Spotlight on Pneumatic Tools

May 9, 2006
A hightlight on pneumatic tools.

Air Ratchet

Chicago Pneumatic offers the CP Air Ratchet (CP7828) that features the patented TriSpring anti-slip head design, which the company says virtually eliminates slippage while reducing heat buildup for more power and control. The CP7828 is a 3/8-inch square drive ratchet delivering 60 foot-poundss. of ultimate torque. It has a high speed motor that delivers 240 rpm and a dBA rating of 87.5, making it 27 percent quieter. The tool measures 10.75 inches and weighs 2.75 pounds. It also includes CP precision mechanic’s glove and a numbered, limited edition CP racing knife. For more information visit chicagopneumatic.

Paint Stripping

As a leading supplier of sponge media abrasives to the aerospace and aviation industry, Sponge-Jet Inc.’s innovative stripping process offers clean, dry, low dust, reusable surface preparation products. Selectively strip coatings from aluminum or composite skins and airframes without damage to the substrate. Safely clean, strip or profile in small, confined spaces. Use as a dry, non-hazardous alternative to chemicals and conduct spot maintenance without extensive setup or cleanup. For more information call (800) 776-6435 or visit spongejet.

Spray Gun

The Marlin Titan spray gun from COMTECH Aerospace Inc. was developed to reduce VOC emissions. The Marlin innovative concept carries out the tasks of airless, aircoat, HVLP and conventional spray guns therefore only one gun is required. The Marlin Titan spray gun was tested by the AQMD (Air Quality Management District) of Los Angeles. The test results proved the Marlin Titan spray gun offers a unique performance and very high transfer efficiency of 80 to 95 percent. The spray gun operates at an air pressure of between 1-5 psi, using only 4-8 cfm of air. Features include low weight, reduction in mist and odor, low noise level, lower waste disposal, reduced pollution, and material savings. For more information call (403) 875-8362.

Cleaning and Coating Removal Systems

ARMEX from The ArmaKleen Co. is a cleaning and coating removal system using baking soda-based abrasive technology. It can be used to clean, depaint, and degrease a variety of substrates including ferrous metals, aluminum, other alloys, plastics, and composites. The mild abrasivity of the process enables it to clean and depaint high tolerance parts without altering the surface characteristics of most aerospace materials or without causing crack closure. ARMEX is delivered using either compressed air or water in specially engineered equipment manufactured by US Filter Surface Preparation. For more information visit armex or call (800) 332-5424.

Compressed Air System

This packaged compressed airsystem from Kaeser comes with a Sigma rotary screw compressor, refrigerated air dryer, and optional filter compactly mounted on a horizontal receiver tank. Simply connect the power and air line and you have a fully operational compressed air system. Compressor size ranges from 3 to 40 hp with maximum working pressures available from 80 to 205 psig. The compressors are complete with starters, aftercooler, and sound attenuating enclosure. For more information call (800) 777-7873 or visit kaeser.

Random Orbital Buffer

Available both in electric and air models, these random orbital buffers from Dynabrade work on a variety of surfaces including solid surface, fiberglass, plastics, and composites. They are ideal for eliminating swirls from a variety of surfaces. The tools oscillate with a large 3/4-inch offset random pattern to simulate a hand motion and remove swirl problems normally associated with buffing and polishing. The 8-inch diameter buffers are excellent for dealing with large work surfaces. For more information visit dynabrade.

Installation Tools

Able to install up to 1/4 inch blind rivets, blind bolts, and lock bolts, the Huck Fasteners’ versatile 244 pneudraulic tool features a rugged, durable design; reliability; easy serviceability; comfort grips; low-effort trigger pulls; and weighs only 5.7 pounds. (without nose assembly). Also available is Model 256, designed for high-speed production applications, and able to install up to 20 fasteners per minute. The 256 installs up to 3/8-inch steel Magna-Grip fasteners. The tool provides optimum stroke for one-cycle installations, and features a concentric (inline) pull piston and new front gland design, allowing for easy piston removal. For more information visit alcoa.

Respirator System

The Pro Air supplied-air-respirator system from Axis Products is a simple and inexpensive way to protect yourself from the life-threatening hazards of paint mists and fumes, chemical and welding fumes and vapors and dust from sand blasting or any other hazard that can steal your breath away. The system provides a constant flow of cool fresh air and is available in a variety of configurations. For more information visit axispro.

Air-Supplied Respirator

DeVilbiss provides the Air Vizor, an advanced air-supplied respirator for maximum protection and comfort for finishing operations that require face masks. It is part of a complete breathable air system that includes air filtration units and carbon monoxide monitoring for a complete air respirator system. The breathable air filtration units convert shop air into clean, dry, contaminant-free air for breathing systems and spray operations. Features include a glare-reducing visor window, detachable hair and neck cover, ratchet adjustable headgear, a rigid face piece for better visibility, accommodation for prescription eyewear and beards, a belt-mounted filter, regulator and breathing air tube, and an adjustable belt with quick fit buckle. For more information call (800) 992-4657 or visit devilbiss.

Mastic Removal System

Kell-Strom tools offers the Vibro-Gun and Vibro-Blade Sharpener designed specifically for the aircraft industry. Used to remove PRC, RTV, silicone, rubatex, glues, fabric, velcro, leather, leatherette, veneer, tape, seals, gaskets, carpets and all general mastic and caulking. Adjustable speed controls the number of strokes per minute to match the requirements of the task at hand. Grounded air hose is designed to prevent electrostatic buildup. Blades are available in plastic, steel, brass, and aluminum bronzemation. For more information visit kell-strom.

Power Nibblers

Kett Tool Co. offers Portable Power Nibblers. A complete line of eight nibblers, from light duty to super heavy duty is available.The line has four electric nibblers and four pneumatic models. Pneumatic models cut from 18-gauge mild steel, 20-gauge stainless to 3/16-inch mild steel, and 10-gauge stainless. These heavy-duty tools are a must for any stamping plant, sheet metal fabricator, or anyone that has to cut heavy gauge sheet metal. Each requires a 90- to 100-psi air source. For more information visit kett-tool.

Pentalift Air-Actuated Lift Table

Pentalift Equipment Corporation offers its air-actuated lift and rotate table with heavy-duty central thrust bearing and a minimum of four steel rollers. It runs completely off shop air with no electricity, hydraulics, or related maintenance necessary. Capacities to 4,000 pounds. Platform sizes up to 48-inch by 60-inch. For more information visit pentalift.

De-Icing Equipment

Global Ground Support, LLC offers AirPlus!, forced air de-icing equipment. AirPlus! allows the operator to select one of four de/anti-icing options forced air, forced air with injection of deicing fluid, forced air and fluid at full flow rates, and fluid only.Airplus! is small and lightweight and can be mounted at the very tip of the boom, inside the enclosed cab. For more information visit global-llc.

Air Distribution System

Kaeser Compressors offers a modular, aluminum compressed air distribution system, SmartPipe. Made from smooth, calibrated aluminum with a low friction coefficient, SmartPipe provides the best possible flow and will not rust or corrode. Full bore fittings minimize pressure drop and leak-free connectors prevent costly compressed air loss. It can be easily integrated into existing systems and modified to accommodate changing needs. For more information visit kaeser.