Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine September/October 2021 - 28

PLATING AND ANODIZING: AUTOMATIC ANODIZING SYSTEMS
OLD METHODS OF PRODUCTION
RENEWED THROUGH AUTOMATION
A
lmost everybody would like to be able to automate
their anodizing operations. The idea of reducing or
eliminating the variable factors that come with human
labor is perpetually appealing, even if installing
automation is far from a guaranteed way to boost output and
profits.
Any automated system needs to be right-sized for the plant in
which it is installed. That is, it needs to meet current needs, while
offering the opportunity to increase capacity as business grows,
or to manage exceptionally large orders.
It also needs to be designed to meet quality requirements as
much as optimal throughput rates. Any automated system is
only as good as its set-up, and if adjustments or corrections are
difficult to input, then it can impose limitations on an anodizing
operation that were not present when human operators handled
everything.
The actual anodizing, of course, involves chemical and
physical reactions that have to follow their own natural course.
However, the motion of parts through the system is eminently
capable of automation, and this is where equipment suppliers
have focused their developments.
This is an industry that is heavily customized. Anodize USA,
which configures and installs automated lines, comments,
" There is really no standard anodizing system big or small. Each
is custom designed for the specific application.
" Determining the correct size and type of line requires lots of
questions and those answers are used to determine the proposed
size of the line. Items like electrical load, water supply and tanks
size are just some of the answers that determine the overall cost. "
Waste treatment, the company adds, is also a major factor in
determining the estimated cost. It requires a standard consulting
fee to produce a quote. This is deducted from the final invoice,
assuming the line is ordered.
Corrotec produces a full line of hoists for all surface finishing
applications, specializing in its Return Type machines, which
can be designed to handle a wide variety of loads. The systems
are also available with carrier arms in single or multiple rack
arrangements.
Carrying capacities, the company says, run from 150 lb
through to 10,000 lb capacity, with lift mechanisms ranging from
zero to 60 ft per minute. With Direct Drive Transfer, speeds up to
200 fpm are possible.
Automation features in Corrotec systems include laser or
encoder-based horizontal positioning. Silent cable carriers,
using a Cat track, are offered, and there is a variable frequency
drive system for hoist lifting and lowering. A range of safeties and
sensors is also available.
" Small footprint, low ceilings, and precision finishing are
the keys to side arm systems, " Corrotec says. Racks can range
from " 25 lb to 1,000 lb, using one or multiple transporters. The
throughout is the same as, or better than, overhead systems. "
Line footprint can be aided by module mounting, for faster
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installation and startup. The designs also fit well in plants with
low ceilings and limited floor space.
" Our operating software is available in a wide array of flexibility
and complexity, " the company adds. RFID, data logging IIOT
(Industrial Internet of Things), sensors, and related technology
are all supported.
Jessup Systems is a long-established manufacturer of
programmable automatic plating hoist systems. Its equipment is
offered for barrel plating, rack plating, alodyning and anodizing,
E-coat, A-coat, phosphate coating, and dye penetrant inspection
of metal and plastic parts.
" Computer controlled Jessup plating hoists improve
productivity and quality for all barrel, rack, and basket processes, "
the company says. " Rugged construction and integrated support
systems reduce labor, utilities, water consumption, and improve
operational uptime. "
The company's turnkey plating systems include plating
barrels, integrated rectifiers, filters, boilers, chillers, ultrasonics,
zinc generators, exhaust ventilation, water conditioning and
waste water treatment. The equipment may include single or
multiple hoists with variable speed drives and ultrasonic work
bar detection. Safety set-down legs and anti-sway bars are
standard features.
" Custom features, " the company adds, " include direction
of travel rack tip, cross direction of travel rack tilt, and
programmable drip tray capability to manage part drainage.
Other popular options include ultrasonic cleaning, in-tank rack
agitation, air knives, in-line dryers, and anode service stands.
Operator involvement can be further reduced with automatic
load/unload elevators and rack storage/retrieval. "
Jessup's overhead hoist rack plating systems are offered
as replacements for rim-runner, split-rail, walking beam, and
elevator designs. Productivity is higher, the company claims, due
to cycle flexibility.
" Durability is improved as there are no sliding contacts and
fewer wear points, " the company states. " Our integrated systems
include HMI-PC-PLC control for rectifiers, ventilation, air
agitation and waste treatment. Automatic tote box dumpers,
vibratory feeders, scales, load/unload chutes, and powered
shuttles reduce labor content. "
Cylindrical plating barrel designs provide a reported 18
percent more capacity than polygonal types, while consistent
part-to-anode spacing speeds the plating process. These designs
also provide more consistent plating through custom tumbler rib
placement.
Positive electrical contact results from a single-point saddle
and barrel drive design. Programmable plating barrel rotation
and oscillation is available, with a touch of the HMI.
" Additional
process savings
is
available
with
Jessup
Engineering automatic plating barrel cover handling systems, "
the company adds. " These devices handle steel or poly covers
automatically during the load/unload function. The only direct
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Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine September/October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine September/October 2021
