Rotary type shot blasting machine

Types of rotary type shot blasting machines

A rotary type shot blasting machine is a commonly used mechanical equipment in the surface treatment industry. It works on the principle of using high-velocity steel shots to impact and clean the surface of workpieces. Rotary-type shot blasting machines typically contain a horizontal or vertical rotary table. Workpieces are fixed or placed on the table and rotated during the blasting process. This allows the steel shots to impact and clean the surfaces of all sides of the workpieces. Rotary shot blast cleaning machines are available in both horizontal and vertical table designs. They are suitable for treating workpieces of different shapes and sizes. Using table rotation as the blast cleaning workpiece conveying method is a low-cost, simple, and efficient solution. Rotary table shot blasting machines are ideal for small to medium-sized workpieces.

• Rotary Drum Shot Blasting Machine: A rotary drum machine features a horizontally mounted cylindrical drum. The workpieces are fed into the blasting chamber through an inclined conveyor belt. The steel shot is thrown on the surfaces of the workpieces by blast wheels mounted on opposite sides of the entry and exit of the chamber.
• Rotary Table Shot Blasting Machine: A rotary table machine consists of a horizontally or vertically placed round table with multiple workpiece holding fixtures on the periphery. It is commonly used to remove sand from steel castings. For this purpose, a rubber roller array is usually included in the design of the machine. The rubber rollers apply a specific force to the casting to make the abrasive enter the casting cavities and ensure complete cleaning.
• Rotary Basket Shot Blasting Machine: A rotary basket machine comes with an open basket design. It is ideal for blast cleaning small and medium-sized workpiece production quantities. The baskets are easy to load and unload using a hoist or overhead crane. Additionally, automatic loading and unloading systems can be included for faster processing.

Specifications and maintenance of the rotary type shot blasting machine

The rotary shot blasting machine's specifications are closely related to its application, which is one of the reasons it is so versatile.

• Blast wheel: Many machines have three to twelve blast wheels, each with a 1.5 to 7.5 kW motor power. The normal rotating speed of the blast wheel is greater than 1,200 r/min. The higher the rotation speed, the further the flying distance of the steel shots, which means the coverage area will be bigger.
• Workpiece diameter: The diameter can range from 200mm (7.87 inches) to 2,000mm (78.74 inches) or more.
• Workpiece height: It also varies according to the use of the machine. An inline rotary shot blasting machine can accommodate a 2,000mm (78.74 inches) workpiece height, but at the same time, a universal one may only blast workpieces under 1,000mm (39.37 inches) in height.
• Workpiece weight: It can be up to 5,000 kg (11,023 lb) or even more in an integral storage room.
• Cleaning rate: Some machines achieve a cleaning rate of 60% to 90% on casting surface rust and oxidation.
• Production capacity: Shoots out around 1,500 tons of steel shots monthly. Recycling bins can store anywhere from 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) to 12,000 kg (26,455 lb) of unused steel shots.
• Pebble launcher: Some workpieces may have paint, grease, or other substances on them that need to be blasted. Rotary type machines can launch eco-friendly pellets made from cassava or corn starch, which help remove these unwanted materials.
• Dust collection efficiency: The bag filter or pulse jet filter can remove about 99.9% of the dust it collects, including steel shots and sand.

Maintenance:

• Routine check: Make a weekly and monthly work plan. Include the underlying principles, overall machine performance, key components, normal noise level, etc. Check to confirm that it is doing what it is supposed to do and there is nothing wrong with it. Perform the post-blast machine maintenance according to the schedule.
• Clean: Cleaning is also a kind of machine maintenance. Removing any steel shots, sand, and dust from its exterior surfaces helps to keep it clean. Use a vacuum cleaner to help remove dust, especially in the electric control box.
• Don't move or displace the machine if it is connected to power or other sources unless a trained person is doing it. Unqualified people can cause accidents or damage, as the connections are not designed for frequent changes or movements.

Scenario of rotary type shot blasting machine

• Foundry industry

  In the foundry industry, a rotary disc shot blasting machine is commonly used. Blast cleaning is a traditional technique to remove the sand skin from the casting workpieces. And the sand is usually present in the casting area. Besides, by using a rotary disc shot blasting machine, the sand, as well as other impurities, can be removed successfully. As a result, a clean and well-prepared surface is achieved, making it easier for workpieces to adhere and enhancing subsequent processing.

• Automotive industry

  In the automotive industry, the machine can be applied to rotors, brake drums, differential cases, transmission housing, etc. To achieve the desired level of cleanliness and surface roughness for improved adhesion of coatings, enhanced fatigue life, and better wear resistance, shot blasting is extensively used to clean, de-scale, and surface-treat various components and parts.

• Aerospace industry

  The aerospace industry utilizes a rotary hammer shot blasting machine for surface preparation of airframe and aerospace engine components. Parts such as engine casings, turbine blades, wheel housings, etc., can become contaminated or have oxidation on their surface in addition to being prepared for surface coatings to improve durability, corrosion resistance, and other properties, shot blasting is also used to relieve stress in critical components, reduce the risk of fatigue failure, and enhance the structural integrity.

How to Choose Rotary Type Shot Blasting Machines

• Understanding the Use

  Knowing the use of the shot blaster can help in choosing the best machine. If one's industry uses a lot of small parts, then a rotary table machine will do well. If blasting big parts is the goal, then a machine with a roller bed will work better. The capacity of the work of the machine matters. Choose a machine that can complete tasks at the right speed with good quality.

• Ease of Use and Maintenance

  An easy-to-use machine cuts down training time for new workers. Picking an easier-to-use machine can lower operating costs. A machine with simple parts and good manuals can help in cutting maintenance costs. The machine should have easily worn-out parts located so that repair will not take long.

• Energy and Media Requirements

  Different machines will have distinct energy and media requirements. Consider the machine's energy use when picking a shot blaster. It will be better to pick one that does not use too much power. Think about the media the machine will use and its availability.

• Compliance and Safety Features

  It is very important to choose a machine that meets all safety rules. Look for features that improve safety and cut down exposure to harmful dust. Consider optional add-on devices like cyclone separators and filtration systems that boost safety.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between centrifugal and rotary type shot blasting machines?

A: Rotary drum shot blasting machines are based on the blasting wheel principle. The driving spindle rotates the workpieces, forcing the abrasive to clean the surfaces in a similar manner to disk shot blasting machines. Centrifugal blast machines, on the other hand, use a turbine to rotate the abrasive at high speed and then throw it onto the surface of the workpieces.

Q: What is the difference between shot blasting and shot peening rotary machines?

A: The primary difference between shot blasting and shot peening machines is their purpose. The goal of shot blasting machines is to clean and finish the surface of the workpieces. On the other hand, the purpose of shot peening machines is to improve the fatigue life of workpieces. They do this by introducing compressive residual stresses in the outer layer of the workpieces.

Q: What is the lifetime of a rotary shot blasting machine?

A: With proper maintenance and timely replacement of the components, these machines can have a lifetime of 10-20 years.

Q: Are there any new technologies in shot-blasting machines?

A: Yes, there are several new technologies that are being used in the construction of rotary shot-blasting machines. These include energy recovery systems, efficient dust extraction and filtration, automation and control and even remotely blast monitoring systems.