Proper surface preparation is the MOST IMPORTANT part of using adhesives (Epoxy, VHB) to install your Ribbiot product; i.e. a properly prepared Pod, epoxied to steel can withstand ~1.5T shear force, but an improperly prepared one can fail unexpectedly at significantly lower forces.
IF installing with VHB, it is OK to apply directly to a painted surface IF the paint is in good condition; proceed to Step 1 below. However, IF installing with epoxy, the paint MUST be removed so the epoxy can bond directly to the bare base-metal; proceed to Step 2 below.
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Step 1 (VHB ONLY): Determine whether or not the surface needs the paint removed.
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IF the asset is new or the paint is in very good condition AND the bond does not need to be as robust as possible (i.e. VHB mounting) - then only a cleaning is necessary and you can skip to step 3.
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IF the paint is old, or the item has been re-painted, or there is corrosion and/or rust present, OR you need a very robust bond - then grinding the paint off the surface must first be done. Continue to Step 2.
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IF installing with epoxy, the paint must be removed at the installation site. Continue to Step 2.
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Step 2 (EPOXY): Grind away existing paint, contaminants and/or corrosion.
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Using the tool of your choice, thoroughly grind away ALL existing paint, contaminants and/or corrosion. Afterwards, there should be nothing remaining at the installation sight other than bright, shiny metal
Proper surface prep shown here: the paint has been thoroughly removed and cleaned, there is nothing but the bright, shiny base metal for the adhesive bond
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Failure to remove all contaminates will result in pre-mature bond failure
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Example of INCORRECT surface preparation. The paint and rust were NOT properly removed and the tracker failed pre-maturely.
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Step 3: Clean the area of all dirt, dust, grease and/or grime.
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If necessary, first degrease with the degreaser product of your choice.
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Wipe the area with a rag to remove the majority of loose particles.
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A drill mounted plastic bristle brush also works very well for dislodging and removing foreign debris particles such as embedded dirt/dust.
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Thoroughly clean the area using a clean, lint free rag and Isopropyl Alcohol (minimum 90% alcohol).
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Spray the area with alcohol and wipe with the rag.
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When the rag is no longer accumulating foreign particles (i.e. after wiping the rag it is still visually clean), then the surface is thoroughly prepared.
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This should be performed for BOTH the Ribbiot product AND the asset that you are installing the tracker on.
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Continue cleaning until the rag is still clean after wiping like shown on the RIGHT above (i.e. the rag is wet with Isopropyl Alcohol but no dirt or grease). If after wiping the rag is dirty like shown on the LEFT above, you need to continue cleaning and wiping.
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Step 4: Install the Ribbiot tracker.
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Ensure that the Isopropyl Alcohol has fully dried, and then proceed to installing the Ribbiot tracker.
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See applicable Installation Instructions for further details (i.e. VHB or Epoxy installation).
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