Guyson Corporation has designed and built a work cell automated blasting system that is extended in height to allow processing of long components that must be presented to the blast in an upright position. The “stretched ” Model RXS-400 extended height (EH) rotary blast machine accommodates parts up to 16 inches in length.

RXS-400 Extended Height Spindle-blast Machine

The RXS-400EH has a 2-station indexing turntable, each station having a rotary spindle with a custom-designed fixture to hold one or more components. Parts are loaded onto the outside spindle while blasting is underway, so the time between blast cycles can be kept to a minimum. When the machine is to be hand loaded, either a safety light curtain is provided, or the operator must hold two photosensitive thumb switches before the table will index.

Inside the blast enclosure, the component-bearing spindle rotates at controlled and adjustable speed during the timed blasting cycle. Multiple blast guns are bracketed in position at the correct angles and distances for coverage of target surfaces, and the entire cluster of guns is mounted on a 24-inch ball screw-ball nut linear actuator. The nozzle traverse stroke and speed can be adjusted and synchronized with component rotation to produce a uniform surface finish over the entire length of the components.

Programmed automatic blasting process routines are stored and recalled by the machine’s programmable logic controller (PLC). If a variety of different components are to be finished, all the process parameters for each item, including spindle RPM, nozzle traverse stroke, duration of blasting, etc., can be automatically called up when the operator enters an identifier or selects from a menu on the touch-screen control panel.

The touch-screen interface not only provides password-protected access for entry of process data, it conveniently displays real-time information on system functions, such as blast cycle time remaining, airwash time, traverse position and traverse stroke count.

The RXS-400EH cabinet stands 87 inches tall, with a footprint 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep (2210 x 762 x 914 mm), so it does not take up much space in the floor plan layout of the work cell. A 30-inch wide door provides access to the blast chamber for inspection, gun adjustment and maintenance.

Prospective users of automated systems are encouraged to submit sample components for free laboratory testing and application engineering evaluation at the Guyson design and manufacturing center in northeastern New York State.

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