Americanmachinist 842 78004systempng00000050682
Americanmachinist 842 78004systempng00000050682
Americanmachinist 842 78004systempng00000050682
Americanmachinist 842 78004systempng00000050682
Americanmachinist 842 78004systempng00000050682

System Automates Surface Prep

Jan. 25, 2008
Guyson’s blast machine readily adapts to pick-andplace automation or tending robots. Guyson Corp.’s rotary blast cabinet provides unmanned automatic operation through automationcompatible controls that allow it to readily ...
Guyson’s blast machine readily adapts to pick-andplace automation or tending robots.

Guyson Corp.’s rotary blast cabinet provides unmanned automatic operation through automationcompatible controls that allow it to readily interface for loading by a machine-tending robot or pick-and-place device. The small-footprint machine features one spindle, multiple blast guns and programmable process routines for repeated surface preparation in work-cell manufacturing environments.

In operation, a vertically sliding front-loading door automatically opens (powered by a pneumatic cylinder) at the completion of a timed blasting and blow-off cycle. The door’s vacuum return catch tray retains blast media in the cabinet, and for manual loading, operators must hold two pressureless photosensitive thumb switches to close the door and initiate the process cycle.

Inside the work chamber, as many as six suction-blast guns mounted on telescoping adjustable brackets at the proper angles and offsets ensure uniform coverage of target surfaces. In many cases, selective or overall treatment can be accomplished with the guns locked in fixed positions as the component rotates at a controlled and adjustable speed. The manufacturer also offers programmable motion systems for the blast guns to provide oscillating, linear, multiple-axis or robotic nozzle movement that is synchronized with component rotation.

A touch-screen panel simplifies entry and monitoring of process control parameters such as spindle rotation speed or blast cycle duration. It clearly gives text and graphic indications when electronic sensors detect faults, such as insufficient air supply pressure or low media level.

The automated system works with fast-etching mineral grit abrasives, such as aluminum oxide and silicon carbide, to quickly and consistently produce a specified texture or roughness on target surfaces. Numerous abrasion-protection features within the system resist the erosive effects of such harsh blasting materials.

In addition, all interior surfaces of the blast cabinet, as well as the cyclone media reclaimer’s body, cone and inlet elbow sport bonded abrasionresistant rubber linings. These liners also serve as acoustic insulators that deaden the sound of the air-blast process.

Extra-thick cast urethane rubber ducting carries exhaust air with entrained abrasive from the blast cabinet to the cyclone reclaimer, often outlasting standard-duty flexible ducting. Urethane rubber hoses deliver abrasive to the cast bronze blast guns that are fitted with super-hard boron carbide nozzles.

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