PMC PHX-25 Review: A 3,000 psi Proportioner for Coatings and Polyurea

PMC's Classic hydraulic machines have a reputation for being simple and rebuildable. The PHX-25 is the compact, high-pressure member of that family. Our store lists it as a 3,000 psi proportioner, so we went straight to PMC's product page, brochure and service manual to verify the numbers before writing this ArmorThane Tech Team review.

Verified PHX-25 specs

The short answer on our listing: yes, 3,000 psi is correct. The "X" is what gets you there. The PH-25 is the same platform rated at 2,000 psi.

Heaters and hose: what the numbers mean

The PHX-25 uses PMC's "Classic" two-heater design: one primary heater per side. More wattage helps you hold temperature in cold weather, with thicker materials and at higher flow. The hose transformer choice decides how far from the rig you can work. The standard 3 kVA transformer supports 310 ft of heated hose; the 5 kVA option stretches that to 410 ft.

For polyurea, heat is not optional. Most polyurea and hybrid systems need elevated temperatures to hit their viscosity, mix and cure targets, so match your heater size to the technical data sheet of the coating you spray most.

Polyurea vs foam: where the PHX-25 fits

PMC's manual says the PH(X) machines are designed for polyurea, polyurethane foam and some specific two-component epoxy systems, and PMC's product page calls the PHX-25 ideal for plural-component coatings in small to medium scale applications.

• Polyurea and coatings: This is the sweet spot. The 3,000 psi rating gives headroom for the higher pressures polyurea typically runs at, and 1.7 gal/min suits bedliners, small industrial jobs, secondary containment and repair work.
• Spray foam: It will spray foam, but output is the limit. Contractors spraying large volumes of open or closed cell foam will usually be happier with a larger machine.

Who the PHX-25 is for

• Bedliner and coatings shops moving up to heated, high-pressure polyurea.
• Applicators building a first trailer or box truck rig for polyurea and hybrids.
• Crews who value a hydraulic machine they can service themselves.

If your work is mostly RV roofs and spray-on bedliners and you do not need high-pressure polyurea, also look at ArmorThane's new 1:1 low-pressure system, with complete setups starting as low as about $20,000.

Trade-offs

• Output ceiling. 1.7 gal/min is right-sized for coatings but limits big foam jobs.
• Weight and footprint. At a listed 500 lb, plan rig layout and floor reinforcement.
• Classic controls. The strength of the Classic line is simplicity. You do not get the connected, app-driven features found on some newer platforms.

Feed pumps, guns and service

A proportioner is only as good as its supply. Pair it with a matched set of transfer pumps, such as PMC's P-52 package, and a gun like the PMC AP-2. We also stock PMC pumpline parts, including the PH-20/PHX-20 rebuild kit and pumpline clevis parts, in Parts & Rebuild Kits. If pressures drift or the machine will not come up to temperature, work through our Troubleshooter first, and use the Gun Parts Finder for PMC Xtreme gun parts.