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Cleaning after a blasting media spill (Fuse Blast)

Cleaning after a blasting media spill (Fuse Blast)

Blasting media spills can pose a slip hazard. Overfilling the Fuse Blast with blasting media can impede its normal operation. When filling the Fuse Blast with blasting media, do not fill the hopper past the air inlet. Ensure that blasting media bags, and other media storage containers are fully closed when transporting media.

NOTICE:

Powder and blasting media may escape the Fuse Blast if the chamber door is opened too soon after blasting. Wait for dust to settle before opening the chamber door. The Fuse Blast has interlocks to prevent blasting operation while the chamber door is open. Do not open the chamber door while in operation.

Cleaning spills

To avoid spilling blasting media within the Fuse Blast and potentially overfilling the machine, scoop media from a container onto the work surface rather than pouring it in bulk.

NOTICE:

Never add more than 9 L of media to the Fuse Blast at once. Overfilling the Fuse Blast obstructs the air inlet in the chamber and requires disassembly to clear the obstruction. For best results, open the work surface access grate while adding media to make sure the media level does not rise above the air inlet.

If blasting media spills outside the Fuse Blast, clean it immediately. If SLS powder spills outside the Fuse Blast, clean it with an anti-static vacuum that is grounded and bonded. A compliant Class II, Division 2 vacuum is available for purchase from Formlabs on the Formlabs store.

Reusing spilled blasting media

Spilled blasting media can safely be reused so long as the blasting media is dry and does not contain contaminants or debris larger than the grain size of the media being used. Small contaminants, such as dust, are removed by the media filter mesh during use.

NOTICE:

For best results, do not reuse blasting media that contains large pieces of foreign debris or that has been reclaimed from the waste hopper.

Preventing blasting media spills

  • When filling the Fuse Blast with blasting media, do not fill the hopper past the air inlet.
  • Ensure that blasting media bags, and other media storage containers are fully closed when transporting media.
  • Ensure that the hopper valves are closed unless you are actively emptying the hoppers.
  • The Fuse Blast work surface grate is secured to a chute that leads to the parts catcher. That chute should be sealed tightly against the inner walls of the Fuse Blast. If there are any gaps between the chute and the machine walls, blasting media or waste powder could collect underneath the machine. If you notice a gap, seal it with silicone caulk or another similar material.