The newly-implemented Easy Shotblaster RDT 150 developed by Rösler and Teqram allowed OTTOSTAHL to enhance its shot blasting services.
OTTOSTAHL GmbH, a manufacturer of plasma cut components and provider of shot blasting, drilling and mechanical chamfering services, has recently replaced an old rotary table shot blasting machine with the aim of reducing cycle times and increasing energy efficiency. The company turned to Rösler and Teqram with the Easy Shotblaster RDT 150 universal rotary table. The latter is equipped with a smart stationary robot that positions the workpieces on the rotary table to optimise the entire table area - without requiring any learning operation.
The company's shot blasting department uses three machines:
- Two continuous flow roller conveyors with an operating width of 3,800 mm;
- A rotary table shot blasting machine.
The old rotary table shot blasting machine was replaced by an RDT 150 system from Rösler. The main customer requirements were the achievement of specified blasting results for a wide range of different components, short cycle times and high energy efficiency of the entire system as well as automated mechanical handling of the components.
Rösler and Teqram therefore developed a fully automatic shot blasting solution around the Easy Shotblaster RDT 150 rotary table machine. The entire shot blasting system is integrated into an 8 x 8 m production cell and includes a smart stationary robot. This visually controlled robot has a load capacity of up to 200 kg and automatically recognises the components placed in its working section, eliminating the time-consuming learning process. After automatically selecting the most suitable gripper, the robot picks up the components and places them on the rotary table in the optimal position. It then provides the component data to the machine controls to select a suitable processing program. Finally, at the end of half the cycle time, the robot automatically turns the components
on the rotary table to sandblast the other side and, once the blasting process is complete, returns the finished parts to the pallet.
The RDT 150 rotary table shot blasting machine allows the sandblasting of pieces of different sizes and shapes. The table has a diameter of 1,500 mm and a load capacity of 500 kg. In order to guarantee the required short cycle times, the machine is equipped with two Gamma 300G turbines, each with an installed power of 11 kW. Unlike conventional turbines, those developed by Rösler generate up to 20% more blast power, while reducing energy consumption. When the pieces on the table are turned, the flow of the abrasive is interrupted, but the turbines continue to operate at maximum speed, preventing costly energy spikes that occur when the turbines decelerate and accelerate. Before the robot turns the pieces, the blowing system also removes the grit residues from the rotary table.
Furthermore, approximately 90% of all components can be loaded and unloaded by the robot and, if the weight exceeded the robot's capacity, these components would be loaded and unloaded with a crane. The compact blast machine ensures high equipment uptime and allows the use of both sides of the Y-shaped thrower blades of the Gamma turbines - doubling their service life. The quick-change system also allows the operators to replace the launch blades without having to dismantle the turbines.
The Easy Shotblaster RDT 150 therefore guaranteed efficient sandblasting for a wide range of sheet metal components, with drastically reduced labour usage and improving OTTOSTAHL's working conditions.