1. Read your equipment manual.
2. Check out this post which walks through setting up a manual system (video included!)
3. Before you begin blasting, read 5 Ways to Break Your Blaster for a quick guide on what not to do.

The AccuFlo cover slides off gently as one three-sided piece.

1. Loosen these two screws on the tank-side of the AccuFlo.

2. Brace the tank side of the unit with one hand and carefully slide the cover off with your other hand. Pull gently from the base.

The AccuFlo Tune-up Kit provides a backup of all wear items on the AccuFlo. A tune-up kit includes one of each of the following:

1. PowderGate output fitting
2. PowderGate nose piece
3. Tank cover O-ring

Use this table to select the right kit for your AccuFlo model micro-abrasive blaster.

To order a kit, contact Customer Service at 1-800-796-6626 or sales@comcoinc.com.

MB2247 Tune-Up Kit for the AccuFlo

This kit is for units with 1/4″ output fitting and AF serial numbers up to AF130. The kit includes one of each:

Part Number	Part Description
MB1653	PowderGate nose
MB2560-2	PowderGate output fitting
ST5650-242	O-ring

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MB2247-2 Tune-up Kit for the AccuFlo

Appropriate for units with 1/4″ output fitting and AF serial numbers from AF131. The kit includes one of each of the following:

Part Number	Part Description
MB1653	PowderGate Nose
MB2560-3	PowderGate Output Fitting
ST5650-242	O-ring

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MB2247-3 Tune-Up Kit for the AccuFlo

This kit is for units with 3/8″ output fitting. The kit includes one of each:

Part Number	Part Description
MB1653	PowderGate nose
MB2560-4	PowderGate output fitting
ST5650-242	O-ring

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Appropriate for most Standard AF10 AccuFlo models. Parts may vary for other models. Cross-reference with the diagram above.

Part #	Part Description
MB2265-X	Bypass Tube (See bypass tube selection below)
ST5650-2	O-Ring (Included in Tune-up Kit)
MB2555	PowderGate
MB1653	PowderGate Nose (Included in Tune-up Kit)
MB2560-x	PowderGate Output Fitting (Included in Tune-up Kit)
MB1653	PowderGate Seal
MB1483	Quicknut
MB2230	Replacement Window
MB2200-10 (Standard) MB2200-20 (Tall Tank)	Tank Assembly
MB2220	Tank Cover with Window
MB1409-xx	Tank Orifice, Carbide- lined (xx denotes size opening)
ST4010-2	Vent Fitting

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Appropriate for most Standard AF10 AccuFlo models. Parts may vary for other models including the AF10-C Constant Air Bleed and AF10-H High Pressure AccuFlo. Cross-reference with the diagram above.

Part #	Part Description
MB2270	Abrasive Blend Assembly
MB2202-1	Cover
PF2414	Footswitch
ST2005-010 (115V), ST2005-005 (230V)	Fuse, 220V, 5X20MM, 1A Time Delay
MB2280-1	Gauge
MB2250-1 (115V), MB2250-2 (230V)	Modulator
MB2231-1 (115V), MB2231-2 (230V)	PCB Assembly
MB2235	PCB Cover
ST2045-5	Power Switch
MB2290-1	Regulator
MB2210-1	Valve Manifold
MB2240	Vent Pinch Assembly

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Appropriate for all models. For a more comprehensive list of nozzles, visit our Nozzle page under Consumables.

Part #	Part Description
MB2599	ComfortGrip Handpiece Assembly
MB1233-25	Abrasive Hose, Blue, 1/4″ Diameter, 25′ Package
MB1233-100	Abrasive Hose, Blue, 1/4″ Diameter, 100′ Spool Regulator Assembly
MB2520-18	Hi/Performance Nozzle, 0.018″ Round, Violet
MB2520-30	Hi/Performance Nozzle, 0.030″ Round, Green
MB2520-46	Hi/Performance Nozzle, 0.046″ Round, Yellow
MB2520-60	Hi/Performance Nozzle, 0.060″ Round, Red

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Don’t see your part on this list? Contact Customer Service at 1-800-796-6626 or sales@comcoinc.com.

General Recommendation

Turn the abrasive blend knob clockwise until it tightens. Leave the knob at this point on the dial. This is the maximum position.

Every blaster is configured to a specification. This means the tank orifice, the nozzle, and the blast pressure have been carefully selected for the application. The abrasive blend valve should sit fully closed, which happens when the knob is in the max position. This allows the most amount of abrasive to flow through your blaster. The amount of abrasive in the air stream is ultimately determined by the tank orifice, where abrasive enters the air stream.

Yes, You Can Break It.

There are two ways to ‘break’ this feature on your blaster:

1. Over-tightening the knob: The knob is a multi-turn knob that can be turned up to 7 full revolutions. It has a hard stop at the max position, but the needle valve seals against an O-ring so there is slight give, allowing a good seal to be created. Forcing the knob past the max position with a pair of pliers does not increase the volume of abrasive. Bending the stem, stripping the threads, or breaking off the knob while trying to force it past this hard stop requires factory service to repair.

2. Turning the knob too far counterclockwise: This opens the valve and reduces the air flow through the modulator. Reducing the airflow decreases the strength of the modulator pulses. Abrasive may still appear in the air stream, but it is only there due to gravity and suction and eventually trickles off. Turning the knob too far counterclockwise results in a loss of time and productivity. The abrasive stream produced is usually so weak and irregular that it creates an uneven surface finish on the targeted part. Operators also tend to pump the footswitch to compensate for the weak abrasive flow, accelerating wear on the machine.

How to Manage this Feature

First, set the abrasive blend knob at the maximum position:

1. If the knob feels tight when you attempt to turn it clockwise, stop! Do not over-tighten it. The knob is already in position. Leave it here.
2. If the knob feels loose and easily turns in either direction, then it is not in the maximum position. Turn the knob clockwise up to 7 revolutions until it feels tight. Leave it here.

Then, make the following adjustments to your blaster as needed:

• For more abrasive in the air stream, change the tank orifice.
• For a lot less abrasive, change the tank orifice.
• For just a little less abrasive, turn the abrasive blend knob counterclockwise 1/2- 3 revolutions. No more.

Need a Calibration Cap?

If several operators alternate use of your blaster, and you see a difference in abrasive flow between users, then a calibration cap is a good idea. A calibration cap locks this knob into the maximum position and reduces variability operator to operator. Contact Customer Service at sales@comcocinc.com or 1-800-796-6626 to place an order.

If you need additional guidance, please contact our Technical Support at 1-800-796-6626 or tech@comcoinc.com.

Use the following chart to determine the problem:

Items to Check	Solution
Is the powder tank empty?	Refill.  (Easy fix- yay!)
Is the tank orifice plugged?	Empty the powder, remove the orifice and inspect. The orifice should be at least 4x larger than the average particle size. Check out our Tank Orifice Selection Guide. Is moisture a problem? See block below.
Is the abrasive in the tank damp and sticking to the walls?	Look through the clear tank cover. Are clumps in the abrasive visible? Replace with fresh powder. Check that the air dryer is working properly. See block below about moisture contamination.
Is moisture contaminating the powder?	Determine the type of gas that is connected to the system (Compressed Air, Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide). Compressed air can cause moisture in the line. GAS WARNING! Never connect to pure Oxygen. It will cause an explosion. The compressed air line is the most common source of moisture. Look through the clear tank cover for obvious signs of moisture like holes or cracks in the abrasive leading down to the orifice. If not obvious, carefully remove the tank cover without disturbing the abrasive in the tank. If there are obvious clumps, cracks or holes in the abrasive; moisture is more than likely in your air line. Read our page on moisture issues and compare the information with your air supply and powder storage conditions. STORAGE NOTE: Abrasive must be stored in a cool, dry environment. No bags or bottles should be left open. Abrasive should not be left in the tank over the weekend or during downtime. Is a desiccant or a membrane dryer installed on the line? If a desiccant dryer in use, the desiccant may need to be replaced. DRYER NOTE: Our process requires a dew point of -25°F, but refrigerant dryers provide a dewpoint of +35°F. A refrigerant dryer alone is not sufficient, and your system requires an accompanying desiccant or membrane dryer. If a desiccant or a membrane dryer are NOT installed, it is time to do so.
Is the modulator functioning?	NOTE ABOUT THE MODULATOR: The modulator creates pulses of air by alternating between an open and closed position that allows free flow of air to the mixing chamber and a close position that stops the flow of air to the tank. As the modulator wears, the core no longer sits tightly against the polymer seat. If the core cannot sit tightly, the modulator cannot generate proper air pulses. The operator may get an initial flow of abrasive from a pressure pulse generated when the pinch valve opens; but after that, abrasive may only pull into the system through gravity. Does the modulator audibly hum when the footswitch is actuated? If not, or if it rattles noisily, the modulator should be checked and probably replaced. Most modulators need to be replaced after 5,000 hours of operation.
Are you using abrasive from a manufacturer than Comco?	Not all abrasive is designed for MicroBlasting. Industrial abrasives commonly have a greater percentage of fine and coarse particles, which impacts and interrupts a blaster’s performance. Consider switching to Comco abrasives. We use proprietary systems and tools to maintain the purity of all our abrasives, ensuring optimum performance. Learn more about the importance of quality abrasive.

If you are unable to resolve this or any issue, contact our Technical Support Team at 1-800-796-6626 or techsupport@comcoinc.com.

Use the following chart to determine the problem:

Items to Check	Solution
Is the electrical power ON?	Verify that the power switch is on. The power light should be illuminated. If it is not illuminated but the switch appears to be in the on position; then the power switch may be defective. Contact our Technical Support Team 1-800-796-6626 or techsupport@comcoinc.com if you suspect that is so. Examine the power cord. Is it connected? Is it damaged? If it is connected and does not appear damaged; then call our Technical Support team at the number above. Check the fuse.
Does the pressure gauge indicate pressure in the system?	If the needle on the gauge is pointing to 0, turn the regulator knob clockwise until it registers pressure. Set the regulator to desired blast pressure.
Is the inlet valve working properly?	Periodically desiccant may pass through the dryer and stick in the valve assembly. Remove the coil and body from the valve to check and clear trapped foreign particulate. If no foreign particulate appears to be trapped, check the valve to make sure the coil is not damaged. Replace if necessary.
Is the nozzle plugged?	Remove the nozzle and look through it. You should see light shining through the hole on the tip. Keep in mind that you may see light through glass bead. If plugged, run a small wire through the nozzle hole to clear. Using Sodium Bicarbonate? Try soaking the nozzle in a mild acid, like vinegar, to clean. (Read our blog post on working with this abrasive.) If plugging continues despite changing out the nozzle; either the tank is releasing too much abrasive or the nozzle is too small to flow the type of abrasive you are using. Check out our Nozzle and Powder Brochure for a comprehensive list of sizes and options.
Is there a problem with the abrasive line?	Disconnect the abrasive line and check the fitting to see if it is clogged or crimped. Remove the clog or straighten the crimp. CLEAN: Sodium bicarbonate plates at the output fitting over time. Remove and soak the fitting in a mild acid, like vinegar. Dry the fitting completely before reinstalling. (Failure to dry completely will cause it to plate out again quickly.) REPLACE: Cutting abrasive will gradually wear away at this fitting until its walls collapse and close the opening. If cleaning did not solve the issue and/or the fitting appears thin; replace the output fitting.
Is the tank pressurizing?	When the machine is on, the tank should be pressurized. If the tank is pressurized, then the problem is between the tank and the nozzle. (Read and follow directions in boxes above.) If the tank is NOT pressurized, the problem is between the regulator and the tank. (Read and follow directions in boxes below.)
Is the modulator working properly?	The modulator can become plugged with abrasive, prohibiting air from passing through. Remove the modulator and slide the core back and forth inside the body. If it does not slide easily, then the modulator is plugged and may require replacement. See the next FAQ and follow the instructions. Call our Technical Support Team at 1-800-796-6626 or techsupport@comcoinc.com to inquire about next steps.

• Verify that the appropriate abrasive hose is in use. We only recommend using our brand of abrasive hose with Comco equipment. If unsure, call our Customer Service at 1-800-796-6626.
• Verify that the hose from the output fitting to the pinch valve is pulled too tight or bent. A sharp bend creates a wear point.
• Inspect the output fitting for wear. If worn, it becomes crushed nuzzling the air and abrasive stream. Replace the fitting if necessary.
• WARNING: Do not cut off sections of the hose that appear worn and use the seemingly good hose.
  • If wear and holes are visible in one section of the hose, then the entire hose is probably near eruption. Replace the entire hose or risk turning your blaster into a snow globe.
    
• Inspect the pinch valve assembly. Any sharp edges on the plunger or pinch tube causes the hose to wear faster.

Are you using 3/8″ abrasive hose?

This larger abrasive hose requires a different type of connection than the QuickNut used on a standard 1/4″ hose. Proper installation for the larger hose fitting is critical. Installation requires 4 parts: the hose, the output fitting, a nut, and a 2-piece ferrule.

The 3/8″ abrasive hose must be pressed firmly into the output fitting prior to installation. Tighten the nut while holding the hose in place. The ferrule should crimp as the nut is tightened. Any gap between the hose and the output fitting creates turbulence in the abrasive stream and causes the fitting to fail along the side of the junction.

A poorly cut hose triggers quick wear. Check to see if the hose is cut raggedly or at an angle. The hose must have a straight, clean cut at its end.

Don’t Just Cut the Worn Parts Off!

If the hose is already damaged or visibly worn in one spot, even at its end, replace the entire hose. The first noticeable sign of wear is a good indicator that the entire abrasive hose is thinning all over, even if you cannot see these worn points. Don’t just cut off the visibly worn area and use the remainder of the hose. You risk turning your workstation and your shop into a sudden snowglobe.

If you are unable to resolve this or any issue, contact our Technical Support Team at 1-800-796-6626 or techsupport@comcoinc.com.

Make sure that orifice is screwed into place. If it is off-track, air and abrasive will travel around the threads. Inspect the orifice for wear. If worn, the opening will grow large. Replace the orifice if necessary.

The modulator is a precision electro-magnetic valve that operates 50-60 times per second. This creates a pulsed air stream, fluidizing abrasive and drawing it from the tank to the mixing chamber.

• Diminished media flow after the first 5-10 seconds of blasting is a great indicator that the modulator is wearing out. A rattling sound is also a strong indicator.
• It should hum. If it rattles, replace it.

Learn more at Understanding Modulator Wear and Repair.

Oil contamination causes clumps and clogs of abrasive at the orifice in the abrasive tank and in the nozzle. These clogs disrupt air flow and worse, may cause check-valve failure. Oil contamination prevents the check-valve from sealing properly, allowing abrasive to pass back through the system. The aggressive nature of abrasive quickly erodes the O-rings and seals on these components, resulting in costly repairs.

To quickly spot oil contamination:

1. Look at the air line. New air lines running clean air are milky-white in color. Exposure to oil turns these lines orange or yellow.
2. Unscrew the black plastic bonnet inside the regulator to check for oil pools. Oil tends to pool in the regulator assembly of the AccuFlo.
3. Open the assembly to expose the filter element. If large clumps of abrasive are stuck to the filter element, oil is present in your blasting system.

Learn more on Oil Contamination and the Importance of Clean, Dry Air.

WARNING: The upper limit for air pressure is dictated by the house line pressure. There should be a 10 psi buffer between blast pressure and line pressure. Turning the regulator knob clockwise beyond the line pressure will not increase blast pressure and potentially damage the regulator diaphragm.

Use the following chart to determine the problem:

Items to Check	Solution
Does your regulator hold the proper pressure?	As the unit sits idle, does the pressure gradually creep up to line pressure, only to drop back down to the normal pressure once blasting begins? IF YES: there could be a problem with the diaphragm on the regulator. If the spring is not properly centered and air is leaking around it, pressure will increase to line pressure. Inspect the diaphragm and regulator assembly. Replace if necessary. IF NO: Contact our Technical Support Specialists @ 1-800-796-6626 or techsupport@comcoinc.com.
Does the regulator stay at the desired blast pressure when idle, only to drop significantly once blasting starts?	It is normal for the gauge to drop to 5-10 psi. For example, restriction in the line may cause a drop of 5-10 psi between idle and blasting states. If the drop is greater than 10 psi, then there may be insufficient air flow. Line pressure and volume may be too insufficient to support the current flow at the nozzle; and thus, pressure drops until it reaches equilibrium. Check the inlet air valve and regulator for a clog that could be restricting the air flow to the mixing chamber and nozzle. Check for leaks in the abrasive line going out of the nozzle. Check to make sure the nozzle has not been removed. If it has not been removed, check the nozzle size. The nozzle may be too large for the system. Check the inlet air supply to make sure it can deliver sufficient air volume. A 10 psi buffer should be maintained between blast pressure and supply pressure. Check the supply line from the compressor to the blaster. There could be a restriction, like a small diameter line, a partially open valve, etc.
Does the regulator drop less than 5 psi, but the air flow out of the nozzle is still weak?	Inspect the check valve and filter assembly for a clog. Check for plating in the mixing chamber, the output fitting, hose and nozzle. Clean these areas, if needed, or replace those parts. Inspect the nozzle for clogs. Clean with a fine wire, if needed.

Yes, but you need an adaptor. Contact our Customer Service Specialists at 1-800-796-6626 or sales@comcoinc.com to determine adaptations and order part #MB2331.

• Standard AF nozzles range from .018-.060”.
• The AF is rated up to 7.5 SCFM.
• Remember, nozzle size + air pressure = air consumption. If using multiple nozzles, you may need to adjust your air pressure to keep it within the 7.5 SCFM range.

Read more about Comco Nozzles.

Our nozzles come in an array of shapes and sizes for a wide range of applications. The straight, round style nozzle with openings ranging from 0.015″ to 0.125″ meets most application requirements. Rectangular nozzles are available for applications that require a wide sweep or fan of abrasive.

Comco offers long-lasting Hi/Performance nozzles in addition to standard nozzles. Hi/Performance nozzles deliver an accelerated abrasive flow with a tighter focus, resulting in less overspray. The lifespan of these nozzles is 3-5x longer than most standard nozzles.

Read more about Comco Nozzles.

Use the following chart to determine the problem:

Items to Check	Solution
Does the hose have a sharp bend?	A sharp bend in the hose just upstream from the handpiece will push all abrasive to the outside of the bend, wearing down the side that sees the most abrasive quickly.
Are you using rectangular nozzles?	Due to their size, rectangular nozzles commonly wear faster than round nozzles. Once a wear characteristic starts to form in a nozzle, the characteristic will channel the abrasive through the location, accelerating the wear-rate. Two common wear patterns are the “football” and the “dogbone.” The football wear pattern occurs when the center of the rectangle wears faster than the edges. The center of the nozzle blows out quickly. The dogbone wear scenario occurs when the edges of the nozzle wear out faster than the center.