3M Xtract sanding system

At Elevated Industrial Solutions, we’re proud to offer the most effective, reliable tools, components, and accessories for a wide variety of industries. We offer leading brands, including 3M, which provides an innovative abrasive system – the Xtract TM sanding platform. 3M calls it “clean sanding.”

Why is that part of their tagline? This system provides superior dust extraction and clean sanding for a wide variety of applications, all while maintaining excellent performance from an effective orbital sander. 

Xtract creates cleaner work environments

The most impressive aspect of this sanding system is the ability to extract dust particles, removing them from the atmosphere while creating a cleaner, healthier work environment. Using an innovative system that places extraction holes near every single particle of dust, the sander pulls a staggering 99% of all dust, almost creating dust-free sanding. This means a cleaner work environment, less exposure to dust and fine particles, greater productivity, longer disc life, less cleaning, and fewer dust particles on the final product. This all improves the final results while making workers happier.

The system utilizes multiple features to create this impressive dust extraction. It uses a premium net disc that allows dust to pass through, while the unique hole pattern on the film disc allows dust to move from the environment into the sander with ease. No matter where a particle of dust is located, it will be near a hole for quick extraction.

The advanced extraction starts with an open-weave net structure, which ensures every particle is near a dust-extraction hole. As a user sands a material, almost all dust is sucked through the netting and into a fitted backup pad. Then it exists through the vacuum exhaust, where it can be deposited into a filter bag or dust extraction unit. 

It delivers the best dust extraction on the market, without requiring the user to line up holes in the sanding unit. All of these features result in faster implementation, less time cleaning, greater productivity, and (most importantly) a safer working environment for you and your team!

Xtract has advanced performance for multiple substrates 

Manufacturers of virtually all types can take advantage of the superior performance, cut rate, and dust extraction, as this system is designed for a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and composite.

The net discs from 3M perform well on multiple substrates, and they come in various grades to ensure superb performance no matter what your specific needs. There are coarser grades, which are ideal for tough surfaces, leveling filler and putty, or even the removal of stubborn coatings. People using this abrasive can also select finer grades, which can be used on final finishes or soft substrates like paint or wood.

A cut rate that sets a higher standard

3M provided this chart to demonstrate the cut rate for the Xtract

Before we continue it’s important to cover what cut rate is. Cut rate is the rate at which an abrasive removes material from a surface (wood, metal, etc.); the cut rate is sometimes called the material removal rate (MRR). Cut rates are influenced by particle size, with larger and coarser particles conventionally believed to exhibit faster material removal rates – or high cut rates. Regardless of dust extraction and performance versatility, if a sander can’t complete the job efficiently, it’s not much use, especially on a large industrial scale. The Xtract system delivers one of the best cut rates on the market. 

xtract disc

With a new line of abrasives from 3M, the system has a superior cut rate and a longer life. On a solid surface, the 710W features 3M’s proprietary Cubitron II precision-shaped abrasive grain. Cubitron II starts with a cut-rate that is 32% higher than the leading competitor. Not only does it start stronger, but this abrasive also finishes stronger.  Cubitron II features a grain that as it wears continually fractures into a sharp point, ending with a 25% higher cut rate through the life of the disc. This all results in better sanding, quicker work, and better productivity. These features make the 3M Xtract sanding system one of the best abrasives and one of the most important tools in your operation. 

Xtract features to improve sanding efficiency

Available in the 3M Xtract Electric Random Orbital Sander and the 3M Xtract Pneumatic Random Orbital Sander, this sanding system could add greater productivity and performance to your sanding operations. You can also add the portable dust extractor, filter bags, and a variety of sanding discs with a range of grit sizes.

Elevated can help your woodworking needs

We have recommendations for whatever your operation is, with expertise in abrasives and sanding. Our company has been helping people like you – in the industrial, manufacturing, and construction industry – for more than 60 years. (We can’t believe we started in the 50s.)

Contact Elevated to get a demo or order the 3M Xtract sanding system and other clean sanding solutions for your manufacturing facility.

5 common issues found in compressed air systems

A faulty air compressor can waste energy and resources at your facility. But, by keeping an eye out for common issues, you can keep your air compressor running efficiently.

1. Excessive operating temperatures 

Yeah, overheating. Air compressors shouldn’t exceed a temperature threshold for efficient functionality. A common cause of this issue is skipping maintenance visits. Regular maintenance visits by an experienced technician are the most important factors in keeping your air compressor running issue-free. It should be easy to schedule, too. Ask for recommendations, based on your environment, for maintenance if a warranty isn’t provided. 

mobile compressors

2. Air leaks

The Department of Energy estimates that roughly 20% to 30% of wasted energy from air compressors is due to air leaks. Leaks result in constant output fluctuation and a shorter compressor lifespan. So, addressing air leaks is one of the first steps to saving energy costs at your facility.

3. Choked airflow

If your air compressor isn’t outputting enough airflow, a few different factors could be causing the issue: obstructed intake filters, a bad pressure gauze setting, or a faulty coupler. If you’re unsure of the source of the obstruction, ask a compressor, can cut down the time required to get your compressor back up and running. 

4. A failing compressor

Air compressors that fail to start, stop, or provide enough pressure may be experiencing compressor failure. A common cause of compressor failure is inadequate oiling. Failing air compressors may be repaired, but in some cases need to be replaced. 

5. Uncommon sounds

Loud, weird noises or vibrations produced by your air compressor may indicate a problem. Possible issues include improper mounting, faulty pistons, or loose components. A vibration analysis could help determine the source.

Get help with the root cause

It can be difficult to pinpoint the root cause of your air compressor issues. If you’re struggling to determine the problem and perform the required repairs, Elevated Industrial Solutions is here to help. Our professionals have decades of experience in diagnosing and repairing faulty air compression systems. We can recommend new solutions and rentals to keep your facility up and running, meaning minimal or no downtime, too.

The importance of air compressor preventive maintenance

To preserve the condition of your air compressor, preventive maintenance is crucial. A consistent maintenance program can spare you from the expense, inconvenience, and downtime that can come along with air compression damage or failure.

The right vendor should make it easy to get maintenance, with a schedule ready for your facility based on its environment, run time, and more. 

What is preventative air compressor maintenance?

south carolina team

Standard air compressor maintenance involves updating the hardware, changing out the lubricant, and other related tasks. Although standard maintenance is essential to your air compressor’s function, it doesn’t necessarily prevent future damage. 

Preventive maintenance, on the other hand, focuses on identifying problems before they start to impact the entire system. During a preventive maintenance appointment, your technician will inspect all of the main system components to pinpoint any concerns. See what’s included in preventive maintenance.

What are the benefits of preventive air compressor maintenance

Cost-efficiency

Emergency repairs are generally more expensive than preventive maintenance. By the time emergency repairs are needed, you may need to shut down your facility (meaning costly downtime) as well as hire an experienced technician. The repairs themselves may be more costly, too, such as parts that may be difficult to acquire.

By identifying potential problems before they require an emergency repair appointment, you can avoid a major, unexpected expense. 

Longevity

Preventive air compressor maintenance can help extend the life expectancy of your air compressor. Given that replacing an entire air compressor system is often expensive and disruptive to daily operations, a longer lifespan translates to long-term savings. 

Avoid downtime

Preventive maintenance can help you avoid production coming to an abrupt halt and workers who are unproductive. Although a maintenance appointment may seem like downtime, unforeseen downtime is far more costly.

A sudden failure of your air compressor system could completely halt your day-to-day operations. Unlike a preventative maintenance appointment, which you can schedule at your convenience, you won’t have time to prepare for this downtime. For many businesses, the cost of a complete air compressor breakdown is unmanageable. 

Energy efficiency

Over time, air compressors may start to run at a lower capacity than usual or require more energy to reach the required output. Preventive air compressor maintenance will help keep you aware of any issues that are compromising the system’s energy efficiency. You can then amend these issues to improve the system’s efficiency (and save on energy bills). 

Schedule your maintenance today!

All of the above may seem far-fetched, but the Elevated Industrial Solutions team has seen this happen. One customer didn’t keep up with their maintenance plan and called us when it was an emergency. (Read the case study.)

Elevated Industrial Solutions has preventive maintenance plans for your business in Northern Kentucky, Southern Ohio, Northern Ohio, Eastern Indiana, Michigan, and South Carolina. Let us help you find the plan that works for your facility and team.

How to increase your industrial air compressor’s life expectancy

An industrial air compressor is a sizable investment in your business. So, you undoubtedly want it to last as long as possible and avoid spending extra cash on a premature replacement. Plus, you don’t want your compressed air system to fail suddenly, shutting down your production and business for hours while it’s repaired (assuming it can be).  

Luckily, there are several ways you can increase the life expectancy of your industrial air compressor. Our best tips, from our experienced service technicians, include the following.

Regularly change the filters

Air compressors draw in dust, dirt, and debris with every use. And the dirtier your environment, such as a concrete plant, the more debris there is in every use! As a result, air filters can become clogged quite quickly. When the air filter is clogged, your system will have to work harder to operate normally. This results in increased wear and tear, as well as higher energy bills. 

Generally, you should change an industrial air compressor’s filter once per week to prevent wear and tear. 

Ensure proper ventilation

common compressed air maintenance mistakes

Industrial air compressors generate a great deal of heat during operation. Overheating is a common problem, increasing the risk of damage and diminishing your compressed air system’s life expectancy. 

To help prevent overheating, ensure that the room housing the compressor is properly ventilated. Ventilation also reduces the dust and other particles in the air, causing the filters to clog less quickly. 

Check oil levels

Unless you have oil-free compressors or equipment, industrial air compressors must be properly oiled to operate correctly. If the system doesn’t have enough oil, it could incur damage. Make sure to check the system’s oil level before you use it. If it’s below halfway up, top up the oil before running the compressor. 

Schedule maintenance and don’t put off repairs

No matter how minor a repair or maintenance task may be, it could make a big difference in your system’s overall life expectancy. So, don’t delay scheduling maintenance or repairs for your air compressor system. Promptly completing these repairs and maintenance activities will save you money in the long run. 

Get a service technician you trust

Some technicians are available 24 x 7, 365 days a year. They’re there when you need them to quickly get your compressor up and running. Good technicians are also available for maintenance, covering the items on this list, to ensure everything is running at peak efficiency as per your specs. Great companies even provide a warranty with maintenance built into the plan. That warranty is peace of mind that your resources don’t have to spend time worrying about the basics because our technicians will do that for you.

Elevated Industrial Solutions provides maintenance and emergency repair services to help you keep your industrial air compressor in top condition. We have maintenance plans and warranty options to ensure your facility is always up and running. If you’re in South Carolina, Michigan, southern Ohio, or northern Ohio, contact us so we can help you get the maximum return on investment (ROI) for your compressed air system.

Do wood finishing right with Wagner and C.A. Technologies

Finding the right finishing equipment to put the final touches on any woodworking project is always a challenge. For finishing and coating cabinets, furniture, pallets, containers, or anything else wooden, you need to make sure you have a consistent spray without waste (such as overspray). And there are so many brands and spray technologies to consider when making an investment in your wood finishing process. It can really be overwhelming.

The good news is Wagner and C.A. Technologies are well-known brands and offer various technologies for the wood finisher. They manufacture professional-grade finishing equipment and provide many options. Whether you’re looking for equipment to spray small jobs or just need help on a production work level they have something for everyone.

How to Choose the Right Wood Finishing Equipment

When trying to decide the best equipment for any woodworking project, it’s always good to look at the following:

  • Size and quantity
  • Frequency
  • Type of material

By considering these three criteria in advance, you’ll avoid many of the purchasing pitfalls that can arise when looking to improve your wood-finishing process. When considering these topics, it’s best to look at the specific spray technologies and materials.

The most common spray technologies used for wood finishing would include low-pressure HVLP or Reduced Pressure (RP) and medium pressure Air-Assist Airless (AAA)/AirCoat options. The low-pressure HVLP and RP technologies can work well for small to large projects depending on the material supply options selected.

Medium pressure AAA/AirCoat technology is perfect for production-level finishing where the scope of work is larger, and the frequency of finishing is high.  This technology offers a soft spray application similar to HVLP technology but at a much faster work speed.  The finishing time and money saved on material with AAA technologies make it a very attractive option for many wood finishers.

In addition to the application portion of any spray system, there are many material supply options available for low-pressure spray equipment. These include smaller gravity or bottom-feed pressure cups to larger remote two-quart pressure cups and pressure tanks. As noted above, the best choice will depend on the size of your project, frequency, and the type of material being used. For larger projects, the remote pressure cups and tanks can help save the time typically needed for re-filling a smaller direct feed cup. In addition, these pressure feed cups also allow the finishers to spray thicker materials and, in some situations, may be a great fit for water-based finishes as some of the options offer water-resistant features to help with corrosion concerns.

3 Top Wagner and C.A. Technologies Spray Equipment

All things being equal, we have recommendations for your woodworking shop to try one of the following. Although we don’t like to play favorites, these tend to be some of the best.

C.A. Technologies Air Assist Airless (AAA) 14:1 Bobcat Peak Performance Pump – Cart-Model Setup

This AAA is an all-stainless 14:1 ratio pump for production fine finish spraying of wood or other fine finish applications. The new 14:1 Peak Performance Series pump incorporates a new completely redesigned air motor that features a stationary magnet poised for endurance and longevity.

Features

  • .33 GPM output for quick product changes with very little waste
  • No-stall air motor with stationary magnet poised for endurance & longevity
  • Resistant to icing
  • Long-life carbon fiber cylinder
  • Integrated noise suppression design for quiet operation
  • Stainless steel fluid section featuring a non-contact pump tube that never wears out
  • Cartridge-style piston seal & guide for quick field replacement
  • Large capacity solvent cup & 360-degree fluid inlet/outlet orientation
  • The upper seal is a V-Packing design for pre-cat lacquers, conversion varnish, and polyurethanes

C.A. Technologies CAT-Xpress Pressure Feed RP & HVLP Spray Gun (Spray Gun Only)

The new C.A. Technologies CAT-Xpress professional-grade, pressure feed spray gun provides fine finish atomization results for both thick and thin finishing materials like you’ve never seen before. The CAT-Xpress spray gun is perfect for all general coating types as well as water-based finishes.

Features

  • Extreme atomization, handle ergonomics & fluid delivery superior to all the competitive guns on the market today!
  • Patented two-piece fluid nozzle reduces the cost of wear on parts
  • Single-handed quick-adjust fan control is designed for “on the fly” work
  • Full-pattern modification for parts with various size geometries
  • Each CAT-Xpress is available as a “ready-to-spray” kit with multiple nozzles and needles for all types and ranges of coatings
  • HVLP air cap & pressure reduced (compliant) air cap meet all codes and regulations throughout the U.S.
  • Enables user to switch between two spray technologies simply by changing the air cap

C.A. Technologies Techline 2 Quart (Qt) Pressure Cup (Dual Regulators)

The Techline two-quart remote pressure cup from C.A. Technologies is simple in design and versatile in operation. This economically priced pressure cup is strong enough to hold up to daily industrial and automotive operation and is designed for easy use and cleaning.

Features

  • Top outlet cup with a 3/8” NPS male fluid outlet
  • ¼” NPS male air inlet & outlet
  • Dual regulators
  • No pneumatic agitation (mixer)
  • Brass pickup tube comes with a reusable screen
  • Maximum pressure rating of 50 PSI
  • Lightweight aluminum construction for more comfort and less sprayer fatigue
  • Flow-through regulator with precise pressure adjustments allows the user complete control of the cup pressure to get the right amount of flow for any material
  • Designed to consistently operate in many different types of environments
  • Pressure relief valve enables the user to relieve the pressure in the cup quickly and efficiently

Although Wagner and C.A. Technologies have a wide variety of exceptional solutions, these are some of our favorites. If you’re in woodworking or millwork, these spray guns will carry you for smaller and larger jobs.

Elevated can help

Still not certain which one is best for your project? No problem. These spray guns are just a few of our favorites. We can accommodate much larger jobs – such as providing spray booth recommendations or sprays and pumps that work together.

Elevated has more than 30 years of expertise in coating and finishing systems, serving customers in the woodworking and millwork industries. Whether it’s cabinets, furniture, fences, pallets, containers, or just about any wood product that needs finishing, we can assist you. It’s why we’ve been in business for more than 60 years.

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