Surface treatments can be a complex area at times, therefore Vixen has formulated a list of frequently asked questions which will hopefully give you valuable information relating to its products, service, sales and more.
Vixen Surface Treatments can provide you with additional information, should the FAQs not suffice. Proceed to our Contact section and fill in the form provided to receive a quick response.
MY HEATER ELEMENT IN MY AQUABLAST® ISN'T HEATING THE WATER UP?
The heater elements in the Aquablast® do not heat the water up. They are designed to stop the water freezing during the colder months.
WHY IS MY WHEEL LATHE SHOWING A SERVO ALARM?
The tool tip has gone beyond the X/Z sensors range. Operator will need to reset the machine. DO NOT press home, instead use the hand wheel to manuallt move the tip lower, then press home.
HOW MANY STAGES ARE INVOLVED IN A PHOSPHATING MACHINE?
Vixen’s phosphating machines consist of a three-stage cycle and are used in conjunction with phosphating and passivate solutions. The first stage is a hot wash with phosphate solution. The second stage is a hot rinse and the third stage is hot passivation where the passivate is added to demineralised water.
HOW DOES ULTRASONIC CLEANING WORK?
Ultrasonic cleaning involves the vibration of water and liquid detergent molecules using a very intense sound at high frequency. The vibration of the liquid molecules produces a scrubbing action in blind areas where simple soaking in hot water and detergent would not clean the surface fully.
DOES THE JETWASH MACHINE HAVE A STATIC OR ROTATING BASKET?
The basket of the Jetwash remains stationary whilst the spray boom revolves around it. This prevents delicate components from being damaged by movement inside the basket.
WHAT SIZE BASKETS ARE AVAILABLE IN VIXEN’S SPRAY WASH DEGREASING RANGE OF MACHINES?
Vixen manufacture a top loading range of automatic washing machines with three standard models with baskets ranging from 600mm up to 1m diameter. Our front loading automatic washing machines incorporate basket sizes from 1 metre up to 3 metres.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRESSURE OPERATED DRY BLAST SYSTEMS AND SUCTION OPERATED ONES?
Pressure dry blast machines have a higher pressure in the nozzle; therefore velocity of the abrasive propelled into the air stream is greater which means faster cleaning effects. The pressure has to build up first in a vessel before the air and media are released.
Suction operated dry blast machines provide a continuous process which is popular for customers who wish to use the tumbler option, as a continuous flow of air and media is blasted which provides a uniformed finish to components.
WHAT DO THE AQUABLAST® RANGE OF MACHINES REQUIRE IN ORDER TO WORK?
The Aquablast® machine requires three phase or single phase electrics and a compressed air supply to operate.
If the Aquablast® machine uses an open loop, it will also require a water supply.
WHAT DO THE DRY BLASTING RANGE OF MACHINES REQUIRE IN ORDER TO WORK?
Vixen’s dryblast machines require a 3 or single phase electrical supply and also a compressed air supply.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DRY BLASTING?
Depending on the type of media that is used, the advantages of dry blasting are:
- Provides a key for painting/ bonding
- Can safely and quickly remove rust and corrosions
- Can remove flashing from surfaces
- Quick and easy process
WHAT DETERGENTS/ BLAST MEDIA CAN I USE WITHIN THE MACHINE FOR MY APPLICATION?
Vixen has a fully trained aftersales department who can advise on the most suitable detergent for your application. We supply a wide range of aqueous based detergents and various blast medias, with all the spare parts you may require for the machine during its lifetime.
WHERE CAN I GET SPARE PARTS FOR THE MACHINE?
Vixen can supply all the spare parts for their machines direct to the customer. Once you have purchased a machine from Vixen, you will be assigned an internal aftersales contact who is available to give you advice on spares and consumables.
We also offer service contracts on all our machines ranging from twice yearly to monthly visits. Call 01642 769 333 and our team can assist you.
I CAN’T SEE A MACHINE SUITABLE/ LARGE ENOUGH FOR THE PARTS I NEED TO PROCESS, CAN YOU HELP?
Vixen offers a full custom build service. Whether your application requires small alterations to a standard machine, or a full turnkey CAD drawing proposal, Vixen has a solution to your problem at a price you can afford.
Contact our sales department at info@vixen.co.uk or call 01642 769 333 who will be able to advise further.
WHAT IS THE REQUIRED WATER LEVEL FOR AN AQUABLAST?
For the required water level, fill the machine until water disperses from the rear drain valve into the sediment tank.
WHAT IS THE CORRECT MEDIA LEVEL IN AN AQUABLAST?
To fill your Aquablast machine to the correct level, add the media until it touches the lowest point of the course debris filter which is situated below the main pump.
HOW MUCH WATER IS REQUIRED IN THE SEDIMENT TANK OF THE AQUABLAST?
The sedimentation tank is sited at the back of the Aquablast machine. Fill the sediment tank to just an inch below the highest wear.
MY NOZZLE IS WEARING UNEVENLY?
Rotate your nozzle regularly to stop uneven wear. By rotating the nozzle on a regular basis this will also extend your nozzle life.
MY MACHINE ISN’T HEATING UP/ HEATER WON’T COME ON?
If you are having problems with your heater, check the float switch is raised and cleaned thoroughly.
THE JETWASH BOOM ISN'T SPINNING?
If your Jetwash boom stops spinning, clean/ remove the spray jets and clean the boom bushes. Also check to see if the side jet isn't blocked.
MY JETWASH MACHINE IS OVERFLOWING?
Check the vertical float switch is clean. Then check the debris baskets are clean allowing water to pass through.
HOW MUCH MEDIA DOES MY JETAIR MACHINE REQUIRE?
Pressure pot systems require to be filled up to the weld line on the pressure pot regardless whether is it large or small.
Suction machines need to be filled to the top of the debris filter in the lower part of the machine.
MY SUCTION MACHINE IS NOT BLASTING CORRECTLY?
If your machine is not blasting correctly, then check the condition of the Airjet and nozzle inside the blast gun.
MY DRY BLAST MACHINE IS FILLING WITH DUST AND I CANNOT SEE WHEN BLASTING?
Give your washable filter cartridges a thorough clean out with an airline or if you have a spare set clean with air then wash with a Jetwash or a hose (allow to dry for at least 6 weeks). If that fails, open the baffle plate at the rear of the extraction box to increase the dust extraction. If your machine has a filter bag then you will need to replace these.