Keywords
Citation
(2004), "Special blast cabinet prepares aero engine components", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776bad.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Special blast cabinet prepares aero engine components
Special blast cabinet prepares aero engine components
Keywords: Aircraft, Engines, Components, Blasting
A custom-built blast cabinet from Hodge Clemco is enabling Rolls-Royce to prepare internal and external surfaces of a wide variety of aero-engine components, many cylindrical and over 2 m long, before metal spraying.
The chamber measures 1,800 mm deep × 1,800 mm wide × 1,400 mm high and has a “top hat” extension of 915 mm long × 610 mm diameter on one side to accommodate long components. A turntable with a load capacity of 500 kg can be rotated manually by the operator during blasting. High-performance seals and a negative air pressure system ensure that no dust escapes from the equipment into the workshop.
The internal bores of the cylindrical components are blasted with a vertical pneumatic reciprocator attached to a blasting nozzle. The length of travel of the device, which is fitted in the cabinet roof, can be pre-set to suit each component.
Access for blasting is provided at the front and side of the chamber, which further increases the versatility of the equipment, and a special cyclone system enables operators to change quickly between different sizes of media. Abrasive is recovered by a scraper system beneath the floor of the chamber which allows a high proportion of abrasive to be re-recycled and avoids the need for a work platform, which is more convenient for operators.
Details available from: Hodge Clemco Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 800 783 2467; Fax: +44 (0) 114 254 0250; E-mail: sales@hodgeclemco.co.uk; Web site: www.hodgeclemco.co.uk