Robotic PMB (plastic media blast) for paint removal on complex aircraft components
This robotic plastic media blast (PMB) system is commissioned to de-paint or strip paint from aircraft landing gear in a high production, MRO environment, and due to the variety of component types, the system has many methods of fixturing the parts.
During MRO, landing gear components must have external and internal surfaces cleaned of paint without removing cadmium plating. The components are fixtured on the centerline of the spindle for blast cleaning the large axial bore by an overhead lance. In this configuration, the robot moves around the exterior surfaces, removing paint. Components can be fixture horizontally on the spindle with an axle bore offset from the centerline of the spindle. A robot located lance nozzle can be programmed to follow the cross-bore as it moves while the part rotates (see advanced programming video).
Several smaller pistons or cylinders can me fixtured in a single load to increase production. An industrial robot controls the motion of the nozzle. The media flow and compressed air pressure are controlled or monitored for process repeatability. Our PRIMS Pro computerized process control provides for complete datalogging and archiving of key process parameter as well as tracking preventative maintenance items. This PMB system greatly reduces the paint removal time while removing the operator fatigue and process inconsistence experienced with traditional, manual blasting.
System features & benefits
Standard
- ABB Robot IRB 2600 foundry grade industrial robot, inverted and mounted in the ceiling
- High precision, auxiliary robot axis spindle, speed range 0.3 to 30 rpm and accurate positioning
- The part envelope is 52” (1,321 mm) diameter x 50” (1,270 mm) tall with a weight capacity of 1,000lbs (454 kg)
- Continuous duty pressure pot with media flow monitors
- Closed-Loop air pressure control
- Sweco screen media classifier and magnetic separator to remove metal debris
- Integral dust collector with pulse cleaning and HEPA filter exhaust discharge
- Roof mounted lance for internal surface blasting
- Robot holds a conventional nozzle and a non-rotating lance for complex part programming
- PRIMS Pro HMI with custom screens for process control and surface selection
- ABB IRC5 teach pendant for on-machine programming (off-line programming capable)
Optional
- Integral hoist to load parts
- RLD (rotary lance) for small bores
- Closed-loop media control
Our machines meet your application-specific needs, Procisely.
