Application: Removal of dust/debris from
machined automotive panels
Time savings in excess of 15% are being achieved by Mitras
Automotive (UK) Ltd since installing a blower-powered nozzle
cleaning system in an SMC machining chamber at its Winsford
factory.
As a Tier 1 and 2 supplier of plastic composite components
(SMC and GMT*) to major motor manufacturers, including Class
A body panels and unseen structural body parts, Mitras employ
a continuous improvement programme of quality and performance.
As part of that policy, the company recently implemented
a new cleaning process in its fully-automated component routing
chamber, dedicated to the manufacture of floor panels for
a JCB back hoe excavator, which permits machined components
to move immediately onto the next stage of manufacture totally
free of dust and debris. Previously, machined components required
manual ‘hoovering’ before moving on to the next
stage of production.
In addition to providing effective cleaning of the machined
panels, the reciprocating nozzle system, supplied by Air Control
Industries (ACI) of Chard, has eliminated problems related
to false triggering of process control sensors inside the
chamber.
The ACI system is powered by a 22kW radial bladed blower
that is housed in an acoustic enclosure mounted on the roof
of the routing chamber. The blower feeds air to two ACI reciprocating
nozzles, each of which delivers air through five flexible
nozzles.
Features of the reciprocating nozzles include easy adjustment
so that they can be directed accurately to specific target
zones, such as difficult recesses, ensuring effective dislodging
of even recalcitrant residue material.
“We machine the SMC panels after moulding to ensure
they retain their inherent strength, which is achieved by
allowing the glass to flow to the edges of the product during
pressing,” said Dave Talbot, Works Engineering Manager.
“The ACI systems clean the machining debris from the
panels before progressing via an index table, operation of
which previously disturbed dust to activate laser safety sensors
and stop operations. That problem has now been eliminated
and production times have been improved around 15% as a result.”
Mitras can support a project from the initial design stages
through moulding, routing, bonding, assembly and painting,
testing and final delivery of the component to a D.C. or trackside.
Customers include Aston Martin, Ford, Leyland Daf and Renault
Sport.
