EXAIR has been manufacturing Intelligent Compressed Air Products since 1983. In that time, we have engineered many new products for new and existing markets that had better efficiency, versatility, and effectiveness. To gauge how a new product is received by your peers, we like to send them to different committees for evaluations. This year, we sent our VariBlast Safety Air Gun to Plant Engineering to compete against other new products in the manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries. In the compressed air category, the EXAIR VariBlast Safety Air Gun won the Silver Award at the Plant Engineering Product of the Year event.
How was EXAIR able to achieve such a prestigious award? Well, let me tell you how our newest safety air gun was able to receive this award. I will discuss the features and benefits with the VariBlast Safety Air Guns, so you can decide for yourself.
To start, the unique feature that sets the VariBlast apart from other small air guns is the force variability. Unlike the “all or nothing” blowing forces with most air guns, this valve is designed to control the opening to allow for a variable force with the same nozzle. This will help you to not “overuse” your compressed air blowing. The VariBlast Safety Air Gun is made from a durable cast aluminum construction for tough industrial use. It has a rugged ergonomic grip with a user-friendly trigger. The compressed air inlets are located in two different positions to best fit your application. They have an easy storage handle to hang the Safety Air Gun nearby. In addition to the VariBlast Safety Air Gun, EXAIR has options to enhance the features and benefits. Here is a list of them:
Air Nozzles:
Air Nozzles can make or break an air gun in safe, efficient and effective use. EXAIR Air Nozzles are OSHA compliant for noise and dead-end pressure. We offer nine different air nozzles with the VariBlast Safety Air Gun; making it very effective for a wide range of applications.
Chip Shields:
OSHA 1910.242(b) requires chip guarding when compressed air is used for cleaning. EXAIR offers Chip Shields with the VariBlast Safety Air Guns to meet this requirement. They are made from a polycarbonate disc which is practically unbreakable. It protects the operator from any blow back of shavings and coolant. They come standard with a durable rubber grommet that squeezes onto the extensions and can be adjusted for maximize protection.
Extension Pipes:
For those far away targets and hard-to-reach areas, EXAIR offers aluminum extension pipes to attach to the VariBlast Safety Air Guns. They can range from 6” (15 cm) to 72” (183 cm) in length. This light-weight and durable material allows for easy handling when reaching high above your head or spanning across unsafe areas. With the EXAIR air nozzles at the end, the blowing force is not sacrificed as the back pressure will create a high velocity air stream.
Coiled Hoses:
To get the proper amount of compressed air from the piping system to the VariBlast Safety Air Guns, EXAIR offers Coiled Hoses. They are made of a durable abrasion-resistant nylon material that is 12 feet long (3.6 meters). They have swivel fittings to allow for easy uncoiling, and a spring strain relief to keep the hose from kinking at the ends. The coiled design makes it easy to reach around the work area and retract back to the substation. This will help to keep the hose off the ground where potential dangers could occur.
Filter Separators/Regulators:
To improve the use of the VariBlast Safety Air Guns, EXAIR offers a series of filters and regulators. The Filter Separators will remove dirty particles and liquid water from the compressed air that can affect the performance as well as contaminate the surface that you are cleaning. The Regulators are used to control the amount of air pressure used by the VariBlast Safety Air Gun; making them even more efficient. The idea for compressed air savings is to use the least amount of compressed air to do the job. The combination of a filter and regulator will allow you to control the proper amount of clean dry air to be used.
Not all air guns are the same. There should be a check list created prior to purchasing an air gun. Is it safe, efficient, quiet, durable, ergonomic, and flexible? The VariBlast Safety Air Guns meet every item on that list. This is why the EXAIR VariBlast Safety Air Gun was awarded the Silver award by Plant Engineering. If your current air gun does not meet these requirements, you may want to try the VariBlast Safety Air Gun. You will not be disappointed. If you are within the U.S. or Canada, we do offer a 30-day unconditional guarantee to try them out.
John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb