designed to have a longer working time, making it ideal for matching patterned carpets and Styccobond S920 sprayable tackifier, is designed to provide a permanently tacky film.

'On access flooring installations, the sprayable tackifier has been proven to achieve an excellent coverage rate of 20 sq m per litre, making it extremely cost-effective. The IQ system ensures 100 per cent adhesive consumption, ensuring there is no adhesive wastage.'

Each adhesive is packaged in an eco-friendly recyclable cardboard-lined container with a minimal amount of plastic. As a result, this helps minimise packaging waste and makes them safe and easy to dispose.

In line with F Ball's renowned technical support service, comprehensive training and follow-up on-site technical support is provided for every purchaser of the IQ spray system. Advice on adhesive compatibility is also freely available from the company's technical services department.

A training film containing demonstrations and further information about the IQ System is available from F Ball on VHS and CD-ROM. This video can also be viewed on the company's website: www.f-ball.co.uk

'The IQ spray system is the ideal alternative to traditional trowel application making large-scale flooring installations more cost-effective and offering contractors significant time-saving benefits. With improved coverage and application rates, large-scale projects can be completed in a fraction of the time usually taken and fast-track deadlines can be achieved without difficulty,' she concludes.