Product category:
Cleaning media and cleaning systems
News Release from: Wheelabrator Group | Subject: Shot blasting - steel foundry application
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 November 2007
Upgrading shot blasting trebles
efficiency
Upgrading shot blasting machinery at a steel foundry has resulted in trebling of efficiency, increased output and improved blast performance.
A steel foundry has reported that its efficiency trebled, output increased and blast performance improved, after the Wheelabrator Group had upgrading its machinery as part of an equipment modernisation programme The producers of alloy castings had approached Wheelabrator - market leaders in surface preparation and finishing machinery - after its blast cycles had under-performed, cycles had lengthened and were no longer cost effective
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 26 Apr 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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General sales manager, wheelblast UK at Wheelabrator Group, Jay Dorling, said: "The third wheel on the customer's existing blast machine (car table type three-wheel) had become in-active and actually plated over".
He explained: "Blast cycles were too lengthy, there was poor separation of abrasive and contaminant, and as a result they were experiencing a low wheel parts life of only three weeks.
The machine just wasn't reaching its full potential and failing to finish the product to the required standard".
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He also said that the dust extraction system was also under performing, creating health and safety concerns as a result of poor airflow.
Following a full machine appraisal by Wheelabrator Group, the third blast wheel was re-instated using the latest Wheelabrator blast wheel technology and a new dust collector was added together with new extraction ducting.
Dorling said: "After further analysis we also carried out a total modification of the recycling system, incorporating full continuous magnetic separation.
A secondary elevator, additional abrasive store and transfer hopper were also included and fully integrated into the existing system to give better efficiency when separating the abrasives and heavy sand load".
He added: "Our customer can now re-use its raw materials, making additional cost savings, as well as being kinder to the environment.
The new process also removes the problem of contamination within the media mix, allowing a more efficient machine operation and less parts wear, resulting in an improved blast finish and a very happy customer".
In a report to manufacturingtalk.com, Wheelabrator said that the modernisation of existing machinery has seen blast cycles drop from 30 min to 10 min and, consequently, reduced wear on the wheel blades, which now last up to three months.
Dorling said: "More importantly, the improved efficiency of the dust extraction ensures a safer working environment".
"The finished quality of the castings is also dramatically different and much improved, as all products are clean and free from dust".
He concluded: "The customer is absolutely delighted with the results and is already enjoying the payback, capitalising on efficiency and output, while reducing costs".
* About the Wheelabrator Group - Wheelabrator Group is the world-leading manufacturer of surface preparation and finishing equipment.
It owns, designs, manufactures and provides wheelblast, airblast and vibratory mass finishing equipment for surface preparation and cleaning, and serves a variety of sectors, including the aerospace and automotive industries. Request a free brochure from Wheelabrator Group ...
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