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MAC Robot Manipulator System

MAC Robot Manipulator Shot Blast Machine

Technology:

Wheelblast

Application:

Cleaning, Corrosion Removal, Cosmetic Finishing, Deflashing

Industry:

Foundry/ Forge

Process:

In-line

Key Benefits

Selective exposure to the blasting stream for maximum blasting effect and energy efficiency

Targeted blasting of critical surfaces, cavities and internal areas

Reduced shot consumption, minimised wear, lower maintenance cost

Complete shot removal inside or outside the machine

Features

  • Single or double cell system working in combination with robot
  • In-line capabilities (fettling/trimming cells)
  • Fully automatic sequence of operation inclusive loading/unloading by robot
  • Manipulator handles parts inside machine
  • Multi-axis mobility, flexible parts clamping
  • Fast and easy tool exchange

Applications

  • Surface finishing and deburring of high-tech automotive castings (Aluminium and Magnesium)

High Cleaning Efficiency

As light metal is used in an increasing variety of new applications, more stringent demands are placed on the quality and performance of shot blast systems. Hence, foundries in general, and the automotive industry in particular, expect a high degree of process reliability and operational consistency to ensure meticulous finishing of their castings. MAC shot blast systems offer the dependability and capacity necessary to meet these demands. They are fully automatic and very versatile.

Surface Finishing of High-tech Castings

Consisting of single or double finishing cells, MAC systems need less space and save costs. Intended for the targeted surface treatment of high-tech castings, the conceptual flexibility of MAC systems facilitates integration into complete production plants. They also feature pushbutton-controlled blast cleaning for different types of specific castings.

Range of Applications

MAC systems are primarily designed for deburring and surface finishing aluminium and magnesium castings. Critical areas and complex internal passages are perfectly cleaned.

System Configuration

MAC shot blast systems work in combination with an industrial robot, equipped with a double manipulator assembly, that handles the castings. Handling includes loading, unloading, and shot evacuation. The approximate hourly throughput is 200 castings in single cell mode, depending on their complexity. The concept offers the following advantages:

  • Simultaneous operations: During shot blasting, other processes, such as shot evacuation, pickup or delivery of the castings, etc., can be run simultaneously.
  • Operation overlap and the double manipulator assembly serve to shorten overall cycle times and allow for extending individual cycle phases, such as the blasting time.
  • Robot gripping tools and robot arm are not exposed to the blasting stream. This minimises wear and dynamic load.
  • The shot-blast machine is equipped with simple access doors provided with simple sealing elements.

Result: Maximum utilisation and protection of all structural elements and machine components help to reduce running costs.

Optimised Blast Cleaning to Suit Specific Types of Castings

The heart of the machine is the shot blast housing with three position options for 2 or 3 blast wheels.

The unit comprises a manipulator-type holder with two clamping arms – one stationary and one moving – to clamp the workpiece. Self-adjusting pressure springs firmly hold the workpiece in place and retain it even during a power failure. Replacement of the wear-resistant clamping and gripping tools is fast and simple. In the manipulator-type holder the workpiece rotates around two axes at the same time. Individually controlled cycle speeds and programmable swinging and stopping motions ensure unvarying precision and repeatability of the different cycle phases and the cleaning effect, plus the, continuous removal of shot from cavities and internal passages. The blast wheels can be arranged in three positions.

Result: Maximum workpiece mobility and distinct workpiece specific blast finishing.

The Operating Cycle

The robot with the double manipulator assembly, holding an uncleaned workpiece, moves into the machine. It then seizes a cleaned workpiece and moves it out of the working area of the manipulator. The manipulator can then be loaded with an uncleaned workpiece. The access doors of the machine close as soon as the robot arm has retracted. The uncleaned part undergoes shot blasting while shot is continuously removed from its internal passages.

The workpiece fixed in the manipulator rotates around its longitudinal and transverse axes in front of the blast wheels for thorough shot blasting of all surfaces and internal passages. Servomotors and rotary encoders control the exact position of the workpiece. Rotational speeds are set to meet individual finishing requirements. Residual shot can be evacuated inside or outside the machine. The cleaned workpiece is placed on a conveyor.

 

 

Maintenance Friendly, Safe and Reliable

The compact, space-saving components and structure of the shot blast system facilitate fast on-site assembly and integration into existing production plants. All components, such as the shot blasting chamber, the blast wheels, and the manipulator, consist of carefully selected, wear-resistant materials to ensure long service life.

Universal Wheel

The blast wheel is the heart of the blasting machine, as the choice of blast wheel determines the power output and the economics. 

This machine is fitted with U70x500 Universal (indirect drive) shot blast wheels as standard. The Wheels are highly flexible, compact and have rotation in both directions. They provide perfect blast cleaning results and highly convenient servicing features.

The U Blast Wheels are high capacity blast wheels with maximum energy efficiency. Their rugged design means that maintenance is easy, and the special and highly wear resistant cast alloy liners ensure minimum wear and maximum service life of the blast wheel.

Technical Specifications

Type

MAC
Max. workpiece dimensions (mm) 600x320x320
Max. part weight (kg) 15
Min. cycle time (sec) 18
Number of blast wheels 2-3
Power per blast wheel (kW) 15/22

Original OEM parts

We provide high quality, long lasting replacement parts. As the largest distributor of replacement parts in the industry we can deliver globally in the shortest timescales to prevent you having to have a large inventory stock on site or breaks in production.

Contact us directly +44 161 928 6388 or click the link to get to our contact form.

Place an order via our contact form
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