A quality blast result is key to customer satisfaction, but it is not the only deciding factor for aerospace companies when making equipment purchasing decisions. Efficiency and cost are also high on the priority list. The double-frame technology blast machine from Wheelabrator Group offers you flexible blasting solutions without compromising quality, efficiency or operating costs. It also saves you time, allowing continuous production without time lost for set up in between component change over (even with workpieces of different sizes).
The double-frame technology is already being used in blast machines for cleaning and hardening integral frames, axle tubes and other complex workpieces. The concept uses two frames which carry the workpieces and allow the component change-over and blasting process to occur simultaneously. The blasting process is mostly performed by blast robots, especially for complex components, with very low machine downtime.
MINIMAL MACHINE DOWNTIME WITH MAXIMUM RESULTS
Outside the machine, one frame can be loaded and reloaded automatically or manually while the second frame is in the treatment process. This allows a continuous machine operation without the usual downtime and significantly reduces the processing costs and time for each workpiece. A further cost reduction is achieved by the operation and maintenance friendliness of the machine, its features include: walk-in blast room, ground level installation of the robots, good accessibility to the machine components, and easy menu control with integrated maintenance instructions. These features enable a high speed, effective blasting process to be carried out at a fraction of the usual cost, but with maximum results.
FLEXIBLE EVEN FOR SPECIAL COMPONENTS
The flexible nature of the double-frame technology also allows special components to be blasted without interfering with ‘normal’ production runs. Special workpiece carrying frames are used which are equipped with manually or automatically loadable workpiece supports and are easily entered into the blast chamber via inlet openings. This reduces the set up times and also solves the safety problems generated by manual loading in an automatic production line. After the special components have been blasted, ‘normal’ production can be resumed immediately.
INNOVATION GIVING YOU TOTAL CONTROL
The double-frame blast machines from Wheelabrator Group are fully flexible allowing total customer control. Their innovative concept and technology allows the treatment of workpieces of all different shapes and sizes, the workpiece supports in the carrying frames can be adapted to allow for serial production and special components, the frames are variable in length and rotatable, the number of blast robots and the nozzle movements can be adapted to fit the exact length of the workpiece carrying frame and to fit the workpiece complexity.
CUSTOMER FOCUSED BLAST SOLUTIONS
Wheelabrator can work with you to produce the appropriate blast programmes to suit your individual needs. This may include the complete integration of the machines into your production processes including materials handling systems; you may require help with projects requiring high automation solutions or projects where space is a limitation. Whatever your surface preparation requirements are, Wheelabrator Group will work with you to deliver the right solution that meets your needs and ultimately the needs of your customers.