At this year’s METEF 2008, leading specialist in wet blast surface cleaning and processing, Vapormatt Ltd, has unveiled the Vapormatt Jaguar what the company claims is a “major breakthrough” in the cleaning and edge preparation of aluminium extrusion dies.
The new, fully enclosed, ‘ Vapormatt Jaguar’ embodies an innovative and radical approach to the cleaning of dies: it utilises an in-line processing concept that offers important production benefits, including faster processing, a more effective and consistent cleaning action than conventional systems and easy integration into existing production layouts. Competitively priced, the Jaguar also has a much smaller footprint than existing die cleaning systems – saving space – and incorporates a highly dependable process control system, which is less prone to “software bugs”, thereby reducing possible machine downtime.
Machine trials in a production environment have already shown that using the new machine can completely eliminate the need for final hand polishing following the cleaning operation, saving time and labour.
Of a modular streamlined design, the Jaguar has the appearance of an advanced production machine in keeping with state-of-the-art production facilities, and is constructed in high-grade stainless steel, seamlessly welded to form a water- and dust-tight, robust structure.
The Jaguar will automatically wet blast, wash, rinse and dry up to 80 extrusion dies and segments in 60 minutes – a significantly higher production rate than comparable systems. The dies can range indiameter from 200mm to 900mm, which covers most normal requirements. The machine operates on a progressive basis to maintain smooth, interruption-free throughput.
