Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine September/October 2021 - 29

PLATING AND ANODIZING: AUTOMATIC ANODIZING SYSTEMS
labor required to operate a cover-handler equipped plating or
coating line is your forklift driver. "
A key product from Precision Process Equipment is the
company's Automotion 8000 software suite. This provides fully
automated control of hoist systems, and offers random-loading,
fixed-timeway, or hybrid-scheduling.
" Automotion integrates seamlessly with PLC controls from all
manufacturers, " the company states, " and includes an integrated
HMI interface tailored to the requirements of the machine and
customer. Alternatively, Automotion can be used with popular
HMIs like Wonderware, WinCC, and RSView. For manual
systems, local and/or remote controls are available for hoists and
process equipment. "
Hoist positioning is accomplished through rotary optical
encoders or laser distance meters. Optical encoders are a
time-tested traditional method of hoist positioning, while
laser distance meters provide the advantages of non-contact
measurement, robust analog or digital signaling, elimination of
troublesome cabling, and absolute positioning, with no homing
required. Optionally, redundant station position flags are
available for the highest level of safety.
PPE's side-arm hoists, for weights up to 650 lb (295 kg), ride
on a cantilevered rail system located behind the process tanks.
The frame assembly (available in stainless steel or epoxy-coated
steel) is fabricated in an L-shaped format, where the tanks sit on
the bottom of the 'L,' and the hoist rides on the vertical section.
Overhead hoists and cranes manage lift capacities of up
to 10,000 lb (4536 kg). For such heavy loads, overhead-hoist
systems come with two motor-driven, stainless steel, take-up
wheel assemblies, with heavy-duty lift straps or chains. Overhead
hoists ride on dual rails located above the process tanks.
Rails are positioned outside the tanks' work envelope, to
reduce particulate contamination in the tanks. Overhead hoists
require a superstructure assembly (available in stainless steel or
epoxy-coated steel) on both the front and rear of the tank system,
extending above the tanks.
PPE also offers three-axis robots, for clean rooms and for
space saving needs. Both side-arm and overhead designs can be
configured with a third axis, providing front-to-back in addition
to lateral movement.
This feature allows tanks to be positioned along both the X and
Y axis, reducing overall length of the tool. This design also allows
tanks to be positioned to prevent transportation of dripping parts
over sensitive baths.
As automation technologies become both more flexible and
less costly, the choices for plating plants constantly evolve into
broader combinations of options. Properly trained staff, of
course, becomes more important, not less, the more a company
automates, since the hands-on involvement in an automated
plant can be less than in a more old-fashioned one.
Still, being able to offer greater accuracy and consistency
in processing, as well as reducing the per-unit price, make the
newest automatic systems worth far more than just a cursory
look. Anodizing as a basic technology might be an old method
of production, but the manner of carrying it out is constantly
renewed.
THERMA-TRON-X, INC.
Your Best Finish Starts With Us!
At TTX, engineers evaluate plant space,
part configuration, coating requirements,
and through-put capacities to design
equipment that will maximize your
investment with a turn-key paint
finishing system.
* Service and Spare Parts
* Turn-Key Finishing Systems
* Material Handling Innovations
* Water and Wastewater Treatment Solutions
www.ttxinc.com | sales@ttxinc.com
www.cfcm.ca
29
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Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine September/October 2021

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