Vaniman Master Problast 3 ESD Micro Abrasive Blaster

Vaniman Master Problast 3 ESD Micro-Abrasive Blaster

ESD-controlled micro-abrasive removal for conformal coating & Parylene rework

The Vaniman Master Problast 3 ESD (P/N 80056) is a specialist micro-abrasive blasting system designed for electronics and electro-sensitive applications. SCH Technologies supplies the system in the UK and Europe together with the equipment, media, dust collection, trials, training, spares and process support needed to establish a practical coating-removal process.

The system combines a grounded cabinet and work surface with ionised airflow to provide an ESD-resistant working environment for selective conformal coating and Parylene removal. Adjustable process pressure, precision blasting tips and Instant-Off media control allow coating to be removed progressively from localised PCB areas.

SCH’s standard configuration for electronics rework combines the Master Problast 3 ESD, Vaniman StoneVac II dust collection and VanAcrylic thermoset acrylic blasting media. SCH also uses micro-abrasive removal within our own conformal coating and Parylene rework activities, allowing customers to access practical process support as well as equipment supply.

Typical applications: selective removal of Acrylic, Urethane, Silicone, Epoxy and Parylene coatings; exposure of components, test points, pads and solder joints; PCB repair, modification and failure-analysis work.

Vaniman Master Problast 3 ESD micro-abrasive blaster for PCB conformal coating and Parylene removal

Why Use the Master Problast 3 ESD?

✅ Selective coating removal – suitable for localised rework on populated PCB assemblies
✅ Multiple coating types – applicable to Acrylic, Urethane, Silicone, Epoxy and Parylene, subject to process development
✅ ESD-resistant working environment – grounded cabinet and work surface with ionised airflow
✅ Adjustable process pressure – parameters can be developed around the coating, media and sensitivity of the assembly
✅ Instant-Off control – media flow stops when the foot control is released
✅ Precision blasting system – interchangeable blasting tips support localised access to components, joints, pads and board areas
✅ LED / UV illumination – selectable internal lighting supports visibility during the removal process
✅ Working envelope – approximately 516 mm W × 244 mm D × 241 mm H
✅ Compressed-air requirement – minimum 90 PSI at 1.5 CFM; Vaniman recommends 2.5 CFM
✅ External dust collection required – SCH’s standard configuration uses the Vaniman StoneVac II
✅ Complete SCH support – equipment, media, spares, trials, training and technical support

Dust Collection

The Master Problast 3 ESD requires an external dust collector for operation. The dust-collection system removes spent blasting media and particulate generated during the process and helps maintain visibility within the cabinet.

SCH currently supplies the Vaniman StoneVac II as our standard dust-collection configuration for conformal coating and Parylene rework. This follows Vaniman’s requirement for external dust collection and uses a StoneVac-series collector suitable for abrasive blasting media.

Conformal Coating & Parylene Removal

The Master Problast 3 ESD provides a controlled method of progressively removing coating from selected areas of electronic assemblies.

Parylene rework – expose components, connectors, pads, solder joints or localised board areas
Conformal coating rework – remove suitable Acrylic, Urethane, Silicone and Epoxy coatings for inspection, repair or component replacement
Selective access – expose test points, grounding pads and other defined areas without stripping the complete assembly

For populated electronics, the objective is not simply maximum removal speed. A controlled micro-abrasive process allows the coating to be removed progressively while minimising the risk of affecting components, solder mask and surrounding board areas.

Process pressure, blasting media, nozzle position, distance and operator technique should be developed around the coating and assembly. SCH can carry out application trials where the optimum removal process has not yet been established.

VanAcrylic Thermoset Acrylic Media

For many conformal coating and Parylene rework applications, SCH uses Vaniman VanAcrylic thermoset acrylic blasting media as the standard starting point.

VanAcrylic allows the coating to be removed progressively rather than relying on highly aggressive blasting media. This provides greater process control when working around populated PCB assemblies, components and solder mask.

Faster removal is not necessarily better. The objective is to remove sufficient coating for the required repair or modification while minimising unnecessary impact on the underlying assembly.

For more information, see our VanAcrylic blasting media guide →

Site Requirements

Before installing a Master Problast 3 ESD, confirm the following:

Compressed air: minimum 90 PSI at 1.5 CFM; Vaniman recommends 2.5 CFM
Air quality: clean, dry compressed air with appropriate filtration and moisture control
Dust collection: external dust collection is required; SCH’s standard configuration uses StoneVac II
Electrical supply: appropriate local electrical supply for the blaster and dust collector
Working space: sufficient bench space and operator access around the equipment
Assembly size: the PCB, fixture or assembly must fit and be capable of being manipulated within the approximately 516 mm W × 244 mm D × 241 mm H internal working envelope

Not sure? Send SCH your maximum PCB or fixture dimensions and details of the available compressed-air supply and we can help confirm system suitability.

Need a Larger Chamber?

Do not select a blasting cabinet solely on whether the PCB physically fits. Sufficient working space is also needed to rotate, manipulate and access the assembly during rework.

Where a PCB, fixture or assembly cannot be comfortably handled within the Master Problast 3 ESD, consider the larger Master Problast Titan ESD.

View Master Problast Titan ESD →

Application Trials Before Equipment Purchase

Where the coating-removal process has not already been established, SCH can evaluate representative assemblies before equipment purchase.

A trial can help assess coating-removal behaviour, access, media selection and practical starting parameters while also confirming that the selected cabinet provides sufficient working space for the assembly.

This follows SCH’s preferred approach of evaluate → validate → standardise before transferring the process into regular production.

Training & Process Support

SCH provides practical training covering equipment operation, media selection, process control and coating-removal technique. Training can be adapted around the customer’s own coatings, assemblies and rework requirements.

Support can also include application trials, process development, consumables, replacement tips and ongoing equipment support.

Explore Training Programmes

Master Problast 3 ESD – FAQs

Which Vaniman system do I need?

For most PCB conformal coating and Parylene rework applications, the Master Problast 3 ESD is SCH’s normal starting point. Where the PCB, fixture or assembly cannot be comfortably manipulated within the standard chamber, the larger Master Problast Titan ESD should be considered.

What is the working area of the Master Problast 3 ESD?

The internal working envelope is approximately 516 mm wide × 244 mm deep × 241 mm high. Additional space should be allowed where the assembly needs to be rotated or manipulated during rework.

Does the Master Problast 3 ESD require dust collection?

Yes. Vaniman specifies that an external dust collector is required. SCH currently supplies the StoneVac II as our standard dust-collection configuration for conformal coating and Parylene rework.

What compressed-air supply is required?

Vaniman specifies a minimum incoming supply of 90 PSI at 1.5 CFM and recommends 2.5 CFM. Clean, dry compressed air should be supplied to the machine.

Is 90 PSI the pressure used to blast the PCB?

No. The 90 PSI figure is the incoming compressed-air supply requirement. Actual blasting pressure is adjustable and should be selected according to the coating, media and sensitivity of the assembly.

Which blasting media does SCH normally use?

SCH uses VanAcrylic thermoset acrylic media as the normal starting point for many conformal coating and Parylene rework applications. Other media may be appropriate where a different removal characteristic is required.

Can the system remove Parylene?

Yes. Micro-abrasive blasting can be used for selective Parylene removal where components, connectors, pads, test points or solder joints need to be exposed.

Can it remove Acrylic, Urethane, Silicone and Epoxy coatings?

These coating types can be suitable for micro-abrasive removal, although removal behaviour varies with the material, thickness and assembly. SCH recommends representative trials where the process has not already been established.

Can SCH test my assembly before I buy a machine?

Yes. SCH can carry out application trials to assess coating-removal behaviour, media choice, access and practical starting parameters before equipment purchase.

Does SCH provide operator training?

Yes. SCH provides practical equipment and process training covering machine operation, media selection, process control and coating-removal technique.

Request a Master Problast 3 ESD Quotation

SCH normally supplies the Master Problast 3 ESD with StoneVac II dust collection and VanAcrylic media as the starting configuration for conformal coating and Parylene rework.

To help us confirm suitability, send your maximum PCB or fixture dimensions, coating type if known, the area requiring removal and details of the available compressed-air supply.

Request a Quote or Application Trial

Useful Links

Why Choose SCH for Vaniman Problast?

SCH combines Vaniman equipment supply with practical conformal coating and Parylene rework experience. This allows us to support the complete removal process rather than simply supplying the blasting cabinet.

🛠️ Practical Rework Experience – Hands-on experience with selective coating removal on electronic assemblies
🧪 Application Trials – Representative assemblies can be evaluated before equipment purchase
⚙️ Complete Configuration – Problast equipment, StoneVac II dust collection, VanAcrylic media, tips and spares
🎓 Training & Process Support – Support establishing practical removal parameters and operator technique
🔄 Ongoing Support – Consumables, replacement parts and troubleshooting after installation

📞 Call: +44 (0)1226 249019 | ✉ Email: sales@schservices.com | 💬 Contact Us ›

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Disclaimer: Coating-removal results depend on the coating material, thickness, PCB construction, components, substrate, blasting media and process parameters. Representative testing should be carried out before adopting a removal process for production assemblies. The Master Problast 3 ESD requires compressed air and external dust collection and should be installed and operated in accordance with Vaniman instructions and applicable workplace requirements.

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