Boeing’s facility in Wichita, Kansas faced problems dealing with dust control created during deburring and finishing of certain aluminum components. As a premier manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft, Boeing saw the importance of finding a way to contain the aluminum dust.
Boeing’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, produces components primarily made of aluminum. The process of deburring removes sharp edges and excess material from the components being produced.
When we visited Boeing’s facility, we saw that operators were deburring on tables with no ventilation. In addition, they were forced to wear uncomfortable face masks to prevent dust inhalation.
Following a careful evaluation, we recommended a 2′ x 4′ downdraft table equipped with extended overhang, Lexan side & back walls, and explosion-proof motors. The extended overhang table was key to operator comfort, because it allowed operators to sit comfortably with their legs under the table for an entire shift. The Lexan side & back walls ensured good visibility through the facility, and the explosion-proof motors reduced the hazard from the presence of aluminum dust.
After we installed four of these 2’x4′ extended overhang tables, the staff at Boeing were so pleased with the improved air quality, dust control, and operator comfort that they requested additional 3’x6′ and 3’x8′ custom downdraft tables for other deburring processes.