Wheelabrator at GIFA 2019: a new wheel, advanced simulation technology and equipment evolutions

Surface preparation specialist Wheelabrator, a Norican technology, will be showcasing a suite of new blast machines and solutions at GIFA 2019, evolved and improved to meet emerging customer requirements and industry trends. 

A host of updates and extensions to existing equipment ranges has been developed particularly with aluminium applications in mind – fitting in with the brand’s new stand location in the aluminium hall (Hall 11) at GIFA, as part of the Norican Group presence.

Visitors to the Norican stand will also be able to learn about the latest digital developments, for Wheelabrator equipment and beyond, with experts from Norican Digital on hand to share the latest thinking.

A ‘best of’ in wheel blast technology

Wheelabrator’s new blast wheel for foundry applications will be unveiled at GIFA. Representing the latest innovations and proven technologies from across the company’s global blast wheel range, the new Universal wheel has been refined in rigorous testing over the past 12 months. It will offer a new level of performance and productivity for foundry blast operations.

Simulating complex blast processes

Simulation of blast processes can speed up development of new machines and even inform the design process of the produced part – by testing buildability early on. Working with leading manufacturers, namely in Automotive, as well as simulation specialists, Wheelabrator has been advancing blast simulation technology to enable the design of ever more complex parts and associated processes, particularly those with intricate internal surface areas.

At GIFA, Wheelabrator will show what is possible in blast simulation, including how advanced simulation techniques save time and money during part and process design – a key advantage in today’s ever faster product development cycles.

New machines for aluminium – and more

Also on show will be the latest machine developments soft-launched in recent months. They include extensions to and variations on existing ranges, which have been adapted to anticipate evolving customer requirements.

They are:

• The SPH-2-3/8, a new compact blast machine designed specifically for aluminium applications. Based on Wheelabrator’s trusted batch-type spinner-hanger wheel blast concept, the new machine excels at descaling, deburring/deflashing and cleaning of a variety of aluminium parts. Optimising the machine for this application enabled the design team to also reduce its price significantly.
• The LBS 1000, a lighter version of the LBS mesh belt shot blast machine range. The mesh belt concept allows the efficient blasting of parts from all sides within a relatively compact space and without tumbling. It offers pitless installation and a more ergonomic loading height. Like the new SPH, it is suited particularly to the processing of aluminium parts.
• A new range of wire mesh belt shot blast machines for medium-duty applications. The new CMS machine sits between Wheelabrator’s light LBS for non-foundry and the high capacity CMC range for heavy duty foundry applications. The CMS wire mesh belt machine completes Wheelabrator’s mesh belt machine offering. Mesh belt machines are perfect for applications where parts are too big or too delicate for the tumblast processes.

To find out more about Norican Group at GIFA, including technical presentations and pre-show content, please visit the dedicated GIFA page on the Norican website.