Story ID: 
Ergonomic Scrapers Improve Aerospace Sealant Removal
By: David A. Lombardo
Caption: The tools are designed for standard removal projects as well as more complex and difficult operations.
Word Count: 266
PPG Industries expanded its line of Semco sealant removal tools with ergonomically designed scrapers that improve the efficiency of aerospace sealant removal and reduce operator fatigue. According to Dillon Desai, PPG global market development manager for packaging, the company has designed 10 scrapers to manaually remove standard sealant including from around fasteners, fillet seals and other hard-to-reach areas.

“With these new ergonomic Semco tools, aircraft workers and maintenance personnel can select the scraper that best meets their needs to make sealant removal easier,” Desai said. “Semco packaging and application systems aid the aerospace industry with efficient, cost-effective and easy-to-use packaging for mixing, dispensing and applying chemicals. With these new scrapers, we broaden our offerings for sealant and adhesives removal to provide a more complete resource.”

Five tools are made of glass-filled nylon materials for more difficult operations, while the five tools designed for standard sealant removal by hand are made of Celcon acetal copolymer (POM).

“The tools are designed for more rigorous operations and will last longer than those made with more traditional materials,” Desai said. “Celcon POM is often preferred by aircraft manufacturers because it offers the end user more control when removing sealant and will not scratch or score aluminum substrates.”

The tools have a variety of widths from 0.5 inch to 3.5 inches, with eight scrapers having straight ends, one an angled end and another a pointed-tip design. An added benefit is that these tools can be sharpened for continued use.

New Semco aerospace sealant removal tools are available through PPG application support centers.