Pressure-Blast System Uses Small Footprint
Guyson Corp. has extended its range of robotic surface-treatment equipment to include a seven-axis, direct-pressure blast machine that features a 30" × 40" × 30" work envelope and small overall footprint for lean, cell-based component processing.
Guyson Corp. has extended its range of robotic surface-treatment equipment to include a seven-axis, direct-pressure blast machine that features a 30" × 40" × 30" work envelope and small overall footprint for lean, cell-based component processing. A six-axis robot is mounted on a rigidly welded pedestal attached to the rear of the blasting cabinet, enabling the range of motion of the articulated arm to be used to manipulate the pressure-blast nozzle. The rotary blast machine features a 24"-diameter, servomotor-driven turntable that is controlled as an auxiliary axis of robotic motion.
To isolate the robot from the potentially abrasive environment of the blast chamber, the rear wall opening in the blast enclosure is sealed by a custom-tailored skirt made from coated and laminated fabric with a snug-fitting collar at the end of the arm, the company says. Side-hinged swing doors with safety interlocks on the side and front enable parts loading, inspection and maintenance access.
The blast system is designed to accurately maintain the correct blasting angle, stand-off distance and surface speed, even as it follows the contours of intricately shaped components, the company says. This enables repeatable production of identical surface conditions from one area of the part to another and from part to part.
When a variety of components need to be processed, part-holding fixtures can be quickly interchanged, positively located and locked in position by utilizing T-slots and guide pins in the rotary table.
According to the company, the size and elaboration of the system’s media reclamation and delivery elements depend on the requirements of the impact-treatment application. The smallest pressure-blast module is less than 4 ft. in height and is hung on the blasting cabinet itself. Technical surface preparation may require a 15-ft. reclaim stack-up that includes a cyclone separator, vibratory screen classifier and pressure pot with the capacity to hold extra blast media.
To maintain negative pressure in the blasting enclosure and balance the air flow for media reclamation, the system also features a reverse-pulsing, cartridge-type dust collector with an extraction capacity of 1,000 cu. ft./min. of air.
