AirBench Ltd. applications

Dust control in the composites industry tends, for us, to fall into two categories. GRP and similar bulk manufacture produces large volumes of dust, while CFRP work tends to be more precise and produces only trimming/finishing dusts In either case, operators are more effective where PPE is less intrusive. In almost every case, AirBench can reduce or remove the requirement for PPE. For CFRP, we recommend our FN type with our two-stage ‘F’ type filters; these provide a very high level of protection against fine carbon fibre dusts, while retaining low overall filter costs. Also consider our FPK type for seated work. For GRP, we recommend either our FN type with single stage ‘A’ type filters.
For larger parts, consider either VertEx or VertEx Booth, with our ‘F’ type filters, to provide large fully extracted areas.

The aerospace industry covers a huge range of disciplines, and AirBench is well represented across the industry. From gluing of seating components to fettling of wing spurs, through the manufacture of precision composite parts for next generation fighter aircraft; we offer a solution to most manual processes that generate fume or dust, and supply to almost every major UK aerospace manufacturer. From a technical perspective, the aerospace industry uses more aggressive solvents and harder wearing materials than almost any other, and specific filtration solutions are needed to fully protect operators. Our range covers 14 standard filter configurations allowing us to apply the most appropriate filtration to each application – contact us to discuss your application in detail.

In the hire business, dust control is well understood, at least for clients. However, protection of employees against dust from returned tools is another matter. A huge number of hire businesses receive tools back from clients and then use an airline to blow them clean – without knowing or identifying the dust contained within the unit. Often the process takes place outside, to avoid dust contaminating the workshop. This is all bad practice – in particular, for cases when the tool may be contaminated with silica or asbestos dusts. We recommend the use of AirBench FN with ‘F’ filters in most cases; for higher volume applications we recommend AirBench RP, the downdraught bench with self-cleaning filters. In both cases, a full enclosure allows operators to continue using an air supply (reduced pressure airline or canned air) and brushes to remove excess dust quickly and effectively, while protecting the operator.