CASE STUDY -  Automated Metalizing System

Application

Turnkey automated work cell to metalize multiple ceramic parts in a high volume production environment.

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Metalizing Process Objective

Automatically imbed nickel alloy particulate into the part’s porous substrate to achieve surface reinforcement.

Automated System Objectives

• Increase production capacity

• Improve part quality

• Reduce wire consumption          

• Reduce labor from four operators to one operator

• Improve ergonomics by reducing repetitive motions

• Improve operator safety

• Reduce noise from metalizing process

• Improve cleaning and maintenance method

• Ability to process multiple part sizes

• Automatically handle brittle parts throughout process with no breakages

Key System Features and Benefits

• Palletized work cell with continuous, loop-style conveyors to move pallets.

• PLC with color touch screen for overall cell control.

• Independent load and unload stations speed cycle time:

• On each station: pick & place device accommodates up to 17 parts simultaneously.

• Custom, continuous-flow metalizing booth design contains heat, noise, dust, and overspray:

• Insulated skins shield operators for improved safety and reduced noise.

• Masking device and spinning disk prevent metalizing overspray.

• Quick-change design allows easy removal/replacement of disk for maintenance and cleaning.

• Micro-adjustable, twin metalizing gun assembly.