Robot Gripper Machine provides controlled blasting.
Press Release Summary:
Wheelabrator® Robot Gripper Machine features fully automatic movement of workpieces through 6-axis, flexible-arm robot. With dust-free and dirt-tight connectable sleeve, robot can move workpieces individually from outside into work area and through blast stream. Universal gripping system is adjusted through touch screens and joystick for fine-tuning. Machine facilitates multiple finishes or blasts to interior and/or exterior of workpiece without tumbling.
Original Press Release:
New Robot Gripper Machine Provides Accurate, Controlled Blasting for Demanding Tasks
LaGrange, GA - (September 15, 2003) - The new Wheelabrator® Robot Gripper Machine provides controlled blasting for a variety of workpieces with highly accurate, repeatable results. The machine features free and fully automatic movement of workpieces
through a six-axis, flexible-arm robot that achieves a definable, precise application of blasting media. Designed for high precision direction, duration and strength of media particle stream on component parts, the Robot Gripper Machine is ideal for surface treatment of die-cast components as well as shot-peening in the aerospace and automobile industries.
With its dust-free and dirt-tight connectable sleeve, the robot can move workpieces individually from outside into the work area and through the blast stream. Protected by a rubber bladder separating it from the blasting process, the robot inserts workpieces through an opening in the machine, and a locking mechanism grabs and closes the area while the robot arms move safely away. After workpieces are blasted, the robot moves them along a grating to shake free loose particles or media.
One of the machine's primary advantages is its ability to facilitate multiple finishes or blasts to the interior and/or exterior of a workpiece without having to tumble it. With its highly programmable and customizable robot, the machine can hold or turn a part to present a workpiece at a specific angle, providing accurate machine blasting for processes that might
have previously been achieved only by hand.
The Robot Gripper's universal gripping system can be used for all workpieces and is adjusted through touch screens and a joystick, making it quick to adapt or fine-tune for the finishing of new parts. Because there is no transport mechanism in the blasting area, there are no parts to wear, reducing replacement and life-cycle costs. Plus, shot is reclaimed back into the system thus providing further savings through recycling.
The low noise Robot Gripper Machine is 100% sealed against escape of blasting medium and has a compact footprint. In addition, the robot can be hung to further conserve valuable floor space in the factory. The machine can be used in line with other fully automatic systems or in a free-standing capacity.
The Robot Gripper Machine is used by a German truck and car manufacturer with assembly plants in the U.S. and Europe to blast diecast oil pans and truck gears.
Founded in 1907, Wheelabrator is one of the most recognized names in the blast cleaning and surface preparation industries. Wheelabrator designs and builds a full line of blast cleaning equipment and systems suitable for a variety of finishing requirements from their LaGrange, Georgia facility. For more information on Wheelabrator, visit www.surfacepreparation.com or send an e-mail to info@surfacepreparation.com.
