Comco MicroBlaster MB1000 Operation manual

Operation and Service Instructions
Single Tank
MicroBlaster® MB1000
Issue Date: July 2016
This manual covers all of the variations of the MB1000 series
manufactured after July 14, 2016 (MB1000-1, MB1000-2, ETC)
Comco Inc.
2151 N. Lincoln Street
Burbank, California 91504
USA
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.comcoinc.com
Book P/N MB1245-1
File: MB1000.doc

Comco Inc. ii Issue Date: July 2016
Congratulations!
The Comco MicroBlaster® you have purchased is equipped with the latest
features to make it simple to operate and easy to maintain. The addition of
the auto-vent component means it is no longer necessary to manually vent
air from the unit after turning the power off.
Your new MicroBlaster® is also equipped with an innovative abrasive
hose connector utilizing the “Quicknut”. The new connector delivers longer
life than standard fittings, and the “Quicknut” enables you to change the
abrasive hose faster.
At Comco we strive to continually improve the MicroBlaster® to provide
you with the most efficient micro-abrasive blaster available today.

Comco Inc. iii Issue Date: July 2016
Table of Contents
The Comco Warranty.................................................................................................v
Safety Precautions.....................................................................................................vi
Section 1: The MicroBlaster MB1000.......................................................1-1
This section introduces you to the basic unit, including its
description, principles of operation, and detail specifications.
Overview........................................................................................................1-2
Figure 1-1, MicroBlaster MB1000......................................................1-2
How The MicroBlaster Works........................................................................1-3
Figure 1-2, MicroBlaster Pressurized................................................1-3
Figure 1-3, Modulator Open ..............................................................1-4
Figure 1-4, Modulator Closed............................................................1-5
Detail Specifications.......................................................................................1-6
Section 2: Getting Started.........................................................................2-1
This section tells you what you need to have and what you
need to do to set up the MicroBlaster.
The Proper Work Area...................................................................................2-2
Figure 2-1, Micro-abrasive Blasting System Requirements..............2-3
Figure 2-2, MicroBlaster Reference Sheet........................................2-4
What You Received with the MicroBlaster....................................................2-5
Basic Components of the MicroBlaster .........................................................2-6
Figure 2-3, External Component Locations.......................................2-7
Setup and Test...............................................................................................2-8
Section 3: Using the MicroBlaster ...........................................................3-1
This section discusses the selection of key operating
parameters such as abrasives and nozzles; and tells you
how to operate the MicroBlaster for maximum efficiency.
Abrasive Selection .........................................................................................3-2
Table 3-1, Factors Affecting Abrasive Blasting .................................3-3
Table 3-2, Abrasives and Their Applications.....................................3-5
Tank Orifice and Nozzle Selection ................................................................3-6
Table 3-3, Orifice Selection Chart .....................................................3-7
Figure 3-1, Changing the Tank Orifice ..............................................3-7
Figure 3-2, Changing the Nozzle.......................................................3-8
Table 3-4, Nozzle Chart.....................................................................3-9
General Operation of the MicroBlaster..........................................................3-12
Figure 3-3, Filling the Abrasive Tank.................................................3-13
Figure 3-4, Controls and Indicators...................................................3-14

Comco Inc. iv Issue Date: July 2016
Table of Contents
Section 4: Maintenance.............................................................................4-1
This section tells you what you need to do to keep the
MicroBlaster operating properly.
Normal Maintenance......................................................................................4-2
Table 4-1, Maintenance Intervals......................................................4-3
Parts Subject to Normal Wear.......................................................................4-4
Figure 4-1, Pinch Tube and Plunger Inspection................................4-5
Figure 4-2, Tank Cover Thread Wear…………………………………4-6
Leaks..............................................................................................................4-7
Auxiliary Equipment.......................................................................................4-7
Moisture .........................................................................................................4-8
Section 5: Trouble-shooting and Repair..................................................5-1
This section tells you what to do if you have a problem with
the MicroBlaster.
Trouble-shooting............................................................................................5-2
Customer Service ..........................................................................................5-2
How to Order Replacement Parts..................................................................5-3
Common Problems, Causes, and Solutions .................................................5-4
Table 5-1, No Air Flow.......................................................................5-4
Table 5-2, No Abrasive Flow .............................................................5-5
Replacing the Abrasive Hose and Fittings ....................................................5-6
Inspecting and Repairing the Pinch Valve ....................................................5-8
Inspecting and Repairing the Modulator........................................................5-10
Figure 5-1, Modulator Assembly........................................................5-11
Clogging.........................................................................................................5-13
Air Pressure Regulator ..................................................................................5-14
Tank Cover.....................................................................................................5-15
Section 6: Optional Equipment ................................................................6-1
This section details optional equipment available on the
MicroBlaster, and the use and servicing of these options.
Appendices
This section presents parts lists, drawings and schematics
for the MicroBlaster MB1000 and workstations.
Appendix A: Parts Lists.............................................................................................A-1
Major Assemblies and Principal Parts...........................................................A-2
Standard Accessory Parts .............................................................................A-6
Optional Parts ................................................................................................A-7
Recommended Spares..................................................................................A-8
Appendix B: Drawings and Schematics ...................................................................B-1
Appendix C: Workstations ........................................................................................C-1

Comco Inc. v Issue Date: July 2016
Welcome!
Welcome to the User’s Manual for the Comco MicroBlaster® model MB1000!
This manual is designed to help you set up, operate, and maintain the
MicroBlaster.
NOTE: Prior to setting up and operating your MicroBlaster, the
operator and the department supervisor should carefully
review this entire manual.
The Comco Warranty
Comco warrants that the MicroBlaster® MB1000 will be free from all defects in material
and workmanship under normal use for a period of one year from the date of purchase
or 2,000 hours of normal operation, whichever comes first.
The warranty period begins when the equipment ships from the Comco facility and
applies to the original owner only. Comco is not liable for damages from any cause or
use of such equipment beyond the cost of repairing any defective parts.
If the equipment fails to perform satisfactorily during the warranty period, Comco has the
option to do any one of the following: 1) Send replacement parts to the customer to be
installed by the customer; 2) Repair the unit at the customer’s facility; or 3) Request that
the unit be returned to the Comco factory. Any replacement parts shall be furnished by
Comco without cost, F.O.B. the Comco factory in Burbank, California, provided that
Comco is notified of the defect within the warranty period. Any defective parts shall be
returned to Comco for inspection and analysis.
Exclusions
The above warranty does not apply to defects or problems resulting from improper or
inadequate maintenance by the customer; unauthorized modification or misuse; failure
to follow the operating instructions; the use of any supplies or parts, including but not
limited to nozzles, powders, and attachments, not manufactured or supplied by Comco.
The warranty also does not cover problems resulting from improper or inadequate
facilities (contaminated air, improper power) or items that should be expected to wear in
normal operation, such as nozzles, abrasives, tubing, or fittings.
This is Comco’s only warranty and is in lieu of all other warranties of
merchantability and fitness for any particular purpose. No representations or
warranties are authorized except as herein stated.

Comco Inc. vi Issue Date: July 2016
Safety Precautions
General Safety Considerations
The MicroBlaster® model MB1000 has been designed to be safe to operate
when used properly. Any device that is pressurized and requires electrical
power, however, requires that certain safety precautions be observed to avoid
potentially hazardous situations. The primary safety-related issues involved in
the use of the MicroBlaster are listed below; and addressed in detail on the
following pages.
1. Working with a device that is pressurized.
2. Working with an electrical device.
3. Working with a device that uses abrasive powders that could be
potentially dangerous if inhaled or ingested in large quantities or
put in constant contact with the skin.
4. General issues involved in operating machinery.
Working with a Device that is Pressurized
The MicroBlaster uses pressurized air to perform its basic function. To minimize
the risk of an accident related to air pressure, Comco recommends the following:
√The air supply system should have a shutoff valve located
upstream of the blasting machine so that the supply pressure can
be turned off independently of the blaster.
√Pressure relief valves should be incorporated into the supply
system to minimize the risk from system over pressure.
√Anyone who will use the MB1000 should be trained in its basic
operation.
√The MicroBlaster should always be turned OFF prior to performing
any maintenance.
√When replacing parts during maintenance, use only Comco parts
and verify that all installations are correct before using the
MicroBlaster.
Improper set-up or use of the MicroBlaster® MB1000 may result in a condition
that could be hazardous. All fittings and covers must be properly installed in
order to minimize any hazard.

Comco Inc. vii Issue Date: July 2016
Working with an Electrical Device
The electrical hazards associated with the MicroBlaster are minimal, since all
primary electrical components are inside the primary housing. However, the
operator should take precautions that apply to any electrical device that has a
power cord that plugs into an electrical outlet. These precautions include:
√Verify the proper operating voltage on the MicroBlaster by
checking the nameplate located on the back of the unit.
√Before plugging the power cord into an electrical outlet, examine it
for evidence of damage such as cracked, worn, or torn insulation;
exposure of bare wires; or bent tines on the plug.
√Ensure that the machine is never operated near water or while it is
wet.
√Always verify that the power switch is in the OFF position when
the machine is not in use for long periods of time.
When working inside the MicroBlaster housing, there is the possibility of electrical
shock. To minimize this hazard, Comco recommends the following:
√Unplug the unit from facility power any time the machine’s cover
will be removed.
√Do not operate the MicroBlaster with its cover removed.
√Keep the interior of the MicroBlaster clean of dust, powder, and
any foreign object or substance that could conduct electricity.
CAUTION: Some abrasive powders are conductive and
may present a hazard if allowed to
accumulate inside the machine.
Working with the Abrasive Media
The MicroBlaster uses several types of abrasive media that should not be
inhaled or ingested in large quantities or maintained in prolonged contact with the
skin. When working with the abrasive media, Comco recommends the following:
√Do not direct the abrasive blast on bare skin or face/eyes.
√A workstation and dust collector must be used in conjunction with
the MicroBlaster. If you must blast outside a workstation, a full
face mask and oxygen supplied respirator and hand protection are
required per NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health).
√Handling operations such as repackaging or refilling of the
abrasive media should only be performed in well-ventilated areas
and with proper care to minimize dust in the eyes or breathing
passages. Always use a dust respirator for dust protection when
exposed to dust clouds. The 3M respirator #8710 is NIOSH/MSHA
approved for these types of abrasive handling operations.

Comco Inc. viii Issue Date: July 2016
Working with the Abrasive Media (cont’d)
√Certain abrasive media, such as glass beads, can present a
slipping hazard if they are spilled on the ground. Always clean up
spilled abrasive and place appropriate warning signs in areas
where the abrasive will be on the ground (such as during long-
term operation).
√Abrasive powders, particularly glass beads and plastic, may
generate static charges. To minimize the risk of electrostatic
discharge, ground the MicroBlaster and the workstation. In some
instances, the operator may also wish to use grounding straps
(Wrist-Stats™ or equivalent).
√Flammable powders, such as walnut shell and plastic, may pose a
fire or explosion hazard. Always use a vigorous dust extraction
device to prevent hanging dust clouds.
√After using the MicroBlaster, or after handling any of the abrasive
media, wash your hands before touching or rubbing your eyes.
√Gloves may be necessary for operators who are sensitive to
powders or dust on their skin.
√Some powders, if allowed to collect inside the machine, may
cause electrical shorts.
√Abrasives cause wear to virtually every surface they come in
contact with. Keep the threads on the tank and tank cover clean
of abrasive powder to avoid wear that can cause a dangerous
condition. See Section 4 for details on how to check for tank cover
wear. Also, always fill the tank through the flapper valve to greatly
reduce the amount of wear on the threads.
Material safety data sheets (MSDS’s) for all abrasives distributed by Comco are
available from the Comco factory. Every powder shipment includes an MSDS.
Contact the Comco Customer Service department to obtain extra copies of any
MSDS.
Avoiding Hazards Associated with Operating Machinery
√Place the MicroBlaster securely on a solid workbench or counter
so that the unit cannot tilt or fall over.
√Always secure the nozzle-end of the abrasive blast hose before
pressurizing a blasting unit. An unsecured hose may whip around
and cause injury or damage.
√Keep fingers out of the hose pinch.
√When working inside the cabinet, avoid possible sharp edges and
remember that solenoids on valves can become hot.
√Set up the MicroBlaster and workstation so that it is ergonomically
correct to allow safe and comfortable use by all operators.
√Route the foot pedal cord from behind the bench to prevent it from
becoming a possible trip hazard.
√When refilling the tank, set the tank cover flat on its end to avoid it
rolling off the bench.

Comco Inc. ix Issue Date: July 2016
Avoiding Hazards Associated with Operating Machinery (cont’d)
The following warning labels/pictograms are utilized in the MicroBlaster CE
(European) versions:
Symbol
Meaning
ELECTRICAL HAZARD
HAND PROTECTION RECOMMENDED WHERE
APPROPRIATE
EYE PROTECTION RECOMMENDED WHERE
APPROPRIATE
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION RECOMMENDED
WHERE APPROPRIATE