Closed-circuit machine operates behind the scenes on Airbus composites R & D

Citation

(1999), "Closed-circuit machine operates behind the scenes on Airbus composites R & D", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771cab.009

Closed-circuit machine operates behind the scenes on Airbus composites R & D

Closed-circuit machine operates behind the scenes on Airbus composites R & D

Keywords Blasting, Surface preparation, Vacu-Blast

A Vacu-Blast "closed-circuit" dust-free mobile abrasive blasting machine is playing an important behind-the-scenes role at the British Aerospace Airbus wing design and manufacturing facility in Filton, Bristol (Plate 2). Vacu-Blast is part of the USF Surface Preparation Group.

The machine ­ a suction-fed "SA-04" model ­ is being used by a British Aerospace research and development team for the surface preparation of a wide variety of composite test parts, prior to bonding.

The parts involved are employed in on-going R & D work on the use of composites ­ carbon-fibre in particular ­ for Airbus wing box sections and other wing components. The use of bonded composite materials for certain wing structures has weight-saving benefits which could lead to significant improvements in aircraft performance and engine fuel efficiency.

As with all bonding operations, optimum preparation of the surfaces to be mated is vital to the integrity of the resultant joint.

Plate 2 This Vacu-Blast SA-04 closed-circuit abrasive blasting machine is used by British Aerospace at its Airbus plant in Flinton, to prepare the surfaces of composite test pieces prior to bonding, as part of an on-going R & D programme

A Vacu-Blast "closed-circuit" machine was reportedly selected for surface preparation as it not only provides a gently-applied and consistent surface etch to a controllable depth ­ in this case using an aluminium oxide blast media ­ but it also offers the mobility to be moved easily around the workshop and test areas without hindering other operations.

Invented by Vacu-Blast, the closed-circuit system uses a special enclosed blast gun which both delivers the abrasive blast media and recovers it simultaneously by vacuum, together with resultant dust and debris. The machine's power-pack then automatically separates out reusable media and recycles it to the gun. Degraded media, dust and debris are directed into a dust collector for safe disposal. This integral, continuous regrading and recycling process ensures a consistent, high-quality surface finish and minimises running costs.

Vacu-Blast closed-circuit machines come in pressure-fed as well as suction-fed versions, in a range of sizes to suit low and high capacity applications ­ from the highly manoeuvrable "Midget" machine for general workshop use, to the very powerful PB-14 Series. Special blast guns are available for processing angular and profiled surfaces, edges and large flat areas of floor or decking, as well as for cleaning hot welds. The machines can be used with all types of abrasive blast media, including the latest plastic and organic materials.

Further details from Vacu-Blast Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 1753 526511; Fax: +44 (0) 1753 538093.