S-Blaster was developed as part of the Perfect Point EDM system to make fastener removal cleaner, faster, and safer, especially on painted or sealed aircraft structures. While it’s most commonly paired with E-Drill to expose fasteners for EDM removal, S-Blaster is also a powerful standalone tool. Many operators use it independently to clean out panel screws, prep coated fasteners, and save hours of manual labor—even when EDM drilling isn’t required.
Why S-Blaster Was Designed
E-Drill uses Electro-Discharge Machining (EDM) to remove fasteners without damaging the structure. This process requires a bare, conductive metal surface to start the EDM spark. Many aircraft fasteners are covered in layers of primer, paint, or sealant, preventing good electrical contact.
S-Blaster solves this problem by using fine, aviation-grade plastic blast media (Type II for metal, Type V for composites) to strip coatings safely and precisely, exposing the fastener head in seconds. This ensures every fastener is ready for clean, repeatable EDM removal.
Using S-Blaster Without E-Drill
While designed as an E-Drill companion, many maintenance teams now use S-Blaster independently because it solves a widespread problem: paint-filled screw heads.
Over time and after multiple repaint cycles, panel screws and other drive-type fasteners (Phillips, Torx, etc.) often fill with paint or sealant. This makes it hard for bits to fully engage, increasing the risk of:
- Stripped screw heads that need to be drilled out or replaced
- Extra labor scraping paint manually with a pick or scribe
- Damaged panels from slipping tools or forced removals
S-Blaster clears these coatings in seconds, restoring the screw’s drive feature so it can be removed cleanly using standard tools. Companies that service aircraft panels or perform routine access work often rely on S-Blaster alone for this purpose, reducing rework and technician frustration.
Benefits of Standalone S-Blaster Use
- Faster panel access: Clean out hundreds of screws without manual scraping.
- Lower risk of stripping: Proper tool engagement saves time and prevents rework.
- Consistent results: Controlled blast zone keeps cleaning precise and repeatable.
- Surface protection: MIL-SPEC plastic media avoids metal or composite damage during prep.
- Applicable across platforms: Works on commercial, military, and rotorcraft panel screws and coated fasteners.
Portable, Lightweight, and Field-Ready
One of S-Blaster’s biggest advantages is its portability. The system is lightweight and backpack-mountable, allowing technicians to:
- Carry it directly to the workpiece, whether on scaffolds, wings, or tight access areas.
- Work overhead, on vertical panels, or across large aircraft surfaces without moving heavy equipment.
- Improve ergonomics and reduce fatigue compared to manual scraping or stationary blasting systems.
This mobility makes S-Blaster a valuable tool for both hangar and field maintenance environments, whether paired with E-Drill or used on its own.
Purchase Options
You can order S-Blaster as a standalone product or as part of a bundled package with an E-Drill system. Many customers start with S-Blaster only and later add E-Drill as their fastener removal needs expand.
For details on pricing, media types, and consumables, visit the S-Blaster product page or contact info@ppedm.com for a quote tailored to your application.
The Bottom Line
S-Blaster is not limited to E-Drill operations. Whether you need to prep painted fasteners for EDM cutting or simply speed up panel screw cleaning during routine maintenance, S-Blaster is a standalone, cost-saving tool that improves efficiency and prevents stripped