2. Page 2
First Edition
Printed January, 1999
Editor’s note,
Due to improvement of future prototypes, illustrations may
vary from the current model in use. Figures and photographs
reflect the appearance of the 4th generation unit currently in
production. This manual includes discussion of the mechani-
cal process involved in the removal of UV coating along the
perimeter of outdoor fabric required prior to bonding seams.
Disclaimer
The owner/operator uses the described apparatus at his own risk.
Distributor or inventor of the device described is not physically or
financially responsible for loss or damage, sustained by and or sub-
jected to the owner/operator as a result of machine usage.
Page 27
3. Page 26
User Notes:
Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................5
DESIGN.........................................................6
BASIC OPERATION...................................7
DETAIL OPERATION................................7
SUMMARY.................................................18
INDEX
DEFINITIONS............................................20
SEAM PREPARATION MADE EASY ...23
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION ...............24
4. Page 4 Page 25
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
Item Fig. Description
57 Pedestal Stand (to suit working height)
58 Throughput Channel
59 Run Out Table
Note: Item illustrated in this manual is in the
lower position for descriptive purpose only. See
Fig. 4.
66 Threaded Adjusting Rod
68 Set Screw locking Carrier Housing (71)
71 Carrier Housing
73 Slotted hole for vertical travel of Carrier
Housing
74 Shaft Bearing
75 Shaft Bearing
76 Slotted for vertical travel of Carrier Housing
77 Abrasive Stripping Sub-Assembly (adjustable)
78 Feed Control Sub-Assembly (fixed)
80 Drive Shaft
82 Drive Pulley
90 Spring Loaded Guide Rod
91 Spring Loaded Guide Rod
92 Vacuum Port
5. Page 24
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
Item Fig. Description
4 End User Vinyl
5 Vinyl Leading Edge
7 Width of Prepared Surface
8 Polymer Fabric
10 Unprepared Edge of vinyl fabric
11 Prepared Surface
12 Vinyl Outside Edge
18 Vinyl guided by operator
22 Stripping Stone (Stripping Roller)
24 Feed Wheel (Feed Roller)
25 Grinding Wheel Shaft Lock
27 Anti-Flutter Runner
29 Anti-Flutter Runner
30 On/Off Switch
31 Feed Rate Control Knob
33 Electric Motor
34 Vacuum Exhaust Attachment (connected to
industry standard shop vacuum)
35 Guard Plate
36 Stripping Stone Enclosure and
Vacuum Encasing Guard
37 Drive Belt
38 Feed Assembly Enclosure
42 Unit Vertical Surface
43 Unit Base Section
44 Unit Elevator Framework
45 Enclosure Adjustment Slot
46 Enclosure Adjustment Slot
52 Vinyl Stripping Unit
54 Elevator Control Knob
Page 5
INTRODUCTION
Over the years, flexible synthetic fabrics, such as vinyl, have
evolved as a replacement for canvas. This opened up a mar-
ket for waterproof covering. Research and technology contin-
ued to improve fabric integrity affecting longevity, flexibility
and resistance to environmental degradation. This included
the detrimental effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the
sun.
Industry solution was to apply a very thin, flexible clear
coating (usually a few mm in thickness) to the exterior surface
to avoid degradation from UV rays. This layer of protective
coating must be removed from the vinyl’s edge in order to
maintain maximum strength at the seams to permanently bond
mating surfaces.
It is known to use chemicals for removal of the UV protec-
tion. The use of acetone has been found capable. However,
the process requires a craftsman to use masking tape to delin-
eate a seam width along the edge to protect the remainder of
the vinyl from the effects of the acetone. Obviously, this pro-
cess is very tenuous and labor intensive. Furthermore, if ap-
plied too aggressively, acetone can weaken the underlying
fiber mesh to an extent that manufacturers void the warranty.
The coating stripping apparatus described in this manual
utilizes a motorized soft stone grinding wheel, positioned
above a resilient feed wheel, for removal of UV coating from
vinyl fabric. Stripped edges are uniform and expose a clean,
roughened surface which result in a more precise and stronger
seamed region. The method described is cost effective as it
presents a fast and efficient means of stripping UV coating in
preparation for heat and dielectric sealing processes along
fabric seams.
At the rear of the manual you will find component descrip-
tions of the items numbered throughout the manual. Refer to
the listing should you require spare parts as well. Thank you.
6. Page 6
DESIGN
Objectives, provisions and capacity offer the following:
Removal of UV coating on vinyl using a motorized strip-
ping stone that is manually adjustable via vertical suspen-
sion springs and threaded rod in order to accommodate in-
dustry variations of standard vinyl weight.
Method of stripping UV protective layer in preparation to
heat seal vinyl fabric at the seams.
Vertical housing adjustment between the stripping stone
and feed wheel to suit proper depth of vinyl edge prepared.
Channel guards on ends of a throughput channel to prevent
inadvertently wrapping the vinyl off-track during operation.
A stripping stone of such composition to grind and remove
thin UV coating and not loading up the stone with contrib-
uting factors resulting in seam failures.
Stripping stone replacement without disturbing guard
plates.
Rotational speed for a stripping stone such that its tangen-
tial velocity removes material, but does not impart an overt
amount of heat to the vinyl.
Adjustable feed control to suit independent gear driven sub-
assembly and operating conditions up to 60 linear feet per
minute.
Roller housings with anti-flutter runners in order to control
vinyl feed.
Rigid mounting frame for mounting both motorized sub-
assemblies.
Vacuum port for transfer of grinding debris.
Page 23
Removal of exterior UV protec-
tive coatings from fabric such as
US TEDLAR or T-Finish Ferrari of
France is necessary before wedge
welding.
<== Prototype unit pictured is the
1st generation model.
<== Wedge Welding System by
TRIAD
<== Seam prep unit with T- Finish
Ferrari fabric in position prior
to wedge welding.
Note: Seam Prep unit has been
used with US TEDLAR and
T-Finish Ferrari fabric with-
in the industry. Method can
be applied to other non heat
seal material.
<== T-Finish Ferrari sample is
shown fed through the chan-
nel to prepare vinyl edge.
<== Seam is shown welded with
TRIAD system after the vinyl
edge is prepared.
<== Photo displays actual welding
operation using TRIAD
Seam Preparation Made Easy
7. Page 22
rollers and substantially covering all but a small exposed
channel space opening beneath and across enclosures for anti
flutter control of vinyl as it feeds through the channel.
Ultra Violet (UV) Coating
Like most synthetic, carbon based polymers and plastics,
vinyl products will degrade when subjected to ultra-violet
light from the sun. As technology advanced, a clear, protec-
tive chemical coating was applied to reflect ultra-violet radia-
tion and extend the life of the product. These coatings – ap-
plied during the manufacturing process – are clear, flexible,
and usually vary from a tenth to a few millimeters in thick-
ness. Such coatings adversely impact vinyl seaming tech-
niques.
Throughput Channel
A narrow, preferably horizontal slot located between the
tangential surfaces of the rubberized wheel and the stripping
stone through which vinyl is fed. This narrow channel is open
to the outermost side, allowing vinyl of various widths to be
fed through the unit. The channel is continuously adjustable
in the vertical direction, to a very fine amount of a few thou-
sandths of an inch. This channel – in conjunction with pres-
sure, vinyl feed tension and vinyl resiliency determines the
thickness of the material stripped from the vinyl surface.
Adjustment Elevator
An adjustable stripping depth is controllably set by the op-
erator in order to control the depth of UV coating and vinyl
substrate removed from the material. This depth adjustment
is controlled manually by a elevator control knob permitting
vertical movement to the rotating shaft which drives the strip-
ping stone. Such vertical adjustment, working in conjunction
with the fixed rubberized feed wheel, accurately and repeated-
ly sets the stripping depth. (Refer to Throughput Channel
definition)
Page 7
BASIC OPERATION
Positioning of the rotating wheels, within enclosures 36 and
38 of Figure 2, shown on page 8, allow the operator to feed
vinyl fabric through the space existing between the upper
grinding wheel and lower feed roller. This gap is referred to
the Throughput Channel (58).
The rotation of the lower feed roller is variable and rotates
in the opposite direction and at a slower speed than the upper
grinding wheel. The feed roller functions as a platen for the
preferred stripping stone and simultaneously provides opera-
tor feedback for controlling the vinyl feed process.
The grinding wheel assembly is adjustable in height to
compensate for variations in thickness of vinyl fabric. The
grinding wheel, set to a given depth combined with the granu-
larity of the stripping stone and rotation in the opposite direc-
tion of the feed wheel, causes a pulling motion on the vinyl
that allows the operator to judge feed control by using only a
gentle reverse pull.
A vacuum port is provided above enclosure (36) for debris
removal. Vacuum Exhaust Attachment (34) may be centrally
welded or otherwise connected to the Vacuum Port (92). Any
suitable exhaust system, such as an industry standard shop
vacuum (not shown), is preferably operated continuously dur-
ing stripping operations. A suitable exhaust system safely
transfers grinding debris away from the work station and the
operator.
DETAIL OPERATION
To further inform the user of the working nature of the ap-
paratus, the following information is provided.
8. Page 8
Figure 1 is a cross sectional representation of a typical
industry standard vinyl composite (4). Vinyl is constructed
using an internal scrim (6), which serves as a strengthening
mesh. During the manufacturing process, the scrim is im-
mersed in a liquefied synthetic polymer (8) which is rolled out
and cured, thereby completely encapsulating the scrim. The
process creates a strong, waterproof, flexible vinyl fabric,
trade named, vinyl.
Fig. 2
Perspective and par-
tial cut away view of
stripping and feed
wheels showing a
debris vacuum port
and hose.
Fig. 1A
Surface distinction between
prepared edge and unpre-
pared edge of vinyl fabric.
Fig. 1
Cross section of internal and external components of flexible vinyl
fabric.
58
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
Fig. 1A
Page 21
followed immediately with pressure rolling as an aid in bond-
ing vinyl sheets together.
Dielectric Sealing
A more exotic technique of sealing vinyl which uses Radio
Frequency (RF) energy. In function, the RF energy – similar
to microwave in a microwave oven – penetrates the vinyl.
Unlike the dispersed uniformity found in a microwave, how-
ever, RF sealing utilizes specially shaped aluminum dies as
wave guides in order to accurately focus the RF energy within
a specified footprint on the vinyl to be sealed.
Stripping Stone
An abrasive, cast, cylindrical, silica based grinding stone
suitable for shaft mounting and motor driven speeds in the
1725 to 3000 RPM range. Desirable results are achieved with
a relatively soft, medium grit abrasive stone. Stone diameter
of approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches cast in widths of one to
three inches depending upon seam width have proven satis-
factory with the unit.
Feed Control Wheel
A motorized, gear driven hard rubber drive wheel. This
wheel is of a width at least equal to the width of the described
stripping stone, and performs best when cast to about 4 inches
in diameter. The rotating surface of the feed wheel, in close
proximity to the stripping stone, functions as a rotating platen.
Additionally, the feed control wheel provides the user with a
“feel” for the speed at which vinyl is fed through the grinding
apparatus.
Anti-Flutter Runners
Tangentially located housing guides located between the
9. Page 20
DEFINITIONS
Vinyl
Flexible synthetic waterproof cloth or similar fabric like
product. Vinyl fabric products are manufactured from a syn-
thetic liquid polymer applied to an internal strengthening
mesh by either lamination or a dip coating. Such products
today are manufactured in nominal widths of 40 to 80 inches
in continuous rolls of 50 or 100 yard in length. Selective
mesh size, and manufacturing processes, dictate the thickness
of a finished vinyl and hence defining the ruggedness of the
material. Thickness is defined in the industry by weight per
square yard in ounces, rather than by dimensional thickness.
Vinyl weights normally range from about 8 ounces per yard to
as much as 48 ounces per yard. Vinyl usage's include awn-
ings, large tents, weatherproof load coverings for tractor-
trailers, trains and the like. An industry product in literally
millions of yards of fabric per year is fabricated into a wide
range of end user products. Many such products require
seams and welds.
Scrim
A strengthening, cloth or string-like woven mesh imbedded
within the liquid polymer during the manufacturing process.
Such mesh, is usually characterized by an over/under open
weave and primarily determines resiliency, strength, longitu-
dinal stretch, and flexibility of the final vinyl product.
Heat Sealing
A technique used to join two or more sections of vinyl to-
gether for product fabrication. Heat sealing very temporarily
reverts adjacent overlapping surfaces of vinyl to a gelatinous
state and thus effectively melts the surfaces together. The
sealing process usually uses hot air as the heating media,
Page 9
Figures 1 and 1A depict that the end user vinyl (4) receives
a protective ultraviolet (UV) layer (10) that is removed by the
apparatus. The UV layer is of a flexible chemical composi-
tion that bonds to polymer (8). UV coating is clear in the visi-
ble spectrum, but reflective in the ultraviolet spectrum, there-
by protecting polymer from degradation caused from sunlight.
It is specifically this protective UV coating which causes the
most difficulty when seaming sections of vinyl together either
by heat sealing or dielectric sealing. Such seaming is manda-
tory during fabrication of large tents, awnings, coverings and
relatively large vinyl products.
Shaded section 11 in Figure 1A represents a surface section
of vinyl in which UV coating has been removed. Such re-
moval is performed by the stripping stone (22) shown in Fig-
ures 2 and 3.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a vacuum exhaust attachment (34)
and a vacuum exhaust port (92) located above the vacuum
encasing guard (36). As the UV coating is stripped away
from the vinyl fabric, grinding debris is contained within the
vacuum encasing guard and exits through the vacuum exhaust
port. The vacuum exhaust attachment may be centrally weld-
ed or otherwise connected to the vacuum exhaust port. Any
suitable exhaust system, such as an industry standard shop
vacuum (not shown) is preferably operated continuously dur-
ing stripping operations. Such an exhaust system safely trans-
fers grinding debris away from the work station and the oper-
ator.
10. Page 10
Diagrammatically shown in Figure 3, the run-out table is
useful in supporting larger working sections of vinyl fed into
and/or exiting the Throughput Channel. Operator stands in
position (illustrated by hand (18)) alongside the run-out table.
In such a position a craftsman can easily feed the leading edge
(5) between the stripping stone and feed wheel.
Wheels 22 and 24 apply a seizing pressure to vinyl which
in turn allows the operator to maintain a comfortable feed-
ing speed by manually applying a gentle backward pressure
on the vinyl. The operator holds the vinyl’s outside edge (12)
Vinyl fabric running between
stripping and feed rollers.
Fig. 3
25
Page 19
APPENDIX
11. Page 18
SUMMARY
The unit described provides a mechanical grinding process
to remove UV coatings from flexible vinyl fabric in prepara-
tion for heat sealing. The apparatus and method utilizes a
motorized, soft stone grinding wheel positioned above a rotat-
ing resilient feed wheel. The soft abrasive grinding stone eas-
ily strips away the thin layer applied for UV protection. The
scrim is not endangered as with acetone or other chemical
approaches. Prepped surfaces expose a clean, roughened and
revitalized surface to induce maximum strength after heat
sealing.
The apparatus is designed for UV coating removal. It im-
proves the speed and accuracy with which the undesirable
material is accurately removed from surfaces being prepared
for heat sealing. The grinding wheel or stripping stone is ad-
justable in speed and height, thus compensating for variations
in thickness of vinyl fabrics handled. It can effectively re-
move UV coating from treated fabric at a feed rate of 20 LF
per minute. Additionally, the unit is equipped with a vacuum
attachment for debris removal leaving a clean, failure-
resistant surface favorable to subsequent seaming operations.
Housings are either independently adjustable or adjustable
in combination with the elevator control mechanism. Design
of the elevator control adjustment prevents the possibility of
over-adjustment which would cause the stripping stone to run
into the anti-flutter runners. Such an event would ruin the
stone and runners.
Page 11
against the vertical surface (42) of unit frame (35). With the
vertical surface acting as a backstop, the operator can
controllably pull the vinyl through the channel while the
stripping stone accurately grinds away the upper UV coating
layer. The width of prepared surface is maintained uniformly
along the vinyl’s edge.
Once the UV coating is removed, the fabric is left with a
freshened rough surface that is free of any UV coating and is
ready for heat sealing with the bottom side (usually non-UV
protected surface) of another vinyl sheet to complete the
seam.
Rate of feed and depth of grind are controllable using only
two wheels, each of which are rotating at significantly differ-
ent RPMs. Together, the grinding wheel and feed wheel
achieve a finished surface area having a predetermined fin-
ished width (7) and allow UV coating to be quickly and effi-
ciently removed.
Feed rate is governed by a gear driven motor (not shown)
and sub-assembly 78 shown in Figure 5. Wheels 22 and 24
perform all required functions, including adjustments. Feed
wheel 24 serves as a pinch wheel for vinyl feed purposes
while the exposed rotating surface – in close proximity to the
grinding wheel – functions much like a platen. Speed of the
feed wheel is adjusted with the Feed Rate Control Knob (31)
shown in Figure 4.
It is possible to lock the upper shaft and pulley assembly
with the grinding wheel shaft lock (25). Without the shaft
lock, the operator would be required to remove the guard
plate (35) and hold the drive belt stationary while removing
the stripping stone. The lever, shown in Figure 3, locks the
upper shaft and gear assembly so that the stripping stone can
easily be removed without disturbing the guard plate, shown
in Figure 4. Do not engage this lever while the unit is operat-
ing.
12. Page 12
Perspective view of stripping
machine mounted on a pedestal
stand positioned at working
Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of the apparatus in position
for operation. The unit includes an on/of switch (30), feed wheel
control knob (31) and electric motor (33) mounted behind a
guard plate (35) supporting the housed pulley shafts for grinding
and feed assemblies 36 and 38.
Note:
Run Out Table (59) is in the lower position for descriptive pur-
pose only. During operation, the Run Out Table is actually posi-
tioned on the end of the Pedestal Stand (57), where the fabric
exits the Throughput Channel (58). The height of the Run Out
Table is normally at the same elevation as the Throughput Chan-
nel or otherwise at an elevation preferred by the user.
In operation, unit 52 may be mounted on any suitable
pedestal type stand (57). The stand is positioned in close prox-
imity to a run-out table (59). The run-out table is preferably po-
sitioned at a height approximately equal to that of the Through-
put Channel (58).
Fig. 4
Page 17
The stripping stone (22) rotates clockwise within the enclo-
sure while feed wheel (24) rotates counter-clockwise below
the stripping stone.
Welded horizontally to the wheel enclosures 36 and 38 are
guide runners 27 and 29. Guide runners are provided to pre-
vent vinyl fabric from following an incorrect path and inad-
vertently wrapping around rotating members. Guide runners
are either welded or machined into the roller enclosures.
Their end points are tangentially located, protruding inward,
along the entire depth of the enclosure. Guide runners extend
to within about 0.050 thousands of an inch of the stripping
stone. Such spacing is enough to accommodate the required
vertical adjustment via adjustment rod and yet provide for
different setting as required by variations in vinyl thickness
without letting debris escape.
Previous models of the unit provided slots 45 and 46 to ad-
just spacing between the stripping stone and the inside edge of
the enclosure. Slots 45 and 46 no longer apply to the model
shipped with this manual. Early models offered the possibil-
ity of ruining the stripping stone should the grinding surface
run into the guard while turning the adjustment control knob.
Further development eliminated the need to adjust the compo-
nents separately. Spacing between the enclosure and strip-
ping stone is now built into the unit. The current model per-
mits movement of the enclosure in unison with the stripping
stone.
Enclosure (36) guards all but a small percentage of the cir-
cumference of the stripping stone. The exposed stone face
below the tangential edge (27) and the upper exposed surface
of the feed wheel (24), together seize the vinyl and work to-
gether as a grinding wheel against a rotating platen. As an
operator feeds the vinyl through channel 58, a slight rearward
tension against the vinyl movement is applied. Rotating
speeds of the wheels are such that grinding wheel 22 is rotat-
ing at a high speed whereas the tangential speed of the lower
platen wheel (24) is at a desired feed rate.
13. Page 16
Figure 7 presents a frontal view of the unit, with the grind-
ing wheel enclosure (36) partially cutaway, in order to better
explain the effects caused by wheels 22 and 24 during typical
grinding operations. Note the flat opposed face sections of
housings 36 and 38 enclosing the stripping stone and feel
wheel. The face sections define the upper and lower tangen-
tial surfaces and help guide the vinyl edge through the chan-
nel. Vertical face 42, is intended to serve as a rear guide or
backstop for vinyl fabric exiting the throughput channel to
limit lateral motion during stripping operations.
38
Front view of elevator framework,
throughput channel, rollers and roller
enclosures.
Fig. 7
Page 13
Mechanical adjustment is provided to suit vinyl thickness.
Shown in Figure 5, is an expanded and partial cut-a-way
view further illustrating details of the elevator control mecha-
nism and independent motorized sub-assemblies 77 and 78
that drive the stripping stone and feed wheel.
The operating relationship between the stripping stone (22)
and feed wheel (24) is defined by the amount of vertical spac-
ing between sub-assemblies 77 and 78. Drive Assembly (77)
is vertically adjustable with the Elevator Control Knob (54).
Adjustment of the drive assembly, relative to the lower fixed
assembly (78), defines the amount of space existing between
the stripping stone and the feed wheel. This space is referred
to as the Throughput Channel.
The elevator control knob can be locked into position with a
set screw (68), shown in Figure 6, to retain Throughput Chan-
nel setting.
Left side sectional
view showing the
components of eleva-
tor control assembly.
Fig. 5
14. Page 14
The elevator control assembly is manually operated by the
elevator control knob. The control knob turns a threaded ad-
justing rod (66) through a threaded hole bored through the top
plate (44) of the elevator framework. The end of the threaded
rod is in contact with the flat face platform above carrier
housing (71). Elevator control causes the carrier housing to
slide up and down slots 73 and 76 provided on each side of
the elevator framework. Position may be locked in place by
set screw 68.
Springs 93 and 94 are provided on the end of the guide
rods, as shown, between top plate (44) and receiving grooves
(not shown) on the topside of the carrier housing (71). Spring
selection provides a downward bias to the carrier housing.
Right side sectional view
showing elevator control
assembly.
Fig. 6
Page 15
Turning of the threaded adjusting rod (66) overcomes the
spring bias which in turns moves the carrier housing up or
down as required for throughput channel settings. Manual
locking of control knob 54 permanently sets the desired ad-
justment for a vinyl grinding step.
Carrier housing 71, is fitted with bearings 74 and 75 on the
ends of the drive shaft (80). Drive pulley (82) remains in con-
tact with the drive belt (37), shown in Figure 1, during verti-
cal adjustment of sub-assembly 77. Elevator adjustment is
accomplished without disrupting other elements in the drive
train.
