Vapormatt wire cleaning

The range of Vapormatt wire cleaning equipment

The new ‘Vapormaster 1210’ wire preparation system, specially developed by Vapormatt Ltd, represents a major step forward in the surface preparation and cleaning of the wire and rod.

The Vapormaster 1210 has been found in carefully monitored production trials to achieve a much better result than conventional alternatives such as ultrasonic or mechanical brushing preparation systems, and is safer and more environmentally acceptable than processes that use harsh or toxic chemicals. The high intensity preparation action provided by the Vapormatt wire cleaning machine removes deep-seated contamination and corrosion from the rod or wire surface and leaves a completely uniform finish.

The Vapormaster 1210 wet blasting machine has been designed to ensure that the wire products are cleaned and prepared to the highest standards possible. The machine eliminates virtually all of the oxide layer, and removes other surface contamination with its simultaneous surface preparation, degreasing and rinsing action. It operates continuously, with the wire passing into and out of the wet blasting enclosure on a roller support system via sealed apertures. The purpose-designed preparation enclosure incorporates a specially designed wet blasting “manifold”, equipped with eight blast nozzles, which ensures all-round thorough surface preparation as the feedstock passes through it. The abrasive media used is based on aluminium oxide and media dosing is automatic.

Because the wet blasting process employs water as well as air as an abrasive carrier, its action is less aggressive than dry blasting since the water acts as a buffer and lubricates the particles on impact, enabling very smooth finishes to be produced without damage to the surface.

The whole wet blasting process is self-contained, with the machine working on a closed-loop basis - process water is continuously filtered and waste material and debris is directed to a container for regular removal by a trade waste collection service. Other features of the Vapormaster machine include: an advanced pump/sump design which prevents blockages, even after prolonged shutdown; the use of long-life urethane components in areas subject to particular wear; low air consumption processing nozzles; and a rigid steel chassis with inset non-corrosive grp panels to reduce noise. The machine has also been designed to minimise maintenance.

The wet blast process

Wet blasting uses water and an abrasive medium accelerated from a nozzle with compressed air, to provide a very effective and environmentally friendly, self-contained surface preparation and surface conditioning process.

The abrasive particles used in the system can be as fine as talcum powder but due to the water carrier and - unlike dry blasting processes - no dust or static electricity is created. Biodegradable degreasing compounds can be added to the water to further extend the capability of the process - components can therefore be degreased and super-finished in a single operation.

Filters built into the machine remove the oil and blast debris on a continuous cycle. Many different types and sizes of abrasive media can be employed in the process, depending on the application, from ruby hard alumina to soft plastics.

Applications

Radiusing (rounding) of cutting edges of Band Saw blades.

Removing heat treatment scale and edge honing of serrated steel carding wire, this product is used in the manufacture of cotton and wool thread.

Removing heat treatment scale from auto steering racks - especially the gear teeth.

Matting the surface of plastic wire to give good adhesion for paint or plating.

Cleaning aluminium / copper wire for ultimate cleanliness prior to friction welding during the conform tube making process.

Cleaning of fibre optic cables prior to sheathing with extruded plastic protection.

Cleaning of metallic wire prior to bonding of other plastic protection sheathing systems to their surface.