iwata ICM1102-IM-NHT Airbrush Compressor Instruction Manual

: June 5, 2024
: iwata

Table of Contents

Iwata ICM1102-IM-NHT Airbrush Compressor
FEATURES
GETTING STARTED
ASSEMBLY
GENERAL OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
IWATA CUSTOM MICRON AIRBRUSH SERIES (VERSION 2) REPLACEMENT PARTS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Iwata ICM1102-IM-NHT Airbrush Compressor

Iwata-ICM1102-IM-NHT-Airbrush-
Compressor-product

FEATURES

CUSTOM-MATCHED HAND-TUNED HEAD SYSTEM
Every Custom Micron head system is custom matched and hand-tuned to meet Iwata’s rigorous performance standards
for superior atomization.
A custom-matched head system (#1) consists of four parts needle crown cap (#1A); a nozzle cap (#1B); a nozzle (#1C); and a head nozzle base (#1D) — which are hand-tuned to work together. These components and the custom matching process create the Custom Micron’s exacting performance.
ERGONOMIC MAIN LEVER
The ergonomic main lever enhances comfort during use for greater ease, control, and less finger fatigue.
IWATA PISTOL-GRIP FILTER
Attaching directly to your airbrush and comfortable to hold, the Iwata Pistol- Grip Filter assists in delivering clean, dry air through its super-fine 5-micron filter. Built-up moisture is evacuated through a spring-loaded release valve.

MAIN LEVER ADJUSTMENT
The needle spring adjuster (#8) gives you full control over the feel of the main lever’s back and forth movement. The more you tighten, the greater the main lever resistance. The looser it’s adjusted, the smoother the main lever will feel. Adjust to what feels comfortable to you.
NEEDLE TENSION ADJUSTMENT CUTAWAY
Using a small screwdriver you can easily adjust the needle packing screw (PTFE) (#4) to add or release the tension on the needle to customize your Custom Micron experience.
CROWN CAP (#1A)
The crown cap physically protects the needle while spraying very fine lines. When spraying larger areas or stippling with the Custom Micron, we suggest removing the crown cap and screwing it onto the crown cap dock.

PRESET WITH CROWN CAP DOCK (#12)
A preset is a threaded adjusting screw mounted behind the handle which limits the distance the main lever can be pulled back. This provides accurate paint volume control and is especially useful for repetitive, precision work. When stippling or for any reason you have to remove your crown cap, simply screw it onto the crown cap dock located at the end of the preset so it doesn’t get lost. Iwata-ICM1102-IM-NHT-Airbrush-Compressor-fig-1

QUICK FLUSH CUTAWAY HANDLE (#11B) (CM-C PLUS AND TAKUMI – OPTIONAL FOR CM-B AND CM-C)
The quick flush cutaway handle allows quick paint clog removal without removing the handle or needle.

Grip the exposed needle chucking nut (#10) with your fingers.
Pull it back while simultaneously depressing the main lever.
Repeat this process several times until the airbrush is clog-free and spraying normally.
The increased paint flow past the needle and nozzle tip removes many clogs.
Don’t let the needle “snap” back into place. This could damage the nozzle.

MICRO AIR CONTROL (MAC) VALVE (CM-C PLUS ONLY)
The MAC Valve enables infinite airflow control at the airbrush’s head providing control between stipple, extreme detail, and medium spray characteristics.

Spray coarse stippling effects and increase to full atomization in a quick turn.
Fine tune the airflow.
Maximize paint atomization control.
Open the valve fully during cleaning. The higher pressure pulls more paint through the airbrush.

GETTING STARTED

COMPRESSOR
The Custom Micron does not require a high-pressure air source for most applications because lower pressures are best suited for ultra-fine, slow, high-detail spraying, ideally between 12 and 15 psi. Realizing the Custom Micron’s full benefits requires an adjustable or regulated air source with an air storage tank. Other compressor considerations include the length of use while spraying and the environment, or amount of space, you spray in.

ASSEMBLY

Screw the air hose onto the compressor.
Screw the air hose onto the airbrush.
Adjust the pressure to between 12 and 15 psi to start.
Check for any air leaks in the compressor or air hoses.
Place a few drops of cleaning solution or water into the airbrush’s bowl.
Point the airbrush away from you.
Press down on the main lever (#13) to start airflow through the airbrush.
Pull the main lever back, open the airbrush’s nozzle, spraying the water or cleaning solution to see how the Custom Micron sprays.

PAINT PREPARATION
For non-specific airbrush paints, proper preparation, including filtering the paint through a nylon mesh, is critical for best performance. Thin paint with its proper solvent, and make repeated passes across the work to build up the color. This improves your work’s quality and decreases your airbrush’s cleaning time.

Custom Microns spray very thin paint best.
Thin paint with its proper solvent.
Filter paint through paint filters or mesh.

CAUTION

Always spray in well-ventilated areas.
Do not spray solvent-based (flammable) paints around open flames.
Use the appropriate respirator to safely filter out paint vapors particular to your specific paint type.
Wear eye protection to prevent paint contact with the eyes.
Never exceed the airbrush’s pressure limit (98 psi).

GENERAL OPERATION

AIR PRESSURE
Working pressures can vary depending on the type of surface, the desired spray texture, and the paint’s viscosity.
Try using 12-15 psi to take full advantage of the Custom Micron’s unique, spray characteristics.
WARNING
Do not exceed 98 psi.

FINE-LINE SPRAY

Depress the main lever (#13) to start airflow.
Position the airbrush close to the surface, between 1/16 and 1/2 inches.
Pull the main lever back slightly to start paint flow.

A longer distance to the surface produces wider lines.
A shorter distance to the surface produces narrower lines.
Increased air pressure increases spray width.
Decreased air pressure decreases spray width.
The smallest lines are determined by skill and practice.

CAUTION
The needle and nozzle are very delicate. Even a slight bend on the needle’s tip adversely affects the spray pattern.

WIDE-LINES AND BLENDING

Depress the main lever (#13).
Position the airbrush from 1/2 to 6 inches away from the surface.
Pull the main lever back much further to release more paint to cover the bigger area.

A longer distance to the surface produces wider lines.
A shorter distance to the surface produces narrower lines.
Increased air pressure increases spray width.
Decreased air pressure decreases spray width.
The Custom Micron’s maximum usable line width is approximately 1-1/2 inches.

STIPPLING
Iwata airbrushes are designed to produce a wide range of stippling textures.

Unscrew the crown cap (#1A) and screw it onto the cap dock located on the end of the preset handle (#12).
Unscrew the nozzle cap (#1B).
Adjust the air pressure between 5 and 30 psi.

Low air pressure creates coarse stipples.
High air pressure provides fine stipple effects.
Paint viscosity also affects stippling texture.

MAINTENANCE

CLEANING THE AIRBRUSH BETWEEN COLORS

Dump out the excess paint from the color cup.
Rinse the cup with the appropriate cleaning solution.
Wipe out any leftover paint with a paper towel.
Spray cleaner through the airbrush until it sprays clear.
Add the next color to the color cup.
Repeat cleaning procedure when finished.

CLEANING THE NEEDLE

Unscrew and remove the back handle (#11).
Loosen the needle chucking nut (#10) by hand.
Pull the needle (#9) out.
Clean the needle with a damp soft cloth by wiping only towards the sharp needle point.
CAUTION Needles are extremely sharp and delicate. Be careful not to drop or damage your needle while cleaning. Only wipe the needle in a back-to-front direction so as not to puncture yourself.
With the main lever depressed, gently re-insert the needle so as not to damage the sharp tip. The needle is fully seated when it comes to a complete stop.
WARNING
Do not use excessive force.
Tighten the needle chucking nut by hand to hold the needle in place.
WARNING
Do not over-tighten.
Pull the main lever back and forth to visually confirm the needle’s ability to move.
Screw the handle back onto the airbrush.

WARNING

The most probable time to damage the needle is when the needle passes through the main lever (#13) and through the needle packing set (#4). If the needle stops abruptly, retract and examine the main lever mechanism for proper assembly and re-insert the needle.
BEFORE EACH SESSION
Spray water or the appropriate paint solvent through the airbrush to make sure the airbrush is working properly.

AFTER EACH SESSION OR IF YOUR AIRBRUSH IS CLOGGED

Increase the air pressure.
Spray cleaning solution for a short time.
Clean the needle if necessary.
This cleaning method helps clean the paint passage, the nozzle, and the needle thoroughly.

CAUTION
NEVER soak your entire airbrush in any liquid. NEVER store your airbrush with spray medium or cleaning agents in the fluid cup.

LUBRICATING THE NEEDLE PACKING (PART OF #4)
If your main lever (#13) does not move backward and forward smoothly, lubricate the needle packing (#4) with
Iwata Lube.

Unscrew the handle (#11).
Loosen the needle chucking nut (#10).
Remove the needle (#9).
Place only one drop of Iwata Lube where the taper of the needle begins and spread evenly around the tapered edge.
Depress the main lever, then reinstall the needle gently into the airbrush until you feel a positive stop.
Tighten the needle chucking nut.
Screw the handle onto the airbrush body.

CAUTION

DO NOT over-lube the needle; transferring excess lube into the nozzle may cause severe paint flow problems.
DO NOT use light machine oil or WD-40 for lubrication. This lube causes the needle to stick when it moves through the needle packing and can also get into the air system.

LUBRICATING THE AIR VALVE O-RING (#14B)
If your main lever (#13) is slow to rise, lubricate the air valve O-ring.

Unscrew the handle (#11).
Unscrew the needle chucking nut (#10).
Remove the needle (#9).
Unscrew the needle spring adjuster (#8).
Remove the needle spring (#7).
Remove the needle chucking guide (#5).
Pull the main lever up and out.
Use tweezers to pull out the air valve piston (#14A).
Clean the valve piston with a cotton swab.
Clean the hole at the bottom of the main lever housing with a cotton swab. Clean until the cotton swab comes out clean.
Place 1 drop of Iwata Lube on the blunt end of the needle and insert it into the valve piston shaft. Move around to coat the air valve O-ring.
Insert the valve piston back into the hole at the bottom of the main lever housing.
Place the main lever back into the main lever housing.
Press the main lever up and down a few times. It should spring back up smoothly when depressed.
Insert the needle chucking guide into the airbrush body. a. Twist to position the small tab on the auxiliary lever as shown in the parts guide.
Place the needle spring over the needle chucking guide.
Screw the needle spring adjuster into the airbrush body. The more you screw it in, the greater the main lever resistance. The looser it’s adjusted, the smoother the main lever feels (your personal preference).
18. Push down on the main lever at least once.
Push down on the main lever and carefully insert the needle.
WARNING
This is the most probable time to bend the needlepoint.
Screw the needle chucking nut onto the needle chucking guide
Screw the handle back into the airbrush body

CAUTION

DO NOT over-lube the air valve O-ring.
DO NOT use light machine oil or WD-40 for lubrication. This lube causes the needle to stick when it moves through the needle packing and can also get into the air system.
If it becomes absolutely necessary to dismantle the airbrush remember that most situations unless otherwise directed, do not require tools.

TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES

SYMPTOM| PROBLEM| SOLUTION
Bubbles in Color Cup or Bottle| Loose nozzle cap| Tighten nozzle cap (#1B) finger tight
Improper nozzle to head nozzle base connection*| See head system (#1) to reseat the nozzle
Cracked or damaged nozzle| See head system (#1) to replace the head system
Double Line| Dried paint on needle tip (tip-dry)| See Cleaning the Needle (page 10)
Dirty airbrush| See Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors (page 10) See Cleaning the Needle (page 10)
Debris on the nozzle tip| See head system (#1) and clean the nozzle (#1C)
Bent needle| See needle (#9) to replace the needle
Cracked or damaged nozzle| See head system (#1) to replace the head system
Not Spraying| Loose needle chucking nut (#10)| Finger tighten
Needle stuck| Pull out / break free of the needle
Improper air pressure| See specific compressor instructions to raise or lower the air pressure
Paint too thick| See Paint Preparation (page 7)
Clogged nozzle| See head system (#1) and clean the nozzle (#1C)
Cracked or damaged nozzle| See head system (#1) to replace the head system

SYMPTOM| PROBLEM| SOLUTION
Skipping| Dried paint on needle tip (tip-dry)| See Cleaning the Needle (page 10)
Paint too thick| See Paint Preparation (page 7)
Improper nozzle to head nozzle base connection*| See head system (#1) to reseat the nozzle
Dirty airbrush| See Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors (page 10) See Cleaning the Needle (page 10)
Cracked or damaged nozzle| See head system (#1) to replace the head system
Spattering| Dried paint on needle tip (tip-dry)| See Cleaning the Needle (page 10)
Paint build-up in crown cap| Unscrew crown cap (#1A) and clean
Air pressure too low| See specific compressor instructions to raise the air pressure
Paint too thick| See Paint Preparation (page 7)
Dirty airbrush| See Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors (page 10) See Cleaning the Needle (page 10)
Main Lever Sticks (Back and Forth)| Dirty airbrush| See Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors See Cleaning the Needle (page 10)
Main Lever Sticks (Up and Down)| Paint on air valve packing o-ring (#14B)| See Lubricating the Air Valve O-Ring (page 11)

CAUTION

The most likely time to damage the nozzle (#1C) is upon removal from the airbrush. Because the head system can be removed entirely, the nozzle does not need to be removed at all. If the nozzle is never removed, you do not have to worry about “improper nozzle to head nozzle base connections”.Nozzle contains Nickel.

REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

MATCHED HEAD SYSTEM (#1)
Though engineered to last decades the components may still wear or become damaged and need replacement. If this happens, we recommend replacing the whole head system to keep the airbrush’s exquisite performance at peak levels. However, replacing only the nozzle can be done by Iwata’s highly trained technical department. The set includes a needle crown cap (#1A); a nozzle cap (#1B); a nozzle (#1C); and the head nozzle base (#1D).

Unscrew the handle (#11).
Loosen the needle chucking nut (#10).
Gently pull the needle (#9) part way back. It doesn’t need to be fully pulled out.
Unscrew the entire head system.
NOTE: Removing the head system the first time requires a good grip and some torque. Use the Iwata Soft Jaw Pliers or wrap a rubber band around the head system base and use a pair of standard pliers to unscrew it.
Screw the new head system onto the airbrush body until the finger is tight. Tighten a bit snugger with the Iwata Soft Jaw Pliers.
CAUTION
Nozzle contains Nickel.
Push the needle all the way forward until it seats in place.
Tighten the needle chucking nut.
Screw the handle onto the airbrush body.

Keep a spare head system on hand for unforeseen accidents.
NEEDLE (#9)
Iwata needles are made with flexible, spring steel which resists breakage and increases durability. If the long, tapered, extremely fine needlepoint becomes severely bent, it must be straightened before pulling it back through the nozzle. If not, the bent needle might damage the nozzle as it’s pulled through. Keep a spare needle on hand for unforeseen accidents.

CAUTION

Needles are sharp.
Needle tips are bent easily.

QUICK DISCONNECT SETS (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY)
A quick disconnect joint is screwed onto the air hose and a quick disconnect adapter is screwed onto each airbrush. When using multiple airbrushes the quick disconnect joint facilitates changing airbrushes on the same air hose quickly. Iwata-ICM1102-IM-NHT-Airbrush-Compressor-fig-2

IWATA CUSTOM MICRON AIRBRUSH SERIES (VERSION 2) REPLACEMENT PARTS

#| ITEM DESCRIPTION| PRICE

CODE

| ITEM #| CM- B| TAKUMI| CM- C| CM- C+
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---

1

| ****

Head System

| C1| L| I5351| ■| ■| x| x
C2| L| I5352| x| x| ■| ■
1A| Head Needle Crown Cap| D| I5351D| ■| ■| ■| ■

1B

| ****

Head Nozzle Cap

| C1| G| I5351C| ■| ■| x| x
C2| G| I5352C| x| x| ■| ■

1C

| ****

Head Nozzle

| C1| H| I5351B| ■| ■| x| x
C2| H| I5352B| x| x| ■| ■
1D| Head Nozzle Base| J| I5351A| ■| ■| ■| ■
2| Head Packing| C| I5802| ■| ■| ■| ■
3A| Takumi Body| –| –| x| ■| x| x
3B| CM-C Body| –| –| x| x| ■| x
3C| CM-B Body| –| –| ■| x| x| x
3D| CM-C Plus Body| –| –| x| x| x| ■
4| Needle Packing Screw (PTFE)| D| I5902| ■| ■| ■| ■
5| Needle Chucking Guide| C| I1157| ■| ■| ■| ■
6| Spring Guide| C| I5903| ■| ■| ■| ■
7| Needle Spring| B| I5701| ■| ■| ■| ■
8| Needle Spring Adjuster| E| I5751| ■| ■| ■| ■

9

| ****

Head Needle

| C1| E| I5404| ■| x| x| x
C1| E| I5406| x| ■| x| x
C2| E| I5402| x| x| ■| x
C2| E| I5403| x| x| x| ■
10| Needle Chucking Nut| B| I5601| ■| ■| ■| ■
11A| Handle (Preset)| H| I5854| ■| ■| ■| OPT
11B| Handle (Preset/Single Cut)| H| I5855| OPT| ■| OPT| ■
12| Handle Crown Cap Dock (Preset)| E| I5861| ■| ■| ■| ■
#| ITEM DESCRIPTION| PRICE

CODE

| ITEM #| CM- B| TAKUMI| CM- C| CM- C+
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
13| Main Lever| D| I5454| ■| ■| ■| ■
14A| Valve Piston| B| I5001| ■| ■| ■| ■
14B| Valve Piston Packing| B| I5801| ■| ■| ■| ■
15| Air Valve Set| H| I5101| ■| ■| ■| ■
15A| Air Valve Body| –| –| ■| ■| ■| ■
15B| Air Valve| –| –| ■| ■| ■| ■
15C| Air Valve Spring| –| –| ■| ■| ■| ■
15D| Air Valve Guide| –| –| ■| ■| ■| ■
16A| Cup Lid| 0.24 oz / 7 ml| E| I5301| x| x| ■| OPT
16B| Cup Lid (Gravity)| 0.24 oz / 7 ml| E| I6181| x| x| OPT| ■
16C| Cup Lid (Siphon Cut)| 0.24 oz / 7 ml| C| I6187| x| ■| x| x
17| Blanking Cover| A| I0452| x| ■| x| x
18| Cup Assembly| 0.24 oz / 7 ml| H| I0710| x| ■| x| x
19| Cup Adapter (Side-Gravity)| D| I0700| x| ■| x| x
20| Cup (Gravity)| 0.24 oz / 7 ml| D| N0702| x| ■| x| x
20A| Cup (Gravity) O-ring| 0.24 oz / 7 ml| A| N0713| x| ■| x| x
21| Handle O-Ring| A| I6051| x| ■| x| ■
22| MAC Valve Set| D| I1901| x| x| x| ■
23| MAC Valve Packing| A| I1902| x| x| x| ■
24| Pistol-Grip Filter| –| FA450| ■| ■| ■| ■
25| Spanner| B| I1651| ■| ■| ■| ■
| QuickFit Quick Disconnect Set| H| I1603| OPT| OPT| OPT| OPT
| QuickFit Quick Disconnect Airbrush Adaptor| C| I1604| OPT| OPT| OPT| OPT
| Airbrush Adapter for Paasche Air Hose| –| J001| OPT| OPT| OPT| OPT
| Airbrush Adapter for T&C/Badger Air Hoses| –| J002| OPT| OPT| OPT| OPT

All Iwata airbrushes are warranted against all manufacturing defects of material and manufacture or workmanship for a period of FIVE years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover needles, nozzles, o-rings, and internal packings since these parts need to be replaced occasionally due to normal wear. Any other parts or materials that are or become defective so as not to be used within this period will be repaired or replaced. This warranty does not cover damage caused by negligence or airbrushes which have been altered or abused in any way.