Top-of-the-line machines should include:
Dust collector filter area over 100 square feet– the more filter area a machine has the less frequently the dust collector filter needs to be cleaned.
High-efficiency abrasive separator reclaimer– pneumatic centrifuge – together with the large blower size retains abrasive and keeps the machine clean. Without an efficient separator reclaimer, each time the abrasive is recycled, a percentage of good abrasive is lost in the dust collector. A top-of-the-line separator reclaimer will be nearly 100% efficient, with abrasive sizes 240 mesh and larger.
“Ergo” machine designs to reduce operator fatigue. Specific “ergo” design features to look for include:
- Sit-down and stand-up machine operation.
- Full front-operated blast treadle pedal, with adjustable height for standing or seated operation.
- A dust collector that can be cleaned from the operator’s work station.
- A dust collector that can be cleaned while the machine is operating. This creates more machine running time, is cleaner, but does require a reverse-pulse design using compressed air to clean the filter.
- An additional pressure pot pneumatic circuit for fast abrasive pot loading.
- Eye-level machine controls for effortless operation.
- Micro-abrasive hoses to eliminate hand fatigue.
- Full-padded armrest for the operator’s comfort and mobility.
- Additional LED lighting for inspecting parts before removing from the cabinet.
- Pressure pot access port for fast service and maintenance.
Top-of-the-line models offer the cleanest operation and include the most time-saving and ergonomically designed features.
-Robert Robinson, Media Blast & Abrasive
