When using a tool for maintenance, it is important to use the right tool to perform the task the right way. Using the incorrect tool wastes time, reduces efficiency, and puts the maintainer at risk of injury. Take for example a tool as basic as a scraper blade. Not all scraper blades are made of the same material and provide the same functionality. Some of the most common types of scraper blades on the market include Phenolic, Celcon®, Glass Filled Nylon, and Torlon®.
Phenolic Scraper Blades
Phenolic scraper blades come in assorted shapes, colors, and sizes. Phenolic scrapers are commonly used for removing sealants, adhesives, stickers, labels, grime, and more. Phenolic materials are the result of polymerization between layers of paper, canvas, linen, or glass cloth impregnated with a synthetic thermosetting resin. It offers high resistance to flexing but does not offer the ability to be
resharpened. It will curl, peel and melt when attempting to resharpen. Additionally, Phenolic may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose throat, and nervous system, so it is not ideal for use in incremental or heated material removal.
Celcon® Plastic Scraper Blades
Celcon® plastic scraper blades are currently approved by several MROs and are made of semi-crystalline thermoplastics that offer high tensile strength, stiffness, and toughness and may retain a sharp edge. They are resistant to hot water and some solvents and are useful for sealant application, removal, and paint removal. They are not, however, useful with newer aviation adhesives, or high-heat applications as they melt easily. Celcon® dust may cause irritation in the upper respiratory tract when used at normal processing temperatures.
Glass-Filled NylonScraperBlades
Glass-filled nylon scraper blades are thermal polymers that hold a very sharp and hard edge. It is far less likely to mar surfaces, but it is not categorized as non-marring. Can sometimes often be reshaped, but edges tend to wear when prying. Can not be re-sharpened. Resists chemicals and solvents with minimal degradation. While adding glass to the nylon makes it substantially stronger, with superior tensile strength it is also substantially more brittle, abrasive, and heavier.
Torlon Scarper Blades
Torlon® scraper blades hold a superior edge, remove unwanted materials, and protect the underlying substrates. Torlon® is a non-marring, high-strength, high-temperature polymer and is cured to produce a thermoset polymer. As a thermoset, it is resharpenable, lightweight, chemically resistant, and safe for people under normal conditions.
EnduroSharp® offers a full line of Torlon® Aircraft Maintenance Tools that make the removal of sealants and adhesives more efficient.
For more information on the new EnduroSharp® Gap Blade & Scraper Blade kit, or any of our EnduroSharp® product lines, please contact Aileen Crass at [email protected] or visit our website at www.performanceplastics.com/endurosharp.
