AMPP News

A Wednesday technical paper session on Surface Prep, chaired by Mark Schultz, PCS, Sherwin Williams Co., features a presentation by Eric Shoyer of Ezly Technology Corp. on the topic of power tool surface preparation in shipyards. It will be held from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. local time in the Phoenix Convention Center, North 226 A-B.

Power tool cleaning has been a common method of surface preparation prior to coating application since the dawn of steel shipbuilding. Power tools are usually handheld pneumatic, or sometimes electric, devices that through impacting or abrasive action can remove coating and corrosion.

Most commonly, power tool cleaning has been used for re-work or coating repair associated with outfitting. Typically, power tools are limited to the touch up or repair of small areas or areas that cannot be accessed by bulkier equipment such as abrasive blasters.

Despite having lower production rates and lower coating performance compared to abrasive blasting, power tools are still a valuable option and are effective in the right circumstances. However, tools and techniques are constantly evolving and there is a need to generate the necessary data to allow shipyards to optimize procedures for power tool cleaning prior to coating application.

With proper guidance and optimization of newer tools and processes, there is a significant opportunity to reduce costs and improve the coating quality for both shipyards and the Navy. This presentation will include data generated through literature research over multiple studies performed on various power tools.