The focus of the Wheelabrator exhibit included innovations in process controls and monitoring all designed to provide blast equipment owners with greater operating efficiency and support them in their lean missions. 

Based at booth A3027, Wheelabrator experts showcased a string of hot-off-the-press technologies. These include a newly designed blast wheel; control panel technology featuring a human machine interface; a revolutionary device for the continuous, in-line monitoring of workpiece surfaces; and an advanced visual monitoring system. 

• EZX Blast Wheel – Launching in January 2018, this is the very latest blast wheel from Wheelabrator. It features a re-engineered bare wheel and an impeller that reduces abrasive consumption saving customers time and money. Its Target Lock design allows for easy assembly and enhanced metallurgy for lowering operating costs. 
• Advanced Control Panel – Is a quality interface that improves usability of machines with an intuitive touch screen that provides a short-cut to lots of efficiencies. The device features Bluetooth and ethernet remote input / output and it provides reliability with a programmable logic controller and 0-speed monitor. It also ensures safety with monitor relay and trap key systems.
• Proflyer – Is a real time surface profile monitoring system that promises to revolutionise surface coating. By providing precise readings of steel surface profiles, the technology reduces coating costs and improves risk management for plate, pipe, marine, aerospace and automotive industries. 
• Multi-observational Network – This is a self-cleaning camera system that allows customers to record and watch live footage of hard to reach areas on equipment. It is purpose built for use in dusty or dirty environments – cameras can be mounted in a variety of positions. 

The innovations help reduce manual interventions, running cost, and human error, as well as providing remote monitoring, diagnostics and continuous process controls.

“We were delighted to be able to preview a string of exciting new developments for our FABTECH audience. The feedback from visitors has been fantastic and we will share more about all four technologies in the coming weeks,” said Shawn Horton, Director of Product Development at Wheelabrator.

“Being able to share new developments with highly knowledgeable professionals from various industry sectors was invaluable and we’re already looking forward to FABTECH 2018. In the meantime, watch this space for more on our new technologies.”