Caution:
Only block the blast gun with the blasting chamber door closed and your hands inside the built-in Fuse Blast gloves. Do not attempt to override the door interlock or use your bare hands to block the blast gun.
WHITE PAPER
Unclogging the Fuse Blast regurgitator line
Unclogging the Fuse Blast regurgitator line
The Fuse Blast features two paths for high pressure air to flow through the machine: the media line and the regurgitator line. The regurgitator line below the work surface allows air to flow even if the blast nozzle is blocked by debris.
Conversely, a clogged regurgitator line can cause dense, sluggish, or inconsistent media flow through the blast gun. This can have a negative impact on the surface finish of parts. Unclog the regurgitator line with compressed air, either by blocking the blast gun or with an external compressed air source.
Unclogging the regurgitator line by blocking the blast gun
You can use the compressed air flow from the Fuse Blast itself to clear the regurgitator line. Obstructing the blast gun while it is firing sends compressed air back down the media line and through the regurgitator line, dislodging the clogged media.
- On the Fuse Blast touchscreen, set the blast gun pressure to 30 psi.
- Turn on the blast gun, either by starting an automatic blasting cycle on the touchscreen or manually with the foot pedal.
- While the blast gun is firing, fully seal the end of the blast gun with a gloved finger for several seconds.
- Check the clear media hopper window. If the media in the hopper is being visibly agitated, you are sealing the blast gun correctly.
- Repeat 4–5 times.
- Unblock the blast gun.
- Fire the blast gun to see if you have normal media flow. It may take 10–15 seconds for normal media flow to return after the regurgitator line has been unclogged.
If the blasting media is still not flowing smoothly, move on to unclogging the regurgitator line with compressed air.
Unclogging the regurgitator line with compressed air
You can also unclog the regurgitator line directly using compressed air. If you do not have an extra compressed air line, you can turn off your Fuse Blast, disconnect its compressed air line, and attach a blow gun.
- If the Fuse Blast was recently in use, wait for any powder plumes to settle.
- Unlatch and open the blast door to access the work area.
- Lift the access hatch in the work surface grate.
- Locate the regurgitator line outlet, positioned under an overhang at the back of the chamber.
- Reach under the mesh with the compressed air gun and aim the gun down the regurgitator line.
- Blow compressed air down the regurgitator line five times, for 15 seconds at a time.
- Close the access hatch and blasting chamber door.
- Fire the blast gun to see if you have normal media flow. It may take 10–15 seconds for normal media flow to return after the regurgitator line has been unclogged.
If you are still experiencing dense or inconsistent media flow, contact Formlabs Support or your certified service provider.