Iwata Custom Micron B User manual

CUSTOM MICRON SERIES (VERSION 2) MANUAL & PARTS GUIDE
日本版は裏面にございます。

www.IWATA-AIRBRUSH.com

ANEST IWATA-MEDEA, INC.
Portland, Oregon U.S.A.
[phone]
www.Iwata-medea.com
ANEST IWATA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.
Mt. Druitt, NSW
[phone]
www.anest-iwata.com.au
ANEST IWATA EUROPE S.R.L.
Torino, Italy
[phone]
www.anest-iwataeu.com
ANEST IWATA SOUTH-EAST ASIA CO., LTD.
Bangkok, Thailand
[phone]
www.anest-iwatasoutheastasia.com
ANEST IWATA SHANGHAI
Shanghai, China
[phone] / 15 / 16
www.anest-iwata-sh.com/ja
ANEST IWATA RUS LLC
Moscow, Russia
[phone]
www.anestiwata.ru
ANEST IWATA CORPORATION
Yokohama, Japan
[phone]
www.anest-iwata.co.jp
ANEST IWATA (U.K.) LTD.
Neots Cambs, England
[phone]
www.anest-iwata.co.jp
ANEST IWATA MOTHERSON LTD.
Uttar Pradesh, India
[phone] / 14 / 17
www.motherson.com
ANEST IWATA SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD.
Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
[phone]/2265/2223
ANEST IWATA DO BRASIL COMERCIAL LTDA.
Bairro do Paraiso, Sao Paulo
[phone]
www.anest-iwata.net.br
CENTURY TRADING CO., LTD.
Seoul, Korea
82-2-2163-0300
www.centrading.co.kr
If you have any issues with this product,
call ANEST IWATA-MEDEA (U.S.A.) 503-253-7308 (M-F 8AM - 4:30PM Pacic Time)
or your local ANEST IWATA aliate before returning to your place of purchase.
NEED ASSISTANCE

Created for perfection; manufactured with quality; unparalleled in precision: the Custom Micron™ delivers precise,
accurate, controllable spray to you, the elite professional. Special tooling, precision processes, and meticulous attention
to quality control create an unmatched airbrush capable of superb atomization, incredible control, and amazing detail.
Iwata airbrushes are designed for the demanding professional. Modern precision machining and carefully selected
materials are used in the manufacturing process to ensure consistent high performance and long life. Each Iwata
Custom Micron airbrush is spray-tested before shipment to assure maximum performance and adherence to Iwata’s strict
quality standards. To maintain your Custom Micron at its peak performance, proper care and attention must be observed.
ONLY FROM IWATA-MEDEA
PRECISE, ACCURATE CONTROL
FOR DETAILED SPRAYING
distinguish these airbrushes as Custom Microns!
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IWATA CUSTOM MICRON (2014) CM-B, CM-SB, CM-C AND CM-C PLUS
A highly polished, hardened stainless-steel needle provides exceptionally smooth transitions from
areas small to mid-range. The Iwata Custom Micron matched-head system ensures superior atomization and
the pre-set handle allows nely tuned paint ow adjustments. The 2014 version of the Iwata Custom Micron
has some great new features! You’ll nd the trigger now has a new square shape and is more ergonomic to
lessen fatigue and the needle chucking guide and auxiliary lever are now combined to ease reassembly. In
addition, the pre-set handle now has a threaded crown cap dock so you can screw on your crown cap to the
back handle and not lose it!
Iwata Custom Micron B
·The .18-mm uid nozzle is the smallest nozzle and
needle combination Iwata oers for ultimate precision
and accuracy.
·1/16 oz. (1.8 ml) gravity-feed cup cleans up quickly
allowing rapid color changes.
Iwata Custom Micron C
·The .23-mm uid nozzle allows slightly heavier paint
than the .18-mm uid nozzle.
·1/3 oz. (9 ml) gravity-feed color cup allows you to spray
large amounts of color.

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Iwata Custom Micron C Plus
·The .23-mm uid nozzle allows slightly heavier paint than
the .18-mm uid nozzle.
·The Micro Air Control (MAC) Valve enables innite airow
control at the airbrush’s head providing control between
stipple, ne detail, and background spray eects.
·Solvent-proof PTFE needle packing allows extended
solvent-based paint usage, including automotive paints.
·A redesigned, funnel shaped gravity feed cup allows
greater paint eciency and ensures a faster, more
thorough clean up.
·The cutaway, pre-set handle allows quick ushes
and rinses.
Iwata Custom Micron SB
·The .18-mm uid nozzle is the smallest nozzle and
needle combination Iwata oers for ultimate precision
and accuracy.
·1/8 oz. (3.5 ml) side-feed cup
·Repositionable side feed cup for left or right handed use.
·View the paint surface over the top of the airbrush.
·Add the 1/4 oz (7 ml) side-feed cup, the 1/2 oz (14 ml)
side-feed cup, or the 1 oz (28 ml) siphon bottle to
increase the airbrush’s versatility.

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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-ne, slow, high-detail spraying, ideally between 5 and 20
psi. Any Iwata Studio Series compressor will operate the Custom
Micron eciently. But realizing the Custom Micron’s full benets
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.
These Iwata Studio Series models come equipped with an air
regulator for precise air adjustment.
• Smart Jet Pro: Good for small studios and normal use.
• Power Jet Lite: Good for normal studios and extended use.
• Power Jet: Great for normal studios and great for extended use.
• Power Jet Pro: Great for normal studios and great for extended
use. (Two regulators allow two airbrushes on same unit.)
Assembly
1. Screw the air hose onto the compressor.
2. Screw the air hose onto the airbrush.
3. If using a Smart Jet Pro, Power Jet, Power Jet Lite, or Power Jet Pro
compressor, adjust the pressure to between 10 and 15 psi.
4. Check for any air leaks in the compressor or air hoses.
5. Place a few drops of cleaning solution or water into the
airbrush’s bowl.
6. Point the airbrush away from you.
7. Press down on the main lever (#13) to start airow through
the airbrush.
8. Pull the main lever back opening the airbrush’s nozzle.
9. Spray water through the airbrush to see how it sprays.

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GENERAL OPERATION
Fine-Line Spray
1. Depress the main lever (#13) to start airow.
2. Position the airbrush close to the surface, between 1/16
and 1/2 inch.
3. Pull the main lever back slightly to start paint ow.
• A longer distance to the paint surface produces wider lines.
• A shorter distance to the paint 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
eects the spray pattern.

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Wide-Lines and Blending
1. Depress the main lever (#13)
2. Position the airbrush from 1/2 to 6 inches away from
the surface.
3. Pull the main lever back much further to release more paint
to cover the bigger area.
• A longer distance to the paint surface produces wider lines.
• A shorter distance to the paint 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.
Pre-Set Handle (#11)
A threaded adjusting screw mounted behind the handle limits the
distance the main lever can be pulled back. This provides accurate
paint volume control and is especially useful for repetitive,
precision work.
Cutaway Handle With Pre-Set #11A (CM-C Plus Only,
Optional for CM-B, CM-C and CM-SB)
The cutaway handle allows quick paint clog removal without
removing the handle or needle.
1. Grip the exposed needle chucking nut (#10) with your ngers.
2. Pull it back while simultaneously depressing the main lever (#13).
3. Repeat this process several times until the airbrush is clog free
and spraying normally.
• The increased paint ow past needle and nozzle tip removes
many clogs.
• Don’t let the needle “snap”back into place. This could damage
the nozzle.

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Micro Air Control (MAC) Valve (CM-C Plus Only)
The MAC Valve enables innite airow control at the airbrush’s
head providing control between stipple, ne detail, and
background spray eects.
• Spray coarse stippling eects and increase to full atomization
in a quick turn.
• Fine tuned airow.
• Maximized paint atomization control.
• Open the valve fully during cleaning. The higher pressure pulls
more paint through the airbrush.
Stippling
Iwata airbrushes are designed to produce a wide range of
stippling textures.
1. Unscrew the crown cap (#1A) and screw onto the cap dock
located on the end of the pre-set handle (#12).
2. Unscrew the nozzle cap (#1B).
3. Adjust the air pressure between 5 and 30 psi.
• Low air pressure creates coarse stipples.
• High air pressure provides ne stipple eects.
• Paint viscosity also eects stippling texture.
Air Pressure
Working pressures generally vary between 8 and 60 psi,
depending on the type of surface, the desired spray texture,
and the paint’s viscosity. Try using 14 psi or below to take full
advantage of the Custom Micron’s unique, spray characteristics.
• Spray thick paint with greater pressure.
• Spray thin paint with less pressure.
• Spray large paint amounts with greater pressure.
• Spray small paint amounts with less pressure.
WARNING: Do not exceed 98 psi

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Paint Preparation
For non-specic airbrush paints, proper preparation, including
ltering 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 lters or mesh.
Safety Tips
• Always spray in well ventilated areas.
• Do not spray solvent based (ammable) paints around
open ames.
• Use the appropriate respirator to safely lter out paint vapors
particular to your specic paint type.
• Wear eye protection to prevent paint contact with eyes.
• Never exceed the airbrush’s pressure limit. (98 psi)
Crown Cap
The crown cap physically protects the needle while spraying
very ne 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.
Crown Cap Dock
The Custom Micron 2014 Series comes equipped with a pre-set
handle that includes a crown cap dock. When stippling or for
any reason you have to remove your crown cap, simply screw it
onto the crown cap dock so it doesn’t get lost.

MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Airbrush Between Colors
1. Dump out the color cup’s excess paint.
2. Rinse the cup with the appropriate cleaning solution.
3. Use a paper towel to wipe out any leftover paint.
4. Fill the bottom of the cup with cleaner.
5. Spray cleaner until the spray is clear.
6. Add the next color to the color cup.
7. Repeat cleaning procedure when nished.
Cleaning the Needle
1. Unscrew the handle (#11) from the airbrush body.
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#10).
3. Gently pull the needle (#9) straight out.
4. Fold a soft cloth damp with cleaner over the needle.
5. Rotate the needle to gently wipe the residual paint o.
6. Carefully insert the needle into the airbrush until it seats fully
against the nozzle (#1C). You should feel a positive stop. If you
feel a spongy stop, you still have debris in your nozzle.
CAUTION: The most probable time to damage the needle is
when the needle passes through the main lever (#13) and
through the needle packing screw (#4).
If the needle stops abruptly, retract and examine the trigger
mechanism for proper assembly and re-insert the needle.
7. Tighten the needle chucking nut nger tight.
Pull the main lever back and forth to visually conrm the
needle’s ability to move.
8. Screw the handle back onto the airbrush body.
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 any time the airbrush becomes clogged
1. Increase the air pressure.
2. Spray cleaning solution for a short time.
3. Clean the needle if necessary
This cleaning method helps clean the paint passage, the nozzle,
and the needle thoroughly.
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Lubricating the Needle (#9)
To ensure smooth main lever (#13) action lubricate the needle
when the trigger won’t respond properly.
1. Unscrew the handle (#11).
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#10).
3. Remove the needle.
4. Coat the needle slightly with Medea Super Lube starting
1 inch behind the tip.
5. Wipe the needle with a soft, clean cloth, leaving a light coat
of lube behind.
6. Re-insert the needle gently into the airbrush until you feel
a positive stop.
7. Tighten the needle chucking nut.
8. Screw the handle onto the airbrush body.
DO NOT over-lube the needle; transferring excess lube into
the nozzle may cause severe paint ow problems.
DO NOT use light machine oil or WD-40 for lubrication. These
lubes cause the needle to stick when it moves through the
needle packing o-ring and can also get into the air system.
CAUTION: If it becomes absolutely necessary to dismantle the
airbrush remember that most situations do not require tools.
DO NOT use pliers.
Lubricating the Air Piston (#14)
To ensure smooth main lever (#13) action, lubricate the air piston
when the trigger won’t respond properly.
1. Unscrew the handle (#11).
2. Unscrew the needle chucking nut (#10).
3. Remove the needle (#9).
4. Unscrew the needle spring adjuster (#8).
5. Remove the needle spring (#7).
6. Remove the needle chucking guide (#5).
7. Pull the main lever up and out.
8. Use tweezers to pull out the air valve piston.
9. Clean the valve piston with a cotton swab.
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10. Clean the hole at the bottom of the trigger housing
with a cotton swab.
a. Clean until a cotton swab comes out clean.
11. Dab a very small drop of Super Lube on the valve
piston shaft.
12. Insert the valve piston back into the hole at the bottom of
the trigger housing.
13. Place the main lever back into the trigger housing.
14. Press the main lever up and down a few times.
a. It should spring back up smoothly when depressed.
15. Place the auxiliary lever back into the trigger housing behind
the main lever.
a. Check the parts guide for the auxiliary lever’s
proper orientation.
b. Grab the small tab on the auxiliary lever from the side.
c. Insert the auxiliary lever sideways into the trigger housing.
d. Twist the auxiliary lever into the proper orientation.
e. Hint: Hold the airbrush body with the front slightly
dipped down to let gravity help your eorts.
16. Place the needle chucking guide into the airbrush body.
17. Place the needle spring over the needle chucking guide.
18. Screw the needle spring adjuster into the airbrush body.
The more you screw it in, the greater the trigger resistance.
The looser it’s adjusted, the smoother the trigger feel
(your personal preference).
19. Push down on the main lever at least once.
20. Carefully insert the needle.
a. Warning: This is the most probable time to bend
the needle point
21. Screw the needle chucking nut onto the needle
chucking guide
22. Screw the handle back into the airbrush body
DO NOT over-lube the air piston; transferring excess lube into
the air system may cause severe paint ow problems.
DO NOT use light machine oil or WD-40 for lubrication. These
lubes cause the needle to stick when it moves through the
needle packing o-ring.
CAUTION: If it becomes absolutely necessary to dismantle
the airbrush remember that most situations, unless otherwise
directed, do not require tools.
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#9
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REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Head System (#1)
A matched head system consists of four parts hand matched
together. These components and this matching process create
the Custom Micron’s exacting performance.
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-Medea’s highly trained technical department.
The set includes: the needle cap (#1A); the nozzle cap (#1B);
the uid nozzle (#1C); and the head system base (#1D).
1. Unscrew the handle (#11).
2. Loosen the needle chucking nut (#10).
3. Gently pull the needle (#9) part way back. It doesn’t need to
be fully pulled out.
4. Simply unscrew the entire head system.
NOTE: Removing the head system the rst time requires a
good grip and some torque. Wrap a rubber band around
the gnarled base of the head system and use a pair of
standard pliers to unscrew it.
• After removing the head system the rst time the plastic cap
functions as a wrench to help remove the head system base
from the airbrush body as needed.
5. Screw the new head system onto the airbrush body until
nger tight.
• Hand tighten head system.
6. Push the needle all the way forward until it seats in place.
7. Tighten the needle chucking nut.
8. Screw the handle onto the airbrush body.
TIP: Keep a spare head system on hand for unforeseen accidents.
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Needle (#9)
Iwata needles are precision ground, hardened stainless-steel
capable of withstanding prolonged use. They are, however, easily
physically damaged because of the long, tapered, extremely
ne tip. If the needle point 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.
TIP: Keep a spare needle on hand for unforeseen accidents.
• Needles are sharp.
• Needle tips are bent easily.
Quick Disconnect (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.
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10
8
7
5
6
4
13
14B
15B
15
15C
15D
15A
9
21
16B
16A
17
3A
18
19
20
2
1
1A
1B
1C
1D
3D
3B
3C
23
22
11B
12
11A
14A
20