THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017
A number of new products have been introduced recently to make surface preparation easier, more effective or even hands-free.
From robotic blasting systems to laser cleaning lines, the list below represents a small sampling of the latest technologies available on the market.
Autonomous Blasting Robot
Clemco Industries (Washington, Missouri) has introduced the Alpha 1 autonomous blasting robot by Sabre. Alpha 1 is a robotic system built to provide blasting services in complex environments, removing human operators from workspaces that may be difficult or dangerous to access.
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| Technology Publishing Co. |
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Alpha 1 is a robotic system built to provide blasting services in complex environments (shown here in a demonstration at SSPC 2017). |
Alpha 1 by Sabre weighs less than 55 pounds, Clemco says, and is small enough to fit into areas with restricted access. The six-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm has a 3D sensor that scans, maps and blasts the surface. A touch-screen control unit allows the operator to preview and monitor blasting, and no robotics experience is necessary for the operator, the company says.
More information: www.clemcoindustries.com.
Universal Blasting Station
Spartan Blasting Systems (Durham, California) recently introduced the Universal Blasting Station. This new blasting system is designed to be compatible with multiple brands and pot sizes. The Universal Blasting Station comes with two parts: the skid, which holds the pot, hoses and breathing air, and the bin, which holds up to 5,000 pounds of media.
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| Spartan Blasting Systems |
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Workers can use a forklift to empty the 5,000-pound super-sack of media into the bin of the Universal Blasting System. |
Spartan says the system is intended to save blasters time and money, by eliminating the need to repeatedly refill the pot. Instead of filling the pot manually with smaller bags, the system allows the use of a 5,000-pound super-sack of media. Workers can use a forklift to empty the super-sack into the bin.
Spartan also notes that eliminating the use of 50- and 100-pound bags that workers much lift and carry manually can help to limit injuries during blasting. The Universal Blasting Station is made for operations that utilize portable blasting pots and operate on-site and mobile off-site jobs, the company says.
More information: www.spartanblasting.com.
Laser Cleaning Line
The Fonon Corporation is now offering CleanTech by Laser Photonics, a line of laser systems for cleaning and surface preparation. CleanTech systems, the company says, offer a non-abrasive solution for some surface prep applications.
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| Fonon Corporation |
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CleanTech laser equipment can be used for paint and epoxy removal on items such as aviation parts, rust and corrosion removal on some items, anodizing removal and surface conditioning for better adhesion, the company notes. |
The laser equipment can be used for paint and epoxy removal on items such as aviation parts, rust and corrosion removal on some items, anodizing removal and surface conditioning for better adhesion, the company notes.
The line includes the CleanTech Stationary Unit and the CleanTech Handheld, a portable unit that can be used in the field. Both have dust collectors that can be used.
More information: www.laserphotonics.us.
Shot Blaster
Blastrac NA (Oklahoma City) recently introduced the 1-8DM Shot Blaster, a new portable, lightweight shot-blasting system it says is designed for applications including small industrial floors.
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| Blastrac |
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Blastrac says its new 1-8DM Shot Blaster is designed for applications including small industrial floors. |
Blastrac says the shot blaster can prepare, strip, clean and profile in one step, and can be used as a complementary unit on larger jobs, edging to within ¾ inch when its side magnet seals are removed. Shot pattern reducers are available in 4, 5 or 6 inches.
More information: www.blastrac.com.
Garnet Abrasive Line
Abrasive and equipment supplier Barton (Glen Falls, New York) has introduced the MG1 line, a medium fine garnet abrasive.
MG1 is designed for new construction applications, the company says, where thin coatings, mill scale and light rust are to be removed, and where a deep anchor pattern is not required: 1.5 to 2 mils is the ideal profile range for the product, Barton notes.
The product is suited for steel, aluminum, concrete or brick, and MG1 can be used in wet blast and vapor blast applications as well, the company notes.
More information: www.barton.com.
UHP Waterblasting Gun
Jetstream (Houston) recently introduced the FX Tornado spinner gun, a new gun for high-pressure and ultrahigh-pressure waterblasting.
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| Jetstream |
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The FX Tornado is made for use at up to 40,000 psi, and is compatible with a number of Jetstream nozzles. |
The FX Tornado is made for use at up to 40,000 psi, and is compatible with a number of Jetstream nozzles. The gun allows the nozzle to spin while maintaining maximum force, the company says.
The product features stainless steel pressure bearing components and a gun guard for nozzle holder protection, the company says. It comes with a service tool on the belt sprocket to facilitate adjustments.
More information: www.waterblast.com.
Tagged categories: Abrasive blasting; Abrasives; Blast cabinets; Blasting; Blastrac; Clemco; Jetstream; Surface preparation; Surface Preparation; UHP waterjetting; Waterjetting
