Product

Machines affected

Sleeve capable devices.

Component

Production hub.

Error

A sleeve gets stuck on the shell as a result of over-shooting the air holes.

Cause

Sleeves inner diameters are sized so that they are slightly smaller than the outer diameter of a corresponding shell. This allows for the sleeve to expand when air pressure is applied to the inside of the sleeve and to clamp onto the shell when air pressure is removed. If a sleeve is pushed beyond the air holes in the shell, it will clamp onto the sleeve and become difficult to remove. Note that some shells have been equipped with overshoot holes, which allow for the removal of sleeves that have overshot the main air holes near the end of the shell.

Solution

Most sleeves can be removed using the method described here.

1. Turn the air bearing on.
2. Slide another sleeve of the same inner and outer diameter onto the shell and bring it into close contact with the stuck sleeve.
3. Turn off the air bearing.
4. Tape the two sleeves together using a wide tape, such as 2” wide duct tape. Thin sleeves will only require a few layers of tape, but thicker sleeves will require many layers of tape (30-40 or more). - Turn the air bearing on again and try to dislodge the stuck sleeve by twisting in on the shell.

Caution: The high-pressure air may blow a hole through the tape and project small bits of debris at high speeds. Eye protection must be worn.

5. If the air blows through the tape, add more layers of tape. If the two sleeves are forced apart by the air pressure, (this is more likely to happen with sleeves more than 10 mm thick) remove the tape and reapply it so that it covers a wider area at the butted ends of the two sleeves. Make sure to add enough layers of tape.

Technical contact(s)

John Funk

Submitted by

John Funk

Date submitted

21 July 2005