As highlighted in the article “Automating flat-part finishing in the metal fabrication shop,” the challenges of maintaining a fully staffed metal fabrication shop are pushing the industry towards a new era of automation. The constant struggle with hiring difficulties and the complex task of managing time-off requests while maintaining productivity has prompted metal fabricators to explore innovative solutions.
A striking example is the automation of deburring for laser- and plasma-cut parts. Only a short five years ago, the familiar sight in fab shops was the manual grinding of parts as they came off the cutting table. The demand for parts with clean edges, meeting stringent quality specifications, and ensuring safety for downstream handling led metal fabricating companies to incorporate flat-part finishing machines. Typically located near cutting tables, these machines can not only deburr but also perform various other finishing processes.
Their 32 Series machine has revolutionized flat-part finishing. This innovative machine streamlines the entire process by utilizing a conveyor belt system. Parts undergo multiple finishing steps on this conveyor, including deburring. The result is a consistent, efficient process that surpasses the capabilities of manual labor, delivering precise and reliable outcomes.
This strategic insight has driven them to develop solutions that integrate automation without eliminating the need for human intervention. This approach optimizes the utilization of skilled workers while ensuring that they contribute to more critical activities elsewhere in the fabrication process.
Learn more about Con-Belt’s capabilities or products here.
Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com