Original Date: 05/08/1995
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA)-St. Louis recently obtained a patent for an automated robotic technology identified as the FLASHJET^TM Coating Removal process. This FLASHJET^TM process uses a powerful pulse (15- 23J/sqcm) of high intensity light to destroy the molecular structure of surface coatings. Simultaneously, a low pressure stream of dry ice particles cools the surface and sweeps away the ablated coating residue. This process allows removal of any coating from any surface with extraordinary precision, leaving no damage to substrates, no media intrusion, no corrosion potential, and an absolute minimum waste stream.

The system contains a color sensor subsystem which controls lamp power during stripping to prevent substrate damage. This allows the system to strip multiple layers of paint from the substrate while leaving the primer intact, ready to be repainted immediately. Additionally, FLASHJET^TM was designed to address environmental impacts and worker safety/health issues. It filters hazardous solids from the waste stream, releasing an exhaust with only 10 ppm light hydrocarbons. Any removed waste is captured in disposable filter bags so operators are not exposed to dangerous by-products. Other benefits include worker acceptance, improved productivity, reduction of hazardous waste, environmental compliance, and reduced operating costs. For example, the cost of paint removal with the FLASHJET^TM is approximately $3.74 per square foot, depending on geographic location. With chemicals the cost is $33.61 per square foot and with plastic media blast it is $15.40 per square foot. There is no limit to the number of times the FLASHJET^TM process can be applied to aircraft surfaces. The system has been fully qualified by the FAA for paint stripping applications on all of McDonnell Douglas aircraft structures and all Air Force F-15E program parts.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.