Product category:
Miscellaneous machine tool equipment (fixtures, rotary tables etc.)
News Release from: Air Control Industries | Subject: Blower-powered nozzle cleaning system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 11 May 2004
Nozzle cleaning system brings 15% time
savings
Time savings in excess of 15% are being achieved by automotive contractor since installing a blower-powered nozzle cleaning system in an SMC machining chamber.
Time savings in excess of 15% are being achieved by Mitras Automotive (UK) since installing a blower-powered nozzle cleaning system in an SMC machining chamber at its Winsford factory As a Tier 1 and 2 supplier of plastic composite components (SMC and GMT) to major motor manufacturers, including Class A body panels and unseen structural body parts, Mitras employs a continuous improvement programme of quality and performance
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 Feb 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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As part of that policy, the company recently implemented a new cleaning process in its fully-automated component routing chamber, dedicated to the manufacture of floor panels for a back hoe excavator, which permits machined components to move immediately onto the next stage of manufacture totally free of dust and debris.
Previously, machined components required manual 'hoovering' before moving on to the next stage of production.
In addition to providing effective cleaning of the machined panels, the reciprocating nozzle system, supplied by Air Control Industries (ACI) of Chard, has eliminated problems related to false triggering of process control sensors inside the chamber.
Further reading
Ingenious blower systems a hit in auto industry
Major automotive manufacturers use Airknife systems from Air Control Industries both to dry vehicle bodies after washing and to neutralise static charge before finishing.
Drink manufacturers opt for Airknife system
Major drink manufacturers and canning, bottling and packaging contractors use Airknife systemsto dry bottles and cans on the line and to eliminate moisture from packaging
The ACI system is powered by a 22kW radial bladed blower that is housed in an acoustic enclosure mounted on the roof of the routing chamber.
The blower feeds air to two ACI reciprocating nozzles, each of which delivers air through five flexible nozzles.
Features of the reciprocating nozzles include easy adjustment so that they can be directed accurately to specific target zones, such as difficult recesses, ensuring effective dislodging of even recalcitrant residue material.
"We machine the SMC panels after moulding to ensure they retain their inherent strength, which is achieved by allowing the glass to flow to the edges of the product during pressing," said Dave Talbot, Works Engineering Manager.
"The ACI systems clean the machining debris from the panels before progressing via an index table, operation of which previously disturbed dust to activate laser safety sensors and stop operations.
That problem has now been eliminated and production times have been improved around 15% as a result." Mitras can support a project from the initial design stages through moulding, routing, bonding, assembly and painting, testing and final delivery of the component to a D.C.
or trackside. Request a free brochure from Air Control Industries ...
Customers include Aston Martin, Ford, Land Rover, JCB and Renault Sport.(www.mitras.co.uk) (SMC and GMT - sheet moulded compound and glass mat thermoplastics - fibre reinforced compression moulding materials).
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