With simple workpieces, it is relatively easy to determine the optimal turbine arrangement and ensure good surface coverage with abrasive. With complex geometries, however, the task becomes much more challenging.
Ribs, recesses, internal corners and surfaces facing different directions can create areas that are more difficult for the abrasive stream to reach.
This is where the Universal robotic shot blasting machine shows its advantages.
Which workpieces are most suitable?
Typical workpieces include complex castings, forgings, welded structures and other industrial components with demanding three-dimensional geometries.
Workpieces with the following features are particularly suitable:
- ribs and protrusions,
- deep recesses,
- internal corners,
- surfaces oriented in different directions,
- areas that are shielded from the abrasive stream in certain workpiece positions.
With these workpieces, the challenge is often not only the intensity of the blasting process, but above all the accessibility of individual surfaces to the abrasive stream.
The suitability of each workpiece also depends on its size, weight, clamping possibilitites and the required surface treatment quality.
Why does complex geometry present a challenge?
In shot blasting, the way the abrasive hits the surface of the workpiece is important.
Imagine a complex casting with several ribs and recesses. The outer surface may be directly exposed to the abrasive stream, while a rib can create a shadowed area where the blasting intensity is significantly lower.
The solution is to change the position of the workpiece.
The workpiece adapts to the process
In the universal robotic shot blasting machine, the robot manipulates the workpiece and rotates and positions it according to the turbine blasting zone.
This allows a surface that is difficult to reach in one position to be directly exposed to the abrasive stream in another.
For each type of workpiece, a sequence of positions and movements can be defined to enable efficient treatment of its geometry.
Instead of trying to find a single position suitable for the entire workpiece, the position of the workpiece can be adjusted during the process.
Main advantages
Better accessibility of complex suraces
By rotating and positioning the workpiece, we can improve abrasive access to surfaces that would be difficult to reach in a fixed position.
Flexibility
Different types, sizes and geometries of workpieces can be processed on the same machine. Suitable programs can be prepared for each type of workpiece.
Efficiency of shot blasting
The blasting wheels generate a wide and intense abrasive stream, enabling efficient treatment of larger surface areas.
Process repeatability
The robot repeats the programmed sequence of movements and positions for each subsequent workpiece.
Less manual processing
Better positioning can reduce the need for additional manual blasting of difficult-to-reach areas.
Less physically demanding workpiece handling
With heavier workpieces and larger production series, manual handling can be physically demanding for operators. Heavier workpieces often also require the use of lifting equipment, which can further extend the process time.
The robot can take over workpiece manipulation, reducing the need for physically demanding manual handling.
When standard geometry is not standard
Complex workpieces require a different approach to the shot blasting process. With robotic manipulation, their orientation can be changed during the process, allowing the required surfaces to be exposed to the abrasive stream more effectively.
The workpiece may be complex. The shot blasting process can still be controlled and repeatable.
For further information please contact us at marketing@gostol-tst.eu.
