The new Mirka LEROS sander is able to sand large, flat surfaces, typically found on heavy vehicles, in a fraction of the time previously required, according to PPG.
Short for ‘Long Electric Random Orbital Sander’, the LEROS features a powerful 350W brushless electric motor driving a 225-millimetre sanding head, with 180-degree flexibility and a five millimetre random orbital movement. It’s all mounted on a long, ergonomically designed shaft that gives it plenty of reach, with the total weight at 3.5 kilograms. Commonly used for sanding walls and ceilings in buildings, PPG says that it’s also perfect for any large, relatively flat surface.
PPG says that local trials it conducted showed the clear potential the Mirka LEROS has to revolutionise sanding operations on trailers, boats, trains, trams, yachts and even curtains for curtain-sider trailers, says Jason Salmon, Product Specialist Associated Products at PPG Australia.
“LEROS really shines when it’s faced with a big, flat surface so we trialled it on a Pantech-style trailer,” said Salmon. “We were told the traditional method took a day [and] a half for a person to complete using a scissor lift and a conventional sander. I’m a total layman and it took me only around 30 minutes to complete using the LEROS and just three abrasive discs. That is a huge productivity increase in anyone’s language! At the same time, the five-millimetre random orbital motion delivers the exact scratch pattern we want for automotive paint preparation applications. Because a cherry-picker, scaffolding, etc. is, typically, no longer required, it saves cost and extra time, as well as reducing the potential for falls. There is even an optional extension shaft to extend the reach of the LEROS even further.”
PPG adds that to maximise performance, a range of 225-millimetre discs (80 grit to 320 grit) have been launched in Mirka’s paper-backed Iridium line-up. Not only is it capable of very quickly removing stock over a large area, but the dust repelling abrasive surface and computer designed, laser-cut multi-hole pattern gives Iridium efficient dust extraction, virtually clog-free performance and a long lifespan.
The dual vacuum suction point design, light-weight and ergonomic layout of the LEROS means forces are transferred to the sanding head which makes life much easier for the operator, says Salmon.
“The strain on the operator is reduced immensely compared with conventional sanders. The vacuum suction actually helps keep the head firmly against the surface so the LEROS is very light and manoeuvrable. All the operator has to do is guide the tool across the surface. Combine this with the 180-degree flexibility of the head, its featherweight 3.5-kilograms and its nicely balanced design, and operators should find they can comfortably sand for long periods without fatigue.
“We see the LEROS as being perfectly suited to the CT repair and re-livery sector. The best way to understand the advantages of this new Mirka tool is to see it in action so contact your PPG Territory Manager or the PPG Customer Service Hotline (13 24 24) to organise a demonstration.”
The Mirka LEROS is now available from authorised Mirka distributors across Australia.