Automotive Vacuum Hose

Automotive Vacuum Hose

The health and welfare of toolmakers that use graphite to make electrodes for use the EDM machining of molds should be a high priority for management. In addition to the health issues for the workers, the very expensive machinery, such as the EDM machines and milling machines, must be protected from the damaging effects of graphite dust. EDM and injection molding are inseparably linked in the manufacturing process of plastic products.

Anyone who has worked with graphite in the manufacturing of EDM electrodes is keenly aware of the need for proper dust removal during the machining process. Many ill-equipped shops have very little equipment to handle the dust generated during milling and grinding operations.

Safety

The MSDS (material safety data sheet) for the synthetic graphite used in EDM show that there are no carcinogenic properties associated with graphite. It is a chemically inert material and contains no volatile components. It is also used for medical purposes, such as implants and heart valves in the human body.

This is not to say that graphite is totally harmless though. It can be very irritating to the skin, eyes, and nasal passages. It can cause stinging, redness and watering of the eyes, and itching of the skin. This can be a very annoying experience when a toolmaker is expected to produce a close-tolerance electrode with a fine finish.

Controlling the Dust

The simple but very ineffective solution is to wear particle masks. Experience shows that this stop-gap measure is a failure. The mask soon is clogged with the fine dust and the operator is left breathing a disgusting blend of bad-breath and graphite dust!

Portable vacuums are the next best solution, but this also has many drawbacks. Often the filter in the portable shop vacuum is not fine enough to trap the microscopic sized particles, and they are simply blown back into the air. Also, because the vacuum hose is often cumbersome to manipulate, operators fail to properly align the hose to capture the most dust.

Many shops use a centralized vacuum system designed for the removal of fine dust particles, such as graphite. It is important to have enough air velocity in the vacuum system to be effective. It is recommended to have an air velocity of 500 ft. per minute and the air in the lines should travel at a rate of 2,000 ft. per minute in order to prevent the dust from settling inside the duct work.

With a centralized system it is much easier to efficiently manage the dust from the various machine tools because the system is more efficient and the hoses can be strategically placed. Special wheel guards are available for surface grinders that act as a turbo to remove the dust into the vacuum system.

Newer milling machines which are more or less dedicated to electrode machining are equipped with extremely effective dust removal systems. The sealed chamber around the work area enables the vacuum to capture a high percentage of the dust. This development has dramatically reduced the amount of graphite dust in the shop environment.

An additional method of dust removal is the use of a curtain of coolant surrounding the milling cutter. This prevents the dust from ever escaping and is very efficient. This feature is available on some milling machines as well as an accessory that is easily installed.

A Clean Shop Environment

Graphite dust is highly conductive and has been responsible for the damage of many expensive tools and machines. Glass scales can give false measurements due to the settling of dust. Electronic equipment can be short-circuited by the dust as well. The grimy nature of graphite makes it especially annoying if it accumulates on work-benches and desks.

It is in the best interest of everyone to make every effort of maintain a clean and pleasant atmosphere in a moldmaking or EDM shop. The toolmakers will be happier, the work will be better and the machinery will perform as it should. It is also very impressive to visitors to see a clean, dust-free shop.

If you haven't already done so, 5S process implementation should rank high on your list to organize your shop!

	IMPERIAL 37362 "IMPERIAL" VACUUM CAP 1/4x9/16 Sale Price: $21.19
	"IMPERIAL" VACUUM CAP Rubber Cap. Inside Length: 9/16 Tube Inside Diameter: 1/4 Qty: 25 per package. Made of special heat resistant material. Can be used for capping line and hoses while testing carburetors, emission control systems, and vacuum lines.

Shop-Vac 92543/QPL650 18-Gallon 6-1/2-HP Wet/Dry Vacuum
List Price: $204.95
Sale Price: $134.50
Average Rating:

The Shop-Vac 18-gallon 6.5 HP wet/dry vacuum provides versatile use for the home, workshop, garage, basement, and automobile. The 6.5 HP motor creates a sealed pressure of 65 inches at 185 cubic feet per minute. This vacuum comes with a complete offering of 2-1/2-inch tools that include a 6-foot locking hose, extension wands, crevice and gulper tools, along with a 14-inch floor nozzle with squeegee insert. The built-in tool storage bucket keeps all tools neatly on-board. The two-stage filtering system contains both a high-quality cartridge filter, along with a fine dust collection bag. The plastic tank has convenient side carrying handles, an easy-roll caster system, along with a tank-drain. An 18-foot power cord makes it a breeze to plug-in just about anywhere. This Shop-Vac vacuum comes with a 1-year warranty. What's in the Box 2-1/2-inch-by-6-foot heavy duty lock-on hose, two 2-1/2-inch extension wands, a 14-inch floor nozzle with brush, an 8-inch utility nozzle, a crevice tool, squeegee insert, cartridge filter, and high-quality collection filter bag

Item #: 677-925-43-10. Lock-Onr Positive connection hose systemLarge top carrying handlesHigh quality cartridge filter for wet or dry pick-upHigh quality drywall collection bag for fine dust pick-upOversized on-board tool storageEasy roll casters for greater mobilityConvenient tank drain for easy emptyingAnti-tip design Capacity Volume = 18 galAir Consumption = 175 CFM [Max]Static Cord Length = 18 ftPower Cap. = 6 1/2 hpVoltage = 120.00 VACHose Hose Pipe Handle Frame Control Type = On/OffIncludes = 6 ft. x 2 « in. Locking Hose, (2) 2-1/2. Extension Wands, 14 in. Floor Nozzle, 14 in. Squeegee Insert, 8 in. Utility Nozzle, 2-1/2 in. Crevice ToolType = Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner Customers also search for: Cleaning Supplies\Floor Cleaning\Vacuums and Floor Sweepers\Wet Dry Vacuums janitorial supplies Discount 18-gal. 6.0hp Shop Vac1-stage Mot, Buy 18-gal. 6.0hp Shop Vac1-stage Mot, Wholesale 18-gal. 6.0hp Shop Vac1-stage Mot, 026282925435, 925-43-10, Industrial Vacuums

	Alltrade 648744 Vacuum Pump Set with Hoses, Plastic Reservoir and Plastic Adaptors List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $44.95 Average Rating:

IMPERIAL 95923 VACUUM HOSE 5/16 9/32 I.D - 50' LENGTH
Sale Price: $23.49

"IMPERIAL" VACUUM HOSE Size: 5/16 Inside Diameter: 9/32 Outside Diameter: 7/16 Length: 50 ft. Excellent oil and grease resistance. Meets or exceeds SAE J200 BA 710 standards. Specially compounded not to deteriorate or split from heat and ozone under the hood. In addition to vacuum lines, can be used for: windshield washers, power antennas, defrosters, head light vacuum systems, power seats, and power windows.

	GATES 27042 5/32 X 50 VACUUM HOSE List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $14.25
	Gates Vacuum Hose, 5/32" x 50

	Lisle 22850 Hose Pincher List Price: $6.45 Sale Price: $4.02 Average Rating:
	Hose Pinchers A quick, easy way to pinch off vacuum lines, fuel lines, etc. without damaging the line. Sold two per set. Shipping weight 3 oz.