18A Side Cartridge Selection – What’s the Difference?
Q: What’s the difference between these 3 cartridge options and which one should I use?
A: SPF Depot offers three material options for our 18A side cartridges:
Heat Treated Stainless Steel
Heat Treated Gold Tool Steel
Aluminum Color-Code Version
The biggest question we get is:
“Which one performs better in my gun?”
The honest answer?
For actual spray performance inside your gun — there is essentially NO difference.
There’s no shortage of opinions online arguing material superiority, but your spray gun really isn’t “smart enough” to know the difference. Your material travels through:
The cartridge material itself does not suddenly transform spray performance.
Why Offer Different Materials?
Stainless Steel (OEM Style)
This is the traditional OEM-style material used by most manufacturers. Many contractors prefer stainless simply because it matches original factory components.
Gold Tool Steel (TiN Coated)
Our gold version is manufactured from hardened A2 tool steel and coated with TiN (Titanium Nitride). It offers excellent wear resistance and a premium appearance.
Aluminum Color-Code Version
The aluminum cartridges are more economical to manufacture because tooling lasts longer during production. They provide the same functional performance while helping reduce operating costs.
SPF Depot Philosophy
At SPF Depot, we believe contractors should have OPTIONS.
Some customers prefer OEM-style stainless.
Some like the premium look of the gold TiN coating.
Others want the most economical option available.
Our goal is simple:
Provide dependable replacement parts at a lower cost so YOU become more profitable.
Side Seal Cartridge 18A and 246349, 246350 Selection Tech Tip for Graco Fusion AP guns.
Q: Does it matter which side seal I use with these side cartridges?
A:
No — all of our 18A cartridge materials work with the same side seal options.
However, our top recommendation is the:
SPF Depot Pure Titanium Side Seal SPF-246348
Why?
Because it is the hardest side seal material currently offered on the market.
SPF Depot offers FOUR different side seal material options depending on your spraying style and application needs.
Learn More About Side Seal Materials
You can read the full breakdown of side seal material options, wear characteristics, and recommendations in our technical blog post:
CLICK HERE for Side Seal Information
