Product category:
Quality control
News Release from: Secomak | Subject: Air drying system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 May 2004
Air cannons clean glass ready for
laser-based QC
When car windscreen maker found that a laser-based defect detection system was compromised by water droplets a process drying specialist was called in, who quickly solved the problem.
When car windscreen maker Pilkington Automotive, part of the global Pilkington glass group, found that a new laser-based defect detection system was compromised by water droplets remaining after cleaning, they called in process drying specialist Secomak to solve the problem Pilkington Automotive's Kings Norton plant produces windscreens for all the major OE car manufacturers including Ford, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Land Rover
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 14 Aug 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Get up todate on air drying systems
Secomak, the specialist air movement division of Klaxon Signals, will be showing its innovative drying equipment at this year's PPMA show at the ExCel Centre, London, September 25-27, 2001.
Air drying systems offered as turnkey deal
Secomak has launched a new drying system, called Powerstrip, which combines air knives and blowers with drip trays, enclosure panels and acoustic covers, in a complete turnkey package.
To maximise quality the company installed a new high performance glazing inspection system.
However, unless the glass was perfectly dry the inspection system would signal water droplets as a defect.
False detection of defects is costly and time consuming.
Secomak designed a drying system, based on its air cannons, that has been added to the Kings Norton production line between the wash and final inspection stages.
The machine incorporates a reception and exit conveyor and the drying cycle time is just 18 seconds.
The air cannons deliver powerful currents of air both above and below the convex windscreens and track them up and down to follow the screen's contour as it passes on a conveyor.
To further improve the drying, the cannons oscillate from side to side as the windscreen passes.
Pilkington considered, and rejected, the use of standard air knives because they could not follow the glass curvature effectively enough.
The choice of a Secomak system was also prompted by the company's ability to offer a complete solution, including transfer mechanisms, fans, air cannons, and system installation and commissioning. Request a free brochure from Secomak ...
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