Project notes
Understand this estimate
A conventional three-digit airless tip code represents nominal fan width and orifice opening under one manufacturer coding convention.
How to use the calculator
Enter the complete three-digit code
Use the code printed on the tip and confirm it contains three digits.
Inputs Three-digit tip code
Read the decoded dimensions
The first digit indicates nominal fan width; the final two digits indicate nominal orifice size under this convention.
Inputs Three-digit tip code
Formula and variables
Nominal fan width (inches) = first digit × 2. Orifice opening (inches) = final two digits ÷ 1,000.
- d₁First code digit
- Multiplied by two for nominal fan width in inches.dimensionless
- d₂d₃Final two digits
- Divided by 1,000 for nominal orifice opening.thousandths of an inch
What the result means
Result interpretation
The two outputs decode the entered code only. They do not establish compatibility with a sprayer, coating, pressure or tip family.
Limits and assumptions
This interprets one manufacturer code convention. It does not recommend a tip, confirm compatibility with a sprayer or coating, or account for wear, pressure or product-family differences.
Worked example
Decode tip 517
Assumptions
- The selected product family follows the documented three-digit convention.
Calculation
- 5 × 2 = 10 in nominal fan width.
- 17 ÷ 1,000 = 0.017 in nominal orifice.
| Nominal fan width | 10 in |
|---|---|
| Nominal orifice opening | 0.017 in |
Common questions
- Does the decoded number choose the right tip for my paint?
- No. Confirm the coating and equipment requirements with their current manufacturer documentation.
- Does tip wear change the actual opening?
- Yes. Wear and pressure can affect the working pattern; this is a code decoder, not a measurement tool.