An arts/craft glass studio working with fused glass and decorative sandblasting on glass and stone are using a VMP type plastic Pinch Valve from AKO in their sand blasting cabinet.
The art studio have only been using the Pinch Valve for less than one year so far, but already have positive feedback about it. One of the users of the Pinch Valve states:
“The pinch valve does what it needs to do.”
After initial research, the operator of the sand blasting machine found some information online that provided detail of creating a foot-switch control for sand blasting, as opposed to hand control at the blasting nozzle. Sand blasting takes places in a blasting cabinet, and the manufacturer-supplied blasting nozzle was cumbersome to use in a small space.
VMP model, air operated, black POM plastic body & BSP threaded ends, natural rubber sleeve.
By using an in-line Pinch Valve for sand blasting by AKO combined with a foot pedal control, this has allowed the nozzle assembly to be reduced in size so that it fits in the palm of the hand. Much greater control of the flow blasting medium is thus gained.
Product: Aluminium Oxide Grit in pressurised air.
Temperature: Ambient
Pressure: Through pressure around 40psi
Position of Pinch Valve/where it is installed: In the sandblasting feed line, between the pressure vessel and blasting nozzle.
The Pinch Valve is normally closed. The foot valve in the air line interrupts the flow of air to the valve, releasing air pressure and causing the Pinch Valve to open.
Amount of cycles per day: A typical session of sand blasting may last between 5-20 minutes, with the pinch valve operating every 10 seconds or so.
How much air is available to close the Pinch Valve for sand blasting: 70psi
Since the AKO Pinch Valve has only been installed on this sand blasting machine for under a year, so far the rubber sleeve has not yet needed to be replaced. The user will be ordering a spare before checking the state of the existing valve.
Based on the current experience, the user of the Pinch Valve explains that they are easy to operate, and that the re-sleeve process appears straight forward.
