Case Studies

Caterpillar – Drying Steel Bars

Caterpillar needed to remove moisture from steel bar prior to shot blasting, to prevent rejects and contamination.

The Challenge

Caterpillar Skinningrove produces steel track shoes for Caterpillar brand tractors, excavators and loaders.

Part of the production process involves shot blasting steel bar. However, the presence of water on the surface of the steel was creating issues with the shot blasting system.

In addition, the shot was remaining on the surface and being transferred into down stream processes, creating an unclean environment.

The Solution

Secomak designed two air knife systems, the first for removing surface water prior to shot blasting utilising the high velocity 587 15kW turbo fan and four 400mm aluminium air knifes. The second system was designed for removing the shot after blasting and incorporated the 492/3 high velocity 4kW fan and two 400mm aluminium air knives.

The air knives were places parallel to the bar to ensure a sufficiently dry surface and enable effective shot blasting and clean transfer, minimising rejects, and contamination while contributing to a higher quality end product.


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