Compact Swing-Chamber Shot-Blast Machine

RÖSLER is offering a shot-blasting option that addresses the shortage of skilled labor with automation and digitization. The compact RWK 6/12-2 swing chamber shot-blasting machine is equipped with automated workpiece handling so it can be integrated into connected manufacturing lines, requiring very little space. The customized digitization software package from Rösler Smart Solutions provides complete process and cost transparency and minimizes the overall personnel requirements.

Relatively simple, repetitive tasks like the loading and unloading of shot-blasting machines can be compromised by a lack of skilled labor. Industrial robots are gaining importance for handling physically exhausting and monotonous tasks.

The Rösler RWK 6/12-2 swing chamber shot-blasting machine with automated workpiece handling offers significant advantages. It can be used for various shot-blasting applications like surface cleaning, for example, de-sanding and descaling, surface homogenization and sophisticated shot peening operations. The workpieces treated in this machine include all types of castings and forgings, machined components, welded sheet metal parts, and technical springs.

With its small footprint the compact shot-blasting machine requires very little space when integrated into linked manufacturing lines. Specially prepared interfaces in the machine controls facilitate the quick connection to higher-level production control systems. A standard industrial robot handles the workpieces by placing them into the blast chamber and removing them after completion of the blast cycle.  This task requires very little programming effort. A special clamping mechanism in the blast chamber holds the workpieces in place during the shot-blasting process.

In its standard version the RWK 6/12-2 can handle workpieces with diameters of up to 600 mm and lengths of up to 1,200 mm. The dual-chamber design allows the workpiece loading/unloading in one chamber, while the shot-blasting process takes place in the second chamber. This practically eliminates any unproductive times.

The machine is equipped with two Gamma G turbines, which guarantee short cycle times and energy-saving operation. The installed power of the turbines and their placement on the blast chamber is always adapted to the respective shot-blasting task. These high-performance turbines are equipped with curved throwing blades in “Y” design. Compared to conventional turbines the special blade form with precisely calculated curvature produces a significantly higher media throwing speed. This results in a 20% higher shot-blasting performance with a significantly lower energy consumption. Overall, cost savings of up to 25 % can be achieved producing an overall excellent efficiency of the entire shot-blasting operation.

Another benefit of the “Y” shaped blade design is that both sides of the throwing blades can be used. This practically doubles their usable life. With a quick-change system the throwing blades can be easily replaced without having to remove the turbine from its housing. Idle equipment times are, therefore, minimized. Another characteristic of the RWK 6/12-2 shot-blasting machine is its wear-resistant design: The blast chamber is made from manganese steel and is additionally lined with easily replaceable wear plates made from a low-wearing material.

Digitization modules from Rösler Smart Solutions makes it possible to impement automation concepts that go far beyond workpiece handling. This software is designed to lower the operational costs and personnel requirements through intelligent process and equipment controls. At its center is active monitoring and analysis of various machine components and process parameters, for example, the blast media flow rate, the quality of the media mix, the amperage draws of the turbines and the hours of operation. For example, this allows us to allocate the CO2 emissions generated by the shot-blasting process to the number of processed workpieces.

Moreover, any deviations from the specified process parameters and malfunctions are displayed so that corrective actions can be quickly taken.

Learn more at www.rosler.com