The current process for deoxidizing the airplane fuselage prior to painting involves power abrading with red Scotchbrite pads. This mechanical process is very labor intensive and may lead to musculoskeletal injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Acid cleaners/etchants were investigated to replace power abrading based on several airlines* use of acid etchants to prepare airplanes for repaint. Extensive laboratory tests were conducted with the preferred acid cleaner candidate followed by non-production trials on large panels/body sections and a one-year extended production trial in the 747 paint hangar.
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