Mechanical cleaning can be divided in two major categories: Hand Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP2 (SSI-St3) and Power Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP3 (SSI-St3).
Hand Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP2 (SSI-St3)
A mechanical method of surface preparation involving wire brushing, scraping, chipping and sanding. Not the most desirable method of surface preparation, but can be used for mild exposure conditions.
Optimum performances of protective coatings should not be expected when hand tool cleaning is employed.
Power Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP3 (SSI-St3)
A mechanical method of surface preparation widely used in industry and involving the use of power sanders or wire brushes, power chipping hammers, abrasive grinding wheels,
needle guns etc. Although usually more effective than hand tool cleaning, it is not considered adequate for use under severe exposure conditions or for immersion applications.
There is also a third category which is Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal according SSPC-SP11 (No standard according to SSI)
Utilizing same equipment as Power Tool Cleaning to remove all visible coatings and contaminants to bare metal substrate.
