Citation
(1998), "Touch-screen surface treatment control system", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770aad.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Touch-screen surface treatment control system
Touch-screen surface treatment control system
Vacu-Blast has developed a "touch-screen" version of its recently launched Vacutrol II surface treatment control system, which the company describes as "the ultimate in user-friendliness". As well as considerably streamlining production procedures, the new version enables operators to become proficient very quickly at programming even the most complex operations.
Vacu-Blast will demonstrate the capabilities of the system to potential users either at their own premises or at its Slough headquarters.
A PC-based machine control system operating under Windows™, Vacutrol II has been specially designed by Vacu-Blast to optimise the inputting of information to and the control of precision abrasive blasting, shot peening and other similar surface treatment machines. The system is one of the first of its kind to support the requirements of the strict AMS 2432A operating standard applied in the areospace industry.
Specially-designed graphics represent key machine functions and process sequences, and the system facilitates the on-line programming of critical pre-set operating parameters such as blast duration, blast pressure, shot/blast media flow, nozzle array path and speed, and component turntable rotation speed. All data can be stored and printed for quality management purposes. The system can also be linked to off-line programming and networking systems. Normal keyboard operation is included, in addition to the touch-screen facility.
Programming is carried out for each component on a "teaching" basis, by sequential reading and storage of the co-ordinates of strategic nozzle and component positions. The component programs are then stored permanently under part number references as fully encoded bar codes for subsequent fast selection.
For more information or to arrange a demonstration of the system, contact: Chris Brooks, Customer Services Department, Vacu-Blast Ltd, Woodson House, Ajax Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4DJ. Tel: 01753 526511; Fax: 01753 538093.