Conversion for large component dimensions – A new approach to automation solutions in the casting process
Growing component dimensions confront foundries with the challenge of having to adapt existing automation concepts or redesign them – a clear case for kuhn.innovation. A current project at Kuhn Edelstahl shows what customized concepts can look like when standard solutions are not sufficient. Continue reading
Suction rolls are a key component in paper manufacturing plants. In order to meet industrial requirements for even larger component dimensions, an existing casting machine was redesigned and expanded.
As part of the expansion of a centrifugal casting machine for particularly long components from Kuhn Edelstahl, the automated cleaning and coating of the casting molds also had to be redesigned. The linear unit previously used was not designed for the new dimensions. The project was commissioned to kuhn.innovation, part of the group of companies, at the beginning of 2024. The company develops, designs, and implements innovation, automation, and digitization solutions in the foundry sector.
The goal was to develop a low-vibration design that would enable uniform cleaning and coating (finishing) of the casting mold despite component lengths of over five meters – a key requirement for quality and dimensional accuracy in centrifugal casting.
The solution consisted of a particularly dimensionally stable design that reliably enables the automated running-in, cleaning, and coating process. Designed was a lance unit that has both the required length and the necessary rigidity and inherent stability to clean and coat the mold without significant vibrations. The unit is so dimensionally stable that the release agent is applied absolutely cleanly and evenly over the entire length of the mold. For reasons of cost-effectiveness, motorization was only omitted for moving the entire unit. It is moved manually into its starting position.
This has made it possible to largely automate the cleaning and coating processes, resulting in a significant improvement in efficiency and process stability during casting. The project is a prime example of how kuhn.innovation implements individual automation and conversion projects in the foundry environment – in a practical, robust manner and tailored to the respective process requirements.