Introducing dry ice detailing.
OTS & Co. is excited to introduce our dry ice service. Employing a combination of compressed air and dry ice, the process is non-invasive and with the right equipment, highly tunable based on the surface being treated. It removes dirt, oil, and other contaminants without damaging even delicate finishes. It can be employed on undercarriages, in engine compartments, and on individual loose mechanical components such as engine, transmission, brake, and suspension parts.
We employ the highest caliber equipment which gives both the power for big jobs and the adjustability and precision needed for detail work. This allows us to offer the full spectrum of services ranging from individual parts for a restoration or rebuild, all the way to complete cars. We are also able to reproduce factory style cosmoline undercoating.
The transformative effect is remarkable, and one of the first jobs we performed was an undercarriage preparation on a Ferrari 330 GTC displayed in the Late Preservation Class at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
How does it work?
Dry ice blasting consists of three simultaneous processes:
Firstly, the force of the blasted particles physically dislodges oils, surface oxidation, and foreign object debris. With air pressures of up to 165 psi, and air flow of up to 130 cfm, a large amount of physical force can be applied to any surface. Our equipment allows both of these figures to be finely throttled for more delicate surfaces.
Second, the low amount of thermal energy possessed by solid CO2 particles cools and shrinks debris. Dry ice rests at a temperature of -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit), physically shrinking hydrocarbons upon contact.
Lastly, and most importantly, dry ice undergoes the process of sublimation, the instantaneous phase change from a solid to a gaseous state. This transformation is characterized by a physical expansion to nearly 900 times its solid volume, meaning each particle has a micro-explosion effect, carrying with it the contaminants from a surface.
If you would like to book an appointment or consultation, please reach out to Calvin at calvin@otsandco.com.