Grinders and sanders

Citation

(1999), "Grinders and sanders", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 46 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1999.12846fad.020

Grinders and sanders

Grinders and sanders

Keywords: Ingersoll-Rand, Vibration dampeners, Grinding, Ergonomics

Ingersoll-Rand believes that it has taken the lead in ergonomic tools with the launch of the company's new ERGOPRO grinders and sanders. Claiming the lowest vibration performance in their class, the ERGOPRO 77A, 88, and 99 series vertical/angle grinders and sanders introduce advanced vibration dampening technologies (Plate 8). Tests to the industry-recognised ISO 8662-4 vibration standard are reported to show that ERGOPRO tools have the best vibration levels in their field, with figures up to 65 per cent below normal levels.

Plate 8Ingersoll-Rand has launched ERGOPRO grinders and sanders

Based on the design of the PRO Series grinders and sanders, ERGOPRO tools utilise two novel technologies to dampen tool vibration. The first is the ERGO ergonomic "dead" handle which is fitted to all tools in the ERGOPRO series. In the 77A, 88V and 99V grinders, this is combined with a second vibration dampening technology - autobalancing.

The new ERGO "dead" handle features patented sinking support beam technology, which is said to dampen the vibration caused by grinding wheel imbalance. Two support beams, encased in a composite housing, flex while the tool is in use, dampening the vibration that would otherwise be transmitted to the operators hand.

The new ERGO-A48 handle allows for the same positioning flexibility as the existing 88V style handle, with two handle positions, allowing the customer to rotate the handle, varying the angle between the ERGO handle and the throttle handle by ten degrees, for increased operator comfort and reduced operator fatigue.

In addition the ERGO handle from Ingersoll-Rand flexes in the vertical axis and is rigid in the horizontal axis, providing optimum dampening and minimal change in control.

The second new ergonomic feature is auto balancing - a time-proven technology that works on the principle that all rotating parts suffer from imbalance and addresses the varying degree of imbalance present in all grinding wheels. The autobalancer is a bearing-like disc that has a sealed raceway containing ball bearings in an oil bath. This mounts on the grinder arbour below the new inner wheel flange on the ERGOPRO grinders. As the grinding wheel begins to rotate, the ball bearings position themselves in the raceway to balance out the imbalance in the grinding wheel, resulting in a reduction of vibration transmitted to the operators hands.

Extensive laboratory testing of the autobalancer to ISO standard 8662-4 has reportedly shown maximum vibration reduction of 69 per cent when comparing standard PRO Series product to product using just the autobalancing technology.

Current users of PRO Series tools can benefit from both of the new vibration-dampening technologies by upgrading their existing tools with two new retrofit kits created by Ingersoll-Rand, one for the 77A and 88V grinders, the other for the 99V models. Both kits contain the new ERGO "dead" handle, an autobalancer and the wheel flange as standard.

The new ERGOPRO Series unites its enhancements with the classic features of the original PRO Series. The line still features the patented motor controller, designed to increase productivity and enhance operator safety, as well as the integral guard and self-locking lever which prevent accidental operation.

Designed with operator safety and productivity in mind, the patented motor controller regulates air flow into the motor to control the speed and power of the tool. There is no need for an additional over-speed or shutoff device, Ingersoll-Rand's locking throttle lever is a spring-loaded latch that resets each time the lever is released. This system helps prevent accidental operation - even if the tool is dropped. The original PRO Series and the new ERGOPRO Series grinders are all equipped with patented integral guards which it is claimed, if removed, prevent the tools from operating. All guards are made of steel for extra protection.

Further details are available from Ingersoll-Rand Marketing Services. Tel: +44 (0) 181 741 9828; Fax: +44 (0) 181 741 9508.