FAC System

On this page:

How to clean FAC parts:
cleaning parts from the FAC system

HEX screwdriver and bolds
HEX screwdriver and bolds

New discovered documents
New discovered documents

Images:
Images

Cleaning rusty or dirty parts from the FAC system

FAC is no ordinary system, the components are made of hardened and coated steel. So you cannot clean it or remove rust like any other steel part. Many chemical and mechnical cleaning methods will destroy the surface of the parts. Especially parts with flat surfaces like rods and shafts.

It's even harder tot remove the rust because you probably do want to keep the parts black. Most chemical rust removers also remove the black coating.

The problem: many rusty FAC parts

rusty FAC System parts

First attempt to chemicaly transform the rust to black failed. I tried Valma Rust Remover but the surface is not stable.

Valma should remove the rust - It does but also creates a new problem: an instable surface

The result after using VALMA Rust remover. The blue is really blue, a piece of plastic.

The surface is not black and it can be removed by scrubbing with an old towel. Gives an nice image but I think VALMA would be perfect if overpainted - not an option with FAC.

Next attempt: Rustyco

Rustyco does remove rust really well. It also removes the black from the surface, all parts are now gray! I'll show results later in a picture...

Rustyco solution

Next attempt: Coca Cola

Does not work. Hold on for the results.

PTFE spray

PTFE spray

The results in an image

from top to bottom: - untouched - Coca Cola - Rustico - PTFE with a lot of rubbing with a towel.

And again with the winners...

PTFE with a lot of rubbing and the grey parts cleaned with Rustyco.

And beams:

beams rubbed with PTFE

cleaning with PTFE and rubbing after is an awsome amount of work if you want 100kg of FAC to be renewed! Took 10 towels.

Results fot non black parts

We do not want parts that used to be black to become gray. However if parts are really messed up by rust and rubbing with PTFE is not enough... see the results for non-black parts...

top: original before treatment - new parts for comparison - after Rustyco: grey but clean!

gray

again: clean but grey

Which method?

PTFE will not harm any part but prevent frum rust getting worse. For the looks you can rub it - a tedious work. But with remarkable results.

Cleaning with Rustycon is an option for non-black parts if rust got the best of them.

By using PTFE you can stablilize - ideal for storing for a long time. Use a lot. One bottle for every 4 kg of FAC at least.

Use Rustycon as last option - you will destroy it's unique looks.

Do not heat FAC

FAC is black cos is has undergone an heat treatment, it was heated to an exact temperature and than cooled in oil - this gaves it it color.

By heating and cooling it, the steel also got it's strength. It's hardended. Do not repeat it, the steel will lose it's strength and it flexibility.

HEX screwdriver and bolds

I do hate flat bladed scred drivers. Unpractical, screw will fall from screw-driver.

A screw schould...
- be black - it's FAC
- not fall from screwdriver
- be able to be driven at an angle

All demands can be met...

Black screws hex socket can be bought at conrad.de or conrad.nl
order codes:
- 839667 (6mm)
- 839669 (10mm)
- 839672 (16mm)
- 817239 ball head hex driver

DIN screws: long or short head
DIN 7984 - short head, 2mm for a 3mm screw - use 2mm HEX driver
DIN 912 - longer head, 3mm for a 3mm screw - use 2.5mm HEX driver

FAC Manual about screw length
According to the FAC manual (Z1-04) page 73, 4 different (cheese head) screw length are used: 6, 9, 15, 24