Chief Dust Extractor makes repairing aluminum less explosive

June 18, 2015
Chief Automotive Technologies introduces a dust extractor that collects and contains the harmful aluminum particles released when aluminum vehicle body panels are sanded.

Chief Automotive Technologies introduces a dust extractor that collects and contains the harmful aluminum particles released when aluminum vehicle body panels are sanded. The dust extractor features all-stainless steel construction and high-efficiency immersion separation technology, which make it an ideal solution for modern collision repair facilities.  

Aluminum is increasingly being used in vehicle bodies to save weight. When sanded, it produces dust that can corrode any bare steel it contacts. Aluminum dust is also explosive if a spark is present to ignite it. Therefore, collision repair facilities should isolate aluminum jobs from steel repair, and collect aluminum dust at its source as it’s generated.

“A dust extractor ensures that no metal particles become airborne and travel through the shop,” says Bob Holland, director of collision in North and South America for Chief parent company Vehicle Service Group (VSG). “But not all dust extractors are suited for use with aluminum. Some are made of basic, non-stainless steel alloys, which can corrode from the inside once aluminum dust enters the system. Since the new Chief dust extractor was designed specifically for use during aluminum repairs, it was built with the capabilities collision repair shops need to safely restore the vehicles of today and beyond.”

The new Chief dust extractor is compatible with any pneumatic sander that has a vacuum function. Users simply connect the sander to the extractor via a vacuum hose and air line, and the extractor turns on automatically when sanding begins.

To maximize productivity, the dust extractor comes with a wye connector that enables two sanders to connect to it at the same time. As a result, technicians spend less time waiting for equipment. Heavy-duty castors allow technicians to easily move the extractor through the shop.

The Chief dust extractor’s water-based immersion separation system wets aluminum particles so they can be filtered into a containment vessel. Unlike traditional dust extractors, the Chief extractor’s containment vessel can be emptied independently of its water tank. This allows users to properly dispose of the collected solids in compliance with environmental regulations, instead of pouring them down a drain with the wastewater.

Since hydrogen gas is produced when aluminum reacts with water, the Chief dust extractor’s containment vessel comes with a relief valve. This ensures hydrogen pressure will not build up and damage the extractor. The containment vessel’s HEPA filter captures 99.995 percent of contaminants at .3 microns in size, and the vessel can hold 1.3 gallons of dust before it needs to be emptied.

The dust extractor is part of Chief’s new fusion line of products that includes a family of spot and MIG/MAG welders, a new rivet gun and a fume extractor.

To learn more about the new Chief dust extractor, contact your local Chief distributor, visit www.chiefautomotive.com/Shop-Tools/Dust-Extractor or call (800) 445-9262. Chief is active on Twitter, twitter.com/ChiefAutomotive and Facebook, www.facebook.com/ChiefAutomotive. For video, visit our Vimeo channel, http://vimeo.com/groups/chief.

Subscribe to ABRN and receive articles like this every month…absolutely free! Click here to subscribe.
About the Author

ABRN Wire Reports

These are press releases approved by our ABRN Editors

Sponsored Recommendations

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.

The Autel IA700: Advanced Modular ADAS is Here

The Autel IA700 is a state-of-the-art and versatile wheel alignment pre-check and ADAS calibration system engineered for both in-shop and mobile applications...

Boosting Your Shop's Bottom Line with an Extended Height Paint Booths

Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.