Usage:
New metal conditioning discs and holders are available from Caterpillar Parts Department for gasket removal and surface reconditioning. Gasket removal and surface reconditioning can be a time consuming job that adds extra cost to component reconditioning operations. The new metal conditioning disc can remove gasket material faster than hand scraping, sanding, or buffing with a wire wheel, and gives a "like new finish" to the surface (see Illustration I).
Illustration 1. Gasket removal and surface reconditioning.
The metal conditioning discs are non-woven nylon pads that are coated with an abrasive, and can be used either wet or dry. The disc fastens to the holder (back-up pad) by means of Velcro (see Illustration 2). Velcro is a non-adhesive material which lets the operator quickly change discs by pulling off the old disc and pressing on a new one. The discs and holders can be used with a conventional air powered polisher that has a 5/8-11 NC arbor (see Illustration 3). The tool shown is an ARO, Model Number 7944.
Illustration 2. Installation of pad to holder.
Illustration 3. Installation of disc and holder to an air powered tool.
For efficient and more environmentally safe gasket removal, the parts to be cleaned must be soaked in a hot tank or a jet spray cleaning cabinet and the majority of the gasket material scraped off before using the metal conditioning disc. The hot cleaning solution softens the gasket material so the larger pieces can be easily pulled off or removed by hand scraping. Use the metal conditioning disc to remove the remaining gasket material and any burrs on the surface. The scraping and use of the metal conditioning disc is to be done as soon as possible after the parts are removed from the hot tank, and while the gasket material is still wet. If the gasket material is permitted to dry, it can adhere even more tightly than before. Also, a high percentage of gaskets used today contain asbestos, and grinding on dry asbestos gasket material can cause airborne asbestos fibers in excess of the acceptable exposure limits of OSHA standards as of October 10, 1978.
Operator technique (method) and a speed of 3500 to 4500 rpm are critical factors for successful performance of the metal conditioning disc. The best results are obtained when the disc is used flat with only the weight of the air tool used to apply down pressure, as shown in Illustration 1. Exceeding 4500 rpm, using too much down pressure, or operation of the disc on edge (tilted) will cause the pad to come off the holder.
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The metal conditioning disc will remove metal, if used too long in the same area.
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According to actual tests at a dealer's facility, the level of airborne asbestos fibers is within the limits of OSHA standards as of October 10, 1978. However, if any doubt exists as to the compliance within your facility to the OSHA standards, a qualified industrial hygienist should be consulted and air sampling performed.
Illustration 4. Metal conditioning discs and holders.
The discs and holders (see Illustration 4) are available as shown in the chart that follows:
