PB visits Mirka’s UK HQ to take a closer look at the Finnish manufacturer’s latest innovations.
As a family-run business that has been operating for over 80 years, Mirka has certainly had a lot of time to perfect its craft. While the list of inventions and solutions developed by Mirka is almost endless, one point sticks out from the rest as a turning point of sorts. The invention of the Abranet® system in 2000 has proved to be a game changer for the finishing industry and is something anyone who has used anything by Mirka in the past 25 years is sure to be familiar with.
Net Abrasive
As the name alludes to, Abranet® is the name of Mirka’s home grown net abrasive, which fits on to its power tools as sanding/finishing pads, coming in all shapes, sizes and grits. This net-like structure, when used in combination with a dust extractor, is offering up what is essentially a dust-free surface. Rather revolutionary when it was brought to market, it allows the dust particles to pass back through the gaps between the grit, right at the source. We all know that construction dust is incredibly dangerous to regularly inhale and can cause a number of diseases, from lung cancer to COPD and silicosis. While this wasn’t a major concern for a very long time, modern medicine and science has furthered our understanding of dust and its dangers. The Abranet® system’s inception is a direct result of this, offering up an even safer way to work, which as been improved upon year-on year.
Safety aside for a second though, there are further benefits to a dust-free environment in finishing applications. Really, a dust-free surface is ultimately going to result in a better final result too. From our hands-on experience with Mirka’s range of sanders, being able to actually look at the surface and see what your doing makes a huge difference. It also means there’s just contact between the sanding pad and the surface without unnecessary particles being pushed around, leading to a better finish and longer lifetime for sanding pads. Time is money for tradespeople, so efficiency is key, wherever it can be found. In this case, less time spent sanding and less time cleaning up after yourself will mean more time to get to the next job and happier customers in the long run.
Finland-based
The scale of the Mirka operation is just as impressive as it’s forward-thinking solutions. There are four production sites in Finland, where the company’s abrasives, power tools and polishing compounds are all produced in-house under the same roof. An impressive feat and unique in the industry. Everything from the DEROS orbital sanders to a huge range of sanding pads using different types of grains and backings for different applications are all produced by Mirka. All the fine particulars have, quite literally, been thought out.
New faces
Additions to Mirka’s power tool range were on the agenda for our visit to the HQ. The pre-existing orbital sanders have been augmented with upgrades. Specifically, the DEROS II, DEOS II and DEOS II663CV have all had their brushless motors increased to 400W and now sport new LED displays (for the adjustable speed visuals), improved Bluetooth connectivity (for the My Mirka app which helps with best use practices for the tools) and improved vibration management with low HAV (hand arm vibrating) readings.
The DEROS II, along with the long-range staff-like LEROS for working on walls and ceilings, has been the star pupil of sorts for the Mirka range in years past. A slightly larger brother was the exciting new addition to the lineup in the form of the DEROS II 750. The 750 is a 175 mm direct electric random orbital sander with a 5.0mm oscillation. This larger 175 mm sanding pad all means quicker and flatter sanding of large surfaces. And with a larger pad, there is subsequently increased vacuum pressure, enhancing overall performance. Like the whole range of handheld Mirka sanders, the 750 is designed with operator comfort in mind as well as performance. Using this for a long period of time is designed to be a breeze.
Next new kid on the block is the DEROS RS 600. This 1.8kg 150mm (so using the same size pads as the conventional DEROS II) rotary sander is best suited to sanding tough materials in demanding applications, ranging from wood and solid surfaces to metal and concrete. The powerful long-life brushless motor produces 750W, with speed adjustable between 750rpm and 2500rpm featuring a selectable slow start function. This acts as the reinforcement needed for stripping back material in demanding situations, but features a surprisingly quiet (relatively) 61db operation.
Dust Extraction
What may just be the star of the show for the new entrants though, is the Mirka® DEXOS 1217 M AFC Dust Extractor. The result of extensive customer feedback, this Dust Extractor almost has as many bells and whistles as a 3 door hatchback. Weighing at just 13kg and planted on sturdy rubber wheels with a strong foot brake, you can almost wheel it around on site like one too!
The hollow flat top holds the included hose and makes for great stacking and storing with systainers (or works as a handy seat to have a quick brew!) and there are two sockets on offer, so you can charge your phone and connect your snazzy sander up at the same time. Autostart means that whatever tool is connected will start up the extractor too when used. This can be turned off or customised. The DEXOS Remote Control is available for purchase too and can be attached to cordless and pneumatic tools. This also boasts an auto start feature or it can be put to manual mode for cleaning applications. The extractor boasts a 17-litre capacity and works for both wet and dry applications. It also features AFC (Automatic Filter Cleaning), the filters clean themselves automatically, preventing clogging and ensuring consistent suction power, as well as a Push & Clean function, enabling manual filter cleaning with a simple button press. With a super easy top placement dust bag changing system and suction power-level adjustment too, the DEXOS 1217 M AFC Dust Extractor can practically do it all!
For more information on Mirka visit Mirka Ltd: Abrasives, Sanding Tools & Polishing… – Mirka.
