Automotive Design & Production is the one media brand invested in delivering your message in print, online, via email, and in-person to the right automotive industry professionals at the right time.
Issue link: https://adp.epubxp.com/i/742392
www.ADandP.media AD&P; ∕ NOVEMBER 2016 CLEANING was designed to use the identical part-mounting racks and fixtures used in previous operations with custom cleaning programs developed to accommodate the requirements of this alternative cleaning technology. The fluids for the CO₂ spray process were made up of CO₂ supply (low pressure: 250-350 psig), a pneumatic CO₂ gas booster and two four-nozzle custom CO₂ spray modules. Based on production results, the cleaning system is effective in removing the target contami- nants. Further, eliminating the need for hand wiping of plastic parts prior to painting resulted in cost savings of less than 6 months' return on investment. Typical aqueous paint line cleaning systems consist of multi-stage conveyor spray washers—typically three to five stages followed by a water rinse. Rinsing is followed by a conveyor tunnel drying system most often laid out in a serpentine manner. Some wash lines are 400 to 500 feet long. Drying time typically takes over 30 minutes. Operational costs to run these lines include: • Electricity to run blowers for drying and power washers • He at for drying ovens, in some cases requiring up to 2 MM BTU/hr • Inlet and outlet water treatment costs, • Consumables such as detergents, filters, etc. Operational costs for these wash/ dry lines can range from $50 to $75 per hour. In addition, these systems consume large amounts of factory floor space. A typical CO₂ spray system consists of one or more cleaning modules, a pneu- matic booster, and custom cleaning nozzles. In this application, the process is performed with the 6-axis robot. CO₂ spray cleaning programming is similar to that used for spray paint applica- tion. This system can be installed in a conveyor paint prep room, and furthermore, because CO₂ spray cleaning occurs at a single location in less than 1 minute, it is more respon- sive to possible process variations than a cleaning system that has a cleaning time of 30 to 45 minutes. Based on comparisons with tradi- tional aqueous-based cleaning systems, CO₂ spray cleaning meets automotive cleaning specifications with substantial cost savings, Sorbo notes. In addition, it is estimated that operating and mainte- nance costs range from 10 to 20 percent of those for a conven- tional spray wash system, and take a fraction of the factory floor space—as little as 5 percent of the typical aqueous-based cleaning system. Sorbo says CO₂ spray cleaning is being widely adopted by German OEMs. In the past few years the United States and Asia have seen fast growth in CO₂ cleaning installations. www.creaform3d.com Experience Creaform's portable CMM and 3D scanners: Time-saving Avoid bottlenecks at the CMM! Measure right on the production floor. Reliable and accurate Up to 30 micron volumetric accuracy─ regardless of environment instability. Easy-to-use Short learning curves and intuitive use. Fully integrated software platform. Measure everywhere Customer support available worldwide! TAKE CONTROL OVER QUALITY. SOLUTIONS FOR DIMENSIONAL INSPECTION ON SHOP FLOORS. METROLOGY SOLUTIONS 1.855.939.4446 35