The Process
The inspection and refurbishment process can be broken down into 6 steps:
- Remove Paint/Corrosion
- NDT Testing
- Report
- Repair – If Required
- Paint
- Return
Remove Paint/Corrosion – Silica Sand vs. Steel Grit
Traditionally, using silica sand as the abrasive for paint/corrosion removal was the method of choice. This is an effective method of cleaning the wheel but silica sand is a ‘single use’ abrasive as it breaks down after only one use. This is not an environmentally friendly material as it is very wasteful and costly. Additionally, once silica sand has been used, it contains free silica which, when inhaled, poses a grave risk to the lungs.
In consideration of all these variables RIMEX’s procedures include using a Mod-u-Blast® Self Contained Blasting Facility. This self-contained system prevents waste from escaping into the environment; both waste (through dust collection) and the abrasive SG-25 (through Media Recovery) are captured and contained. Steel Grit, as opposed to silica sand, provides hundreds of passes as it breaks down very slowly.
The benefits of this system are two fold: it is environmentally friendly and it offers effective surface preparation, which is good for the wheel, enhancing coating performance.
Four Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Methods:
Depending on the many variables specific to the wheel/rim, one of four different NDT methods are used during inspection:
- Magnetic Particle
- Magna Flux
- X-Ray
- Ultra-Sound
Comprehensive Reporting
A quality report is written up for every wheel/rim we receive for inspection. That report is sent to the customer for review and approval BEFORE any of the necessary repairs take place.
