Twin-Spindle Automated Blast System

Manufacturing Engineering, Mar 2007

Made with two side-by-side spindles for blast cleaning or surface preparation of the IDs and ODs of cylindrical components, this automated pressure-blast system from Guyson Corp. (Saratoga Springs, NY) is based on the company's workcell-sized Model RSSA-6 single-spindle automatic.

Each spindle is topped with a mini-turntable fixture that secures the component during processing. Both components rotate at controlled speed while two press-blast nozzles traverse vertically to provide thorough coverage of the full height of the parts. Spindle speed of rotation, traverse stroke distance, traversing speed, and the number of traversing strokes are changed for different components.

For ID surface preparation, an angled nozzle is fitted to a telescoping lance bracket. If the OD of a part is to be blasted, a straight nozzle is fitted and the nozzle holder is clamped in a position at the correct angle and distance from the target. In either case, an automatic blowoff cycle follows the programmed blasting routine to remove residual media and dust from components.

The new system has a footprint that measures 42 × 30 × 75'' (1067 × 762 × 1905 mm). Operator controls are consolidated in a touchscreen panel on the front of the enclosure that houses the machine's PLC. Allowing sustained blasting for an extended blast cycle, the ASME-certified pressure vessel for the two-nozzle blast machine has a capacity of 3.5 ft^sup 3^ (0.099 m^sup 3^). The vessel automatically recharges with media at the end of the cycle. Circle 456