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The Model TRX-1250CAM water-jet blasting machine at Franklin Precision Castings.

New Machine Speeds Ceramic Shell Cleaning

Oct. 17, 2024
Franklin Precision Castings has reduced investment casting cycle times 50-75% using an automatic/manually operated water-blasting system.

Franklin Precision Castings, the Pennsylvania investment caster, reports it purchased and installed  20,000-PSI water-blasting system for removing ceramic shells from cast parts. The Model TRX-1250CAM  system supplied by Triplex Systems Inc. offers both automatic and manual operation, and is said to be a safer and more efficient way to remove the shells, accelerating the production process.

The TRX-1250CAM operations combines automatic and manual cleaning cycles in a single cabinet. This technology allows operators to switch between operating modes seamlessly via a user-friendly touchscreen interface, all powered by a high-pressure pump unit.

A built-in drag conveyor unloads broken ceramic shell into a hopper, easing the risk of back injuries and enhancing operators’ safety.

“The Triplex water blasting system has reduced our cycle times by 50 to 75%, a remarkable improvement,” stated Mark Johnson, cleaning room supervisor at Franklin Precision Castings.

It’s the second new equipment installation for the foundry in recent weeks. Previously it installed a DN Solutions DMN 4500s vertical machining center for its in-house machining operation, to speed up tool changes, increase tool capacity, and reduce set-up times.

The Franklin, PA, investment caster known until recently as Franklin Bronze Precision Components, produces standard and custom stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, brass, bronze, and Ni-Hard alloy investment castings supplied for pumps and valve manufacturing, oil and gas production, mining, steelmaking, among other sectors.