Robotics is an important part of automated industrial production today and is increasingly being used in surface treatment as well. However, not all robotic shot blasting systems work in the same way.
When developing our solution, we wanted its name to highlight the key feature - flexibility. That is why we named it the Universal shot blasting machine.
Why Universal, and how does it differ from a shot blasting machine with a robot?
Why is it universal?
The main idea behind the new machine is flexibility.
Our customers often work with different workpieces that vary in size, shape and surface complexity. A conventional machine is usually designed for a specific range of workpieces and a specific way of transporting them through the shot blasting process.
The approach of the Universal robotic shot blasting machine is different.
The robot manipulates the workpiece and moves it into different positions during the process according to the abrasive stream. Different programs can be prepared for individual types of workpieces, with the appropriate sequence of movements and positions.
This makes it possible to process different products on the same machine without designing the entire machine concept for only one type of workpiece.
It is precisely this flexibility that led us to add the word Universal to its name.
Shot blasting machine with a robot vs. Robotic shot blasting machine - What is the difference?
At first glance, the difference may seem to be only in the name, but these are two different concepts.
In a shot blasting machine with a robot, the robot guides the blasting nozzle. It moves around the workpiece and directs the abrasive stream onto specific surfaces. This allows very precise local treatment, but to process the entire surface, the nozzle must follow the geometry of the workpiece.
In our universal robotic shot blasting machine, the robot has a different task. The robot does not perform the blasting but manipulates the workpiece. Blasting is performed by a turbine, which provides an intensive abrasive stream and covers a large surface at the same time. The robot rotates and positions the workpiece so that different surfaces are optimally exposed to the abrasive stream at the right moment.
In this way, we combine two technologies: the efficiency of shot blasting and the flexibility of robotic manipulation.
Why is this combination important?
With a complex workpiece, having a powerful abrasive stream alone is not enough. The orientation of each surface in relation to the abrasive stream is also important.
Some surfaces are directly exposed to the abrasive, while others may remain in shadow due to the shape of the workpiece. Instead of trying to reach all surfaces only by adjusting the abrasive stream or using additional processes, robotic manipulation allows us to change the position of the workpiece.
During the process, the robot moves the workpiece into positions where individual surfaces are better exposed to the abrasive stream.
Robotic clamping unit developed for demanding environments
An important part of developing the universal robotic shot blasting machine was the robotic clamping unit, designed to withstand the demanding conditions of the blasting process.
The grippers and housing of the clamping unit are made of tool steel, providing high resistance to abrasive wear. Special attention was also given to protecting the mechanism itself.
Thanks to an innovative sealing solution, the pneumatic unit is watertight and fully enclosed with the housing, preventing dust and abrasive from entering. This reduces the risk of damage or blocked guides and ensures rellable operation of the clamping unit even in the demanding environment of a shot blasting machine.
Flexibility for modern production
The advantage of the universal robotic shot blasting machine is not only automation. Its key advantage is flexibility. Different products may require different positions, movements and processing times. A suitable program can be defined for each type of workpiece and reused for the next production batch.
The result is a solution that combines:
- flexibility to different types of workpieces,
- efficiency of shot blasting,
- controlled positioning of the workpiece,
- process repeatability,
- automated processing of complex geometries.
The result is a flexible solution that enables efficient, automated shot blasting of different and geometrically complex workpieces on a single machine.
For further information please contact us at marketing@gostol-tst.eu.
