Aztec GEM II Manual page 11

3. Why is it necessary to supply two types
of cutting disc why not just use a
diamond disc for all ring cutting?
4. The motor keeps stalling and I am certain
that I am following the cutting procedure
outlined in the instructions i.e. not
pressing down too hard on the cutting
disc as I move it backwards and forwards
across the ring surface. Also the alkaline
batteries used were virtually new.
5. How do I check a used diamond disc to
ensure that is serviceable?
6. Although we have used water based
gel as per the instructions we still receive
complaints from a few patients about
heat build-up in the ring.
www.aztecmedical.co.uk
In fact either disc could be used for all the
cutting procedures. However if a carbide
disc is deployed to cut through a hard metal
i.e. Steel it will wear down rapidly and
require to be replaced several times during
the process of cutting through a single ring.
If a diamond disc is used on soft metal the
metal starts to clog up the diamond cutting
facets effectively blunting the discs cutting
edge.
If you are not forcing the cutting process
the fault lies with the power source.
Although Alkaline batteries are an excel-
lent power source when fresh the GEM II
ring cutter does drain the power from them
quite rapidly and if one of the four batter-
ies is below strength it will have a marked
effect on the performance of the ring cutter
motor. A more consistent and reliable
power source these days are provided by
re-chargeable NiMh batteries which are
widely available and inexpensive. They can
store and deliver more power over a longer
period of time than their Alkaline equiva-
lent. Re-chargeable NiMh hold their charge
for up to 6 months and can be re-charged
at any time as they do not suffer from
the memory effect shown by the old NiCd
rechargeable batteries.
Simply run a finger around the outer rim of
the disc. If 50% of the surface feels rough to
the touch the disc has just enough diamond
grit to be serviceable. If not it must be
replaced. A worn disc will cut very little but
generate a great deal of frictional heat.
Cutting generates frictional heat. It can't
be prevented but it can be controlled to
acceptable levels.
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