Robot gripper and manipulator

Automatic and flexible blast cleaning

Manipulator-type and robot blast systems are highly efficient and stand out for their excellent blast cleaning results. Even difficult to access interior surfaces are properly cleaned without the accumulation of abrasive. Often used in the production of vehicle and engine components, these highly flexible machines offer a wide range of programmable options to achieve different cleaning and shot peening applications. 

The Robot Gripper System unites the advantages of two technologies to deliver precisely targeted surface treatment at high efficiency. The combination of an industrial robot and an efficient wheelblast machine provides programme-controlled accurate movement of the workpiece to achieve a high blast performance. 

Robot Manipulator Systems are primarily designed for deburring and surface finishing of aluminium and magnesium castings. These systems work in combination with an industrial robot equipped with a double gripper assembly to place and withdraw uncleaned and cleaned castings in or from the parts fixture in the shot blast machine. This system allows simultaneous operations: during shot blasting, other processes such as shot evacuation, pick-up or delivery of castings can be performed by the robot, this reduces process time or allows the extension of individual cycle phases (e.g. blasting time). 

Manipulator Shot Blast Systems were introduced in the 1980’s to blast finish and clean large series powertrain castings or forged parts. Today they are an indispensable part of the latest production technology in foundries and forges. Manipulator blast cleaning systems meet the highest production demands and are renowned for their excellent blast cleaning performance: even interior surfaces which are difficult to access, are properly cleaned without accumulating abrasive. Wheelabrator’s broad range and layout features (loading/unloading) offer a variety of possibilities to solve different production tasks efficiently. Wheelabrator can combine complimentary manufacturing tasks and materials handling tasks and realise complete installations, to eliminate any interface risks. The automation of operation sequences can increase productivity and economic efficiency. The DS machines comprise single or multiple manipulators rotating horizontally. The DV machines comprise multiple manipulators rotating vertically.