Aero-Almen Gage, aluminum strips, and holders

Paint stripping of aircraft with hazardous chemicals is being replaced by plastic media blasting. Special care must be taken to insure that the abrasive blasting does not damage the thin aircraft skin.

EI worked under contract with the U. S. Airforce to develop the "Aero-almen" strip, holder and gage for accurate process control. An aluminum strip, made from the same material common to most aircraft structures is blasted with the same technique used to strip the paint. If the strip shows any significant curvature (arc height) then it is likely that the skin is being damaged and the process must be altered. A special gage, patented by EI, is used to make the delicate reading of the thin aluminum test strip.

For more information see also the Manual on Aircraft Paint Stripping - Chapter 5 published by the US Air Force.
For information on specialized training be sure to visit Blast-Off, Inc.

Aero-Almen Gage
Model TSP-3AA 999207 $2139.50		Precision crafted with all the features needed to satisfy the most stringent specifications. Patented hold-down block: four precision springs accurately hold the strips in place without distortion. A special low force indicator spring is used to prevent distortion to aluminum strip reading. The base components are accurately placed and certified to meet all Almen gage specifications.
Aero-Almen Aluminum Strips
999202 $2.00/strip		Premium grade Aero-almen strips are packaged 50 per box. Description of aircraft paint stripping and aero-almen aluminum strips . Material Length Width Thickness 2024-Tc 2.985-3.015 .70-.80 .031-.033
Aero-Almen Holders
999114 $257.50		Three standard holders mounted to base plate.
Air Pressure Needle Gage
		The nozzle pressure gauge measures the air pressure in abrasive blast hose at or near the nozzle. In blasting operations, the pressure at the nozzle may be considerably less than at the compressor. This reduces production rates. By frequently checking pressure at the nozzle, you can be assured that leaks or obstructions are not robbing you of full production power.