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The FLASHJET Coatings Removal Process is a synergy of several coordinated sub-processes,
all finely tuned, to remove coatings at a controlled rate:
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FLASHJET Process |
Important features of the FLASHJET Coatings Removal Process include:
 | Integrated Stripping Head |
 | Single-Point Process Control |
 | Process, Motion Control, and Safety Sensors to Protect the Aircraft |
 | Selective Stripping - Can Remove Top Coat Only |
 | Reduced Operating Costs (more
operating cost data) |
 | Safe for Metallic and Composite Substrates |
 | Low Volume of Residual Effluents (more on environmental
features) |
 | Minimal Safety Requirements |
As the FLASHJET stripping head moves across the surface of the
aircraft or an aircraft component, a powerful xenon flashlamp is pulsed,
ablating the coating.
Simultaneously, a low pressure (15 lbs/in2)
dry ice particle stream cleans and cools the surface.
The resulting combination of fine particle paint ash and gases - called effluent
- is pulled away by a vacuum system, through pre-filters, HEPA (High Efficiency
Particulate Air) filters, and a carbon bed tub scrub, resulting in a clean air
output.
Robotic Control involves execution of pre-defined Stripping
Programs that have surface contour, path and index direction, and boundary
information for an area of an object.
Features of Robotic Control include the following.
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Teaching Strip Path Programs is a one-time task. Once
taught, they are recalled for re-use.
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Standoff Sensors are used to assist with the teaching process,
and can also be used during stripping, to maintain normalization or
just standoff distance.
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Automatic Motion Control
Safety monitors for:
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Collision Detection,
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Robot In Motion, and
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Pass in Progress
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If any one of these
signals is lost the stripping process immediately stops. If a collision is
detected, robot motion stops.
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Operator Stop/E-Stop
Overrides. At anytime the operator feels uncomfortable about robot motion,
he/she can stop the robot by pressing numerous stops and E-Stops available on
the Process Controller, Teach Pendant, and throughout the workspace.
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(More on Robotics)
For more information, see:
FLASHJET Subsystem Basic Descriptions
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