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Aerospace Engine MRO Surface Treatments

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Efficient, Clean, Consistent & Safe Wet blasting processes and solutions for MRO

The Vixen Aquablast Wet blasting process (Also know as Vapor Blasting) is written in to the manuals and specifications as an approved process for the MRO of aircraft Engines, Undercarriage, Wheel and brake & much more.

Choose your specific requirement or area of specialty below to find out more about the benefits of wet blasting and our Aquablast solutions and how we can help your shop or operation. 

 

 

Cleaning and Surface preparation 

Wet blasting, Also known as Vapor Blasting high-pressure (HP) turbine disks and other Engine components is a critical process in aerospace maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) 

Wet blasting is a critical process for maintaining the safety, reliability, and performance of high-pressure turbine disks in aerospace applications. By incorporating wet blasting into maintenance processes, aerospace MRO facilities can ensure the continued airworthiness and efficiency of aircraft propulsion systems while meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Many MRO facilities are cleaning such parts Manually using wet blasting already, but this can take upwards of 6 hours! Using our automated solutions, this task can be significantly reduced whilst also leaving a skilled operator free to do more meaningful tasks. This will help move parts through the process more efficiently and consistently for your operation.

Our wet blast process is an OEM approved process and can also replace or reduce lengthy chemical processes that are undertaken prior to NDT. Wet blasting flows over the surface cleaning components and hard to reach areas such as FIR Tree slots and highlighting any imperfections on components if they exist!

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Reduce manual processing times & add process consistency with automation

Many businesses initially adopt manual processing methods when establishing MRO shops or trialing new processes.

Processing of a typical hub to clean and remove carbon build between slots for example prior to NDT can take hours to process in a manual cabinet with an operator stood there processing for maybe 6 hours plus. Changing to an automated solution could have this done without the operator, in less time, and also with consistency, repeatability and with no scrap or concern for over processing. 

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Advantages of Automated Wet Blasting Solutions

Increased Efficiency: Automated systems can process parts faster than manual methods, significantly reducing the time required for tasks such as cleaning and deburring. For example, a task that takes six hours manually could be completed in a fraction of that time.

Consistency and Repeatability: Automated systems ensure that each part is processed uniformly, eliminating variability and enhancing product quality. This consistency is crucial for meeting stringent industry standards, especially before NDT.

Labor Savings: Automation frees up operators from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more value-added activities. This not only improves workforce productivity but also reduces labor costs.

Reduction in Scrap: Automated systems are designed to prevent over-processing, reducing the risk of scrapping parts due to human error. This leads to better resource utilization and cost savings.

Enhanced Safety: Automation reduces the need for operators to handle hazardous materials and equipment directly, improving workplace safety

Wet Blasting applications for Aerospace 

Our Wet blasting process and solutions are used across the aerospace industry in many areas for the common reason that the process is consistent, controllable and an environmentally friendly alternative to other finishing techniques.

Applications we have worked on and continue to work on range from deburring of parts, surface finishing to a requirement or without altering certain surface dynamics, to paint removal, washing & cleaning as part of NDT checks or composite preparation for bonding.

Wet blasting is used for many different applications within the aerospace industry. Some of the most common applications we work on with our aerospace customers and partners are here:

Can't see the application you are looking for? Go to our applications page to see more applications

Process Driven Solutions for Aerospace 

Our aim is to work with you and supply you the process and solution to meet your requirements. This can be done with our manual or automatic solutions.

We will work with you to understand your needs, and offer the best solutions available to meet your requirements. Whilst we do have standard machines in both manual and automatic configurations, we also have the ability to design and manufacture completely bespoke solutions for your exact requirements.

The next step on our journey is to setup some FREE sample processing trials to show you’re the results achievable on your parts. Contact us below to discuss your needs.

 

We also design and manufacture washing equipment which in many cases complements our wet blasting solutions.

In many applications we have implemented solutions that incorporate both blasting and washing in a one step process which can remove handling steps and  increase efficiency.