Robotic blast machine automates processing trayloads of components

Guyson Corp. has introduced a robotic blasting system that incorporates a component-manipulating, six-axis robot and a shuttle transfer cart to fully automate processing of trayloads of components.

The model RB-TRR-900 is designed for precise surface preparation, shot peening, and cosmetic finishing operations. The robotic blast machine is provided with a single suction-blast gun or pressure-blast nozzle that is rigidly bracketed in a fixed position inside the 42- by 42- by 42-in. blast chamber.

Guide rails form a track extension into an antechamber on one side of the blast cabinet. Rolling on the track, the transfer cart bearing a tray full of components is moved in and out of the blast enclosure by a precision linear actuator, and a pneumatically actuated vertical sliding door closes to isolate the load/unload station from the blasting zone.

A FANUC M-10iA robot with a pneumatic gripper serves as a component handler in the automated blasting system, grasping and removing a part from the tray, presenting the component to the blast, then replacing the finished workpiece. A tailored skirt seals the cabinet wall and protects the robot from the potentially abrasive environment of the blast chamber.

To blast a production lot of parts, a tray of 6 to 24 oriented components is placed on the transfer cart, the sliding load door is closed, and a part identification number is entered or selected at the touchscreen control panel. Alternatively, component recognition features are available, including a bar code reader, to positively identify the work and prompt the recall of the correct motion program and blasting process recipe, with automatically controlled parameters such as blast pressure, media flow rate, and the duration of the blast and blowoff cycles.