Application note: removing AerFilm® aircraft-interior laminates with the Vinyl Zapper®

Schneller’s AerFilm® decorative laminates are used across aircraft interiors. This application note — based on Schneller’s technical bulletin — sets out how the MONTI Vinyl Zapper® removes AerFilm® LHR® and AerFilm® flex® laminates and their pressure-sensitive (PSLHR) and heat-activated (HA211) adhesives from metal and composite parts, without solvents.

Where it applies

The procedure covers removal of AerFilm® decorative laminates after application, on different substrates including metals (aluminium, steel) and composites (glass- or carbon-fibre). The Vinyl Zapper® is a rubber-wheel tool driven by a MONTI electric or pneumatic machine.

Tools & materials

• MONTI electric or pneumatic tool fitted with the Vinyl Zapper® wheel.
• Non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
• Soft solvent for cleaning: isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate or acetone.
• Finish-cleaning agents such as a citrus-based industrial cleaner or a safe strip remover.

Health & safety: work gloves or gauntlets, safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection, and a P1 dust mask for overhead, confined-space or prolonged use (the AerFilm® / Vinyl Zapper® dust is REACH-conform).

Procedure

Step 1 — Remove the AerFilm® laminate

Heated removal: warm the laminate (approximately 65–100 °C for PSLHR, or above 110 °C for HA211) with a heat gun or heated chamber, then peel it off by hand; striping the laminate into bands a few tens of centimetres wide is easier than lifting large pieces.

With the Vinyl Zapper®: using slight pressure and a scanning motion on a ~10 cm line perpendicular to the wheel direction, start the laminate lifting and then progress backwards along the wheel direction to strip band-shaped areas. This works on metallic and composite parts. Do not apply too much pressure or dwell in one spot — especially on composites — as this can damage the surface. Always test on a scrap panel or a non-apparent area first, particularly for new panel constructions.

Step 2 — Remove adhesive residue

Remaining PSLHR or HA211 adhesive can be soaked with a solvent (e.g. MEK, acetone). As a solvent-free alternative, the Vinyl Zapper® removes the residue directly — the same technique as Step 1 but with lower pressure and a faster scanning speed over a ~20 cm line.

Step 3 — Finish cleaning

Vacuum larger particulate and dust, then wipe with a non-abrasive cloth lightly dampened with a cleaning agent or soft solvent and rinse off any fine residue. The part is then ready for a new decorative film.

How the routes compare

Schneller’s technical bulletin gives a qualitative ranking (five stars = best) of the removal routes on a standard sidewall panel:

Before using the Vinyl Zapper® on production parts, read the operator’s manual and contact MontiPower for trials and training.