uGENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION

NOTE:BEFORE INSTALLING, OPERATING OR SERVICING THIS EQUIPMENT, PLEASEREAD THIS SAFETY INFORMATION IN ITS ENTIRETY. ALSO, MAKE SURETHAT ALL RELATED PERSONNEL HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THISSAFETY SECTION. PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THIS MANUAL IN THECOMPARTMENT PROVIDED SO THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL HAS THE BENEFITOF ITS CONTENTS.

INSTALLING EQUIPMENT

1. Check fasteners on all components, guards, etc. Fasteners may have been vibrated loose during

shipment, and could create safety problems. It Is especially important to check the cables and

emergency door stop unit on any counterbalanced door assembly. that procedure is as follows:

* Check to ensure cable fasteners are secure at both ends of each cable.

* Check to ensure that the cables are properly located on the Idler pul.leys located on the roof.

* Treat the emergency door stop unit. This is done by sliding the door towards the closed

position. Allow It to "hit bottom". When the door hits bottom, observe the emergency stop

unit. It shouild hinge forward in a snapping motion. If unit does not function properly, refer

to maintenance section Immediately.

2. When connecting utilities to machine, be sure to follow all electrical and safety codes. State and local

codes as well as most recent National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Occupational Safety and Health

Act (OSHA) should be observed.

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If the machine Is being installed without a final exhaust collector system, the exhaust duct I!l.U§l be

routed outside the building. If the installation includes a final exhaust collector system, we

recommend having final exhaust air analyzed before emitting into plant atmosphere. See

"OPERA TING EQUIPMENT" in this safety section concerning "Threshold Limit Values" and personal

safety.

OPERATING EQUIPMENT

1. A negative pressure must be maintained inside the blast cabinet at all times to prevent abrasive from

being emitted into plant atmosphere. _DQ t:lQI operate equipment with faulty exhaust system, leaking

door seals, torn glov.es or gauntlets, etc. If abrasive media is escaping from any part of the equipment

during operation, shut equipment off immediately and call the maintenance department.

2. Threshold Limit Values (TLV). Each different type of abrasive has a threshold limit value for operator

exposure. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSOS) for media being used should be examined to determine

if this particular media presents any problems.

Vapor Blast Mfg. Co. supplies certain chemical additives to prevent rusting, pre~ent abrasive packing,

etc. When using these additives, request and review the Material Safety Data Sheet for each additive.

3. The equipment is designed to reduce operator sound exposure. However, conditions may exist which

increase sound decibel level exposure to the operator. Refer to OSHA standards for sound exposure

guideUnes. Wear ear protection if discomfort occurs.

4. When operating equipment you are isolated from the actual blasting taking place inside the confines

of the cabenet. However, If any part of the cabinet is damaged or leaking exposure can occur. Always

replace wore or damaged parts immediately. (ex. gloves, gauntlets, window seal)

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EQUIPMENT SERVICING

1. Disconnect power before servicing.

2. Close and lock-out valves on utility connections (compressed air, water, etc.).

3. Follow Instructions in service portion of equipment Instruction manual. Consult factory if necessary.

4. Wear safety glasses at all times when servicing equipment,

5. All service should be performed by a qualified technician.

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THE OBJECT OF LIQUID HONING

The Liquid Honing process Is applied to metals to:

1. Treat the surface to make It metallurgically clean, prior to electro-polishing, electro-plating, or other

coating processes.

2. Remove machining or directional polish lines or marks on such objects as molds and dies for metal,

plastiCS, or rubber.

3. Produce a controlled, microscopically pitted surface to retain lubricant uniformly.

4. Remove microscopic fuzz from cutting edges of tools to reduce flank wear and tool friction.

5. Produce an attractive matte surface.

6. Increase tensile strength and relieve stress concentration through Impact.

The Liquid Honing process Is also applied to material other than metals, such as plastics, to add to their

appearance and to remove fine burrs.

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DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS

Abrasiye System

The hopper at the bottom of the blast cabinet is the collecting reservoir for the liquid and abrasive in the

abrasive circulating system. The hopper outlet is connected to a motor driven pump which serves two

functions. First, it supplies the abrasive mixture to the agitation pipe which agitates the slurry continually

to keep the abrasive In suspension. Seco.ndly, It supplies the abrasive slurry to the blast gun. The slurry

that is expelled from the gun then drains back into the hopper.

The abrasive circulating pump supplying the abrasive mixture to the blast gun does not cause the actual

blasting. Compressed air connected to the blast gun is used to Impart a high velocity to the abrasive

particles to produce the abrasive blast.

U Exhaust System

A ventilation system is provided to remove the mist created by the wet blasting process in order to

maintain sufficient visibility, and to develop a negative pressure inside the cabinet so that abrasive will

not be JJlown out any of the openings on the machine. Air is drawn from the cabinet through the filter

housing by a motor driven exhaust fan situated on the roof of the cabinet. The filter housing contains a

replaceable filter or optional exhaust separator which Is removed through an access cover on the back af

the filter box.

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INSTALLATION OF MACHINE

4. Route the drain hoses from the filter box and window drain to a settling tank. The settling tank can

be either customer supplied or be provided as an optional Vapor Blast accessory. The settling tank

allows ab~asive from the filter and window wiper to settle out of the wat,er flowing to ,the drain.

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MACHINE START-UP

Start-Up

1. Turn cabinet lights on.

2. Open cabinet door.

3. Remove one of the worktable halves and check that the hopp.er is free of foreign material that may

have accumulated during shipment.

4. Close hopper drain valve.

5. Open pump fill valve located near the pump to fill the hopper. Fill the hopper to the BOTTOM of the

two (2) hopper level marker bars (1-1/2" above intake strainer).

6. Position the blast gun so that it will discharge inside the cabinet. Start the pump by depressing the

pump start button. Look for turbulence In the hopper and forceful stream of water being expelled by

U the gun. If neither Is present, the pump may be air-bound. To correct this situation, stop and start

the pump several times or hold the blast gun and depress the air to the blast gun foot switch for

several seconds and release. If the water stili does not flow, tighten the pump packing while the

pump is running, pulling down lightly and evenly on the pump packing follower.

7. Charge the machine with abrasive by gradually pouring 30 to 50 pounds of the selected abrasive

Into the hopper while the pump is still running. The exact amount depends upon abrasive type and

grit size. By adding the abrasive, the hopper water level will rise above the level marker bars. Allow

the abrasive to circulate until it is all in suspension, then collect a sample from the blast gun into

any straight-walled clear vessel/beaker or jar. Allow the abrasive sample to settle out until there is a

clear line of demarcation between the liquid and the solid abrasive. The abrasive should be

approximately 20 to 25 maximum percent by volume. Add abrasive as required.

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u

MACHINE START-UP

8. Close the cabinet door completely. Hold the blast gun and depress the air-to-gun foot· switch.

Check to see that a well-rounded stream of abrasive mixture is obtained. If not, the jet may require

some slight adjustment (see blast gun drawing).

NOTE:NEVER DIRECT BLAST GUN AT WINDOW; IT WILL FROST THE GLASSIMMEDIATELY.

9. If the machine Is equipped with optional automatic filter wash, set filter wash selector switch to

"AUTO". The wash cycle has been factory set to operate for 30 seconds at 30-minute intervals.

10. The window wiper and window wash are actuated by the blast gun foot switch so that the window

will be cleaned any time a part is being blasted. Wiper motor speed is controlled by a 3-position

switch at the front of the machine. Select low, high, or intermittent operation as desired for good

visibility while blasting. Adjust spray nozzle supply with needle valve located in the water line at the

rear of the machine. Keep spray volume at a minimum for collection in window gutter.

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SLURRY ADDITIVES

In addition to the water and abrasive added to the hopper, several chemical additives are available

through Vapor Blast Mfg. Co. to enhance the operation of your machine. They are as follows:

METROLUX A water-soluble rust resisting chemical developed for wet sandblasting. It is

recommended as a good surface preparation for painting and bonding, as well as

rust-Inhibitor It Is principally recommended to treat water against impurities and

oxygen that tend to rust metal.

NO-PAK A water-treating chemical used to produce a soft, flocculent mass In the bottom of

the hopper during shut-down periods when fine abrasive settles out of suspension.

This effects an increased ease In start-up after overnight or weekend shut-downs.

4 oz. per 50 Ibs. of abrasive.

A surface active chemical. It will prevent the build-up of abrasive on the blast

cabinet walls, etc. Intricate and large parts, usually covered with abrasive after

blasting, will rinse free of abrasive very easily. SURFACTO will also Increase the

cutting action of fine abrasives. 1 oz. per 50 Ibs. of abrasive.

SURFACTO

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BLASTING,

u

1. Follow the starting procedure that precedes this section. Be sure to allow enough time for the

abrasive to become fully suspended.

2. Before placing the part in the cabinet, remove grease, protective oils, and other coatings. This will

minimize slurry contamination that may lead to abrasive packing. Place the part to be processed on

the worktable in the blast cabinet. Close the cabinet door completely.

3. Before directing the blast gun at the part, aim it away and check slurry flow during blasting and

check pressure setting. The blast is actuated by the air-to-blast gun foot switch located on the floor

at the front of the machine. The air to the blast gun will stay on until the foot switch is released.

NOTE:BE SURE THE WIPER SPEED AND WATER FLOW TO THE WIPER ISCORRECT. REFER TO STARTING PROCEDURE.

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4. When blasting a hard material, hold the tip of the blast gun approximately 2" to 3" from the surface

to be treated. When blasting a soft material such as thin sheets, start with the tip of the gun at least

8" from the surface to be treated and shorten the distance as necessary for best results. Deposits,

such as scale, are best removed by directing the stream at an angle 70 to 90 degrees to the surface.

If surface appearance is your only objective, the blast stream may be directed perpendicularly to the

surface. Whenever possible, try to locate the part to be blasted on the worktable so that the slurry

splashing on the window is minimized. This will reduce abrasive carry-out.

5. A small amount of abrasive will be lost from window washing, carry-out on parts, etc. To maintain

the recommended percentage of abrasive in the water, check the percentage daily and ADD ONLY

AS NEEpEp.

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MACHINE SHUT-DOWNI

SHORT TERM (breaks, lunch, between shifts)

1. Depress the stop button for the pump.

2. Allow blast gun and hoses to hang down straight to aid in draining.

3. Depress the stop button for the fan.

LONG TERM (overnight, weekends, etc.)

1. Depress the stop button for the pump.

2. Allow blast gun and hoses to hang down straight to aid in draining.

3. For machines not equipped with automatic filter wash, the following should be observed:

With the fan on, turn the filter wash valve on for approximately one minute, then shut off.

4. After pump has been off for at least five minutes, open pump flush valve for 15 seconds, and then

close.

5. If interior of cabinet has excessive build-up of abrasive on walls and light window, wash with rinse

hose.

NOTE:PUMP FLUSH AND WASHING THE CABINET INTERIOR ADD WATER TO THESYSTEM. THIS DILUTES THE SLURRY CONCENTRATION. TAKE A SAMPLEWHEN RESTARTING THE MACHINE.

RESTART

To restart the machine, simply depress fan and pump start buttons. Allow five (5) minutes for the

abrasive to become fully suspended.

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CHANGING ABRASIVE

When the abrasive has been used from 25 to 40 hours, it becomes broken down to the point that it may no

longer be useful blasting material. The life of the abrasive depends upon the type being used and the

blasting pressure. Because of these variables, the customer must determine the actual life of the

abrasive. When that point is exceeded, the abrasive must be changed. This Is accomplished as follows:

1. Remove cover from the filter enclosure on exhaust system. Thoroughly rinse the filter and entire

inside of enclosure. Replace cover.

2. Thoroughly rinse entire inside of blast cabinet. Be sure to rinse light window, exhaust baffle, and

window drain trough.

3. Start the pump and allow the abrasive to become fully suspended. Discharge the used abrasive

through the gun into the waste receptacle or collecting sump. When flow to gun stops, some of the

abrasive slurry will be left in the bottom of the hopper below the level of the pump Intake. Drain this

slurry by opening the drain valve located at the bottom of the hopper, and wash It out by using a

rinse hose to flush out remaining abrasive. Close the hopper drain valve. Fill hopper to level bar

markers. Start pump and run for one (1) minute to flush pump and slurry feed piping. Follow

preceding Instructions to drain hopper.

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