The focus of this design project was to modify an existing design of a material handling system that transports hot metal billets (2300°F) from a feed conveyor to an operator station for processing. The existing design utilized a gravity fed system whereby a hot metal billet is dropped onto a chute where it slid and bounced down approximately two feet to an operator station located below the feed conveyor.
The handling of the falling billet must be anticipated, which not only produces random results, but results in a safety issue as well, due to the oily environmental conditions. The new system design utilizes the existing controller devices present such that the transport of multiple-sized billets is controlled and is repeatable. The hot metal billet will then arrive in the same location, on time, every time, thus providing a safer and more productive work environment.
The newly designed escapement chute must be robust and capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures of these hot billets. Heat transfer to mating equipment must be controlled and or prevented as a part of the “long term solution”. In addition, the final system designed, is not only safe and reliable, but is also easy to maintain, utilizing only one technician for debugging, repairs and maintenance.
Source: FIA (Forging Industry Association)
Author: Roy Aukerman | Justin Bellini | Michael Glover | Kevin Gollon
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