GB1073057A - Machine for deflashing and similar trimming of workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

1,073,057. Removing fins and flashings. WHEELABRATOR CORPORATION. April 21, 1965 [May 12, 1964], No. 16796/65. Heading B3D. A machine for the definning and deflashing of workpieces comprises a housing; means for supporting workpieces within said housing and continuously tumbling the workpieces to expose different surfaces; means for projecting a stream of particulate material on to said workpieces in said housing; means for projecting streams of cold gas into said housing into engagement with said workpieces for reducing the temperature of the workpieces to cause embrittlement of the thin fins and flashings whereby the embrittled fins and flashings are easily removed responsive to engagement by the particulate material, said means including an inlet plenum chamber extending crosswise of the housing and having outlet o penings for issuance of the streams of cold gas therefrom and in the direction towards said workpieces, a baffle plate within said housing positioned in the path of the streams of cold gas beyond said workpieces to prevent channelling of the cold gas streams so as more uniformly to engage said workpieces and a dust collector having an inlet communicating with the housing for the removal of spent cold gas and entrained particles from said housing for the separation thereof, said inlet being positioned in said housing beyond the baffle plate whereby the baffle plate lies in the path of the travel of the cold gas through said housing. Workpieces 10 moulded or otherwise fabricated of rubbers or other elastomers, plastics, metals &c. are tumbled in a trough 19 formed by an endless conveyer 12; refrigerated gas, preferably air, is projected on to the workpieces to embrittle their fins, burrs and flashings which are removed by a blast of particles, e.g. steel shot. The conveyer 12 is in a housing 25 which is in an enclosure 78. Spent abrasive and the removed fin and flash pass through the conveyer on to a surface 33 and thence to an elevator 36 delivering the mixture to a separator 38 comprising a rotary screen 40 and/or an air wash separator. Waste is discharged and reusable blastant is fed by gravity into a hopper 42 which supplies, through valve 32, a blasting device 26, e.g. a throwing wheel. The valve 32 is sealed from the surrounding atmosphere. More than one blasting device may be used. Air, cooled by heat exchange with refrigerant liquid, passes through passage 60 to a distributer 62 having nozzles angled to direct air streams angularly downwardly on to the conveyer. A baffle 66 is provided to ensure uniform distribution of the air for flow through the mass of workpieces on the conveyer. -The air passes through outlets 70 and together with air from the separator 38 goes to a dust collector 74. Air from the collector 74 returns to the heat exchanger, some being bled through pipe 80 into the enclosure 78 to replace air taken from the enclosure.