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FAQ

We are constantly updating our questions asked page. Select the question below by clicking to see the answer. If you don’t see the answer you are looking for, please feel free to contact us via email.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

E-Drill and S-Blaster are used in aircraft and engine repair (potentially any application where a hard metal fastener is used). On new production, the tools are used to remove faulty fastener installations.

So far, we have not seen and end of life event with our machines. We have serviced units that have been in use for 5+ years, some being used 24/7 and the refurbishment of these units has been minimal.

Every repair generally requires some fastener removal. The FAA requires a maintenance action called a Heavy Maintenance Check (C or D check) at intervals that vary by aircraft and usage. These checks require a near complete teardown of an aircraft.

No, the E-Drill confirms that it has a complete circuit before any voltage is sent to the ground pin and electrode. If it is held against the skin, there is no completed circuit.

A traditional drill can easily damage the skin when the drill bit head slips off the fastener and contacts the skin. The E-Drill, with a near forceless process, significantly reduces the opportunity for damage. When the E-Drill is used improperly, is not lined up with the fastener head or is not concentric with the center of the fastener, it can "burn" the edge of the fastener hole. The repair is similar to the repair for a miss-drill, namely, a single oversize will generally remove the damage. Holes must be inspected to ensure that there is no damage.

Because the E-Drill limits it's drilling depth to just below the fillet head of the fastener, no contact is made with the underlying structural components.

In many cases, fasteners are removed to gain access for inspection, repairs and replacement of parts.

The system flushes the “cut zone” and vacuums the FOD into a sediment tank with a filter.

There is no operational difference working with carbon versus aluminum surfaces.

The current configuration is most effective cutting hard metals which are commonly used in composite assemblies.

We assume this means the “drill head” is a consumable piece that we call an electrode. It is very similar to a drill bit and wears out over time. Replacement takes only a few seconds.

Our accuracy and ability to locate accurately on a fastener head is much higher than traditional drilling methods, particularly when coupled with our locator devices. Drilling depth is controlled adding accuracy and consistency to an otherwise manual process.

OTHER QUESTIONS

The E-Drill hand held terminal will warn the user when it is time to refill the water tank and when it is time to empty and clean the sediment tanks. If it is not done according to the warning, the E-Drill will stop operating until it has been properly serviced by the technician.

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