This is particularly the case when it comes to weld dressing and polishing, with its range of Autopulit and KBM grinding and polishing systems. Equipment from both manufacturers will be on display on the show.
Ellesco’s vast experience in surface preparation, deburring and surface finishing, will be on show at MACH 2018. In addition to several Timesavers deburring machines, the Dorset-based company will also highlight how it can help customers meet their needs when it comes to weld dressing and polishing. Two machines will highlight this – one being an Autopulit CNC polishing cell, which will highlight the level of surface finish that can be achieved using automated systems; the second is a KBM long-belt grinding machine for weld dressing.
While Ellesco has a wide variety of manual, semi-automatic, CNC, and robotic machines available for weld dressing, probably the most popular and straightforward is the KBM range of long-belt grinding machines.
These machines are ideal for many different weld dressing processes, including: preparation and removal, blending and shaping of seam welds, and smoothing spot and puddle welds, particularly on sheetmetal fabrications, profiles and small housings.
In their basic configuration they feature a flat machine table with twin offset, which can be adjusted for height via a chain and gear motorised system and have variable belt speed with belt widths of 100 or 150mm. A higher specification with a 3-axis table and integrated handling mechanism makes holding rotating and pivoting workpieces much easier. The component is secured by vacuum suction cups and the handling system is then operated via a foot switch, allowing the workpiece to be positioned relative to the grinding belt in three planes, which are pneumatically locked by the locking disc (infinitely) and/or via grid holes for added precision. The KBM machines can be supplied in a range of sizes to handle workpieces up to 4,000mm in length and 1,500mm wide.
Autopulit is another long-term (35 years plus) partner of Ellesco and its range of polishing machines will be represented at MACH by a CNC polishing cell. This 5-axis CNC-controlled polishing machine features a flexible working head for satin finishing and gloss polishing which can be equipped with rotary abrasive brushes and mops to suit specific applications. Then, under full CNC control the consumable is fed over the workpiece at preset speeds and pressures to deliver either a polished, ground, or satin finish. With appropriate brushes the machine can also be used for deburring.
Application areas are varied from aerospace and automotive to household goods and appliances. The CNC machines from Autopulit are just part of an extensive product portfolio that encompasses full robotic cells, rotary transfer machines, gantry machines, reciprocating platforms and through feed systems.
Managing director, Vincent Simonis comments: “The weld dressing and polishing aspects of Ellesco’s business are another example of how we have developed relationships with suppliers to deliver the ideal solution to our customers, whether it’s deburring, grinding or polishing.”
Ellesco www.ellesco.co.uk Stand: H20-740 www.bit.ly/MACH2018
