Franklin Precision Castings, the Pennsylvania investment caster, reports it purchased and installed 20,000-PSI water-blasting system for removing ceramic shells from cast parts. The Model TRX-1250CAM system supplied by Triplex Systems Inc. offers both automatic and manual operation, and is said to be a safer and more efficient way to remove the shells, accelerating the production process.
The TRX-1250CAM operations combines automatic and manual cleaning cycles in a single cabinet. This technology allows operators to switch between operating modes seamlessly via a user-friendly touchscreen interface, all powered by a high-pressure pump unit.
A built-in drag conveyor unloads broken ceramic shell into a hopper, easing the risk of back injuries and enhancing operators’ safety.
“The Triplex water blasting system has reduced our cycle times by 50 to 75%, a remarkable improvement,” stated Mark Johnson, cleaning room supervisor at Franklin Precision Castings.
It’s the second new equipment installation for the foundry in recent weeks. Previously it installed a DN Solutions DMN 4500s vertical machining center for its in-house machining operation, to speed up tool changes, increase tool capacity, and reduce set-up times.
The Franklin, PA, investment caster known until recently as Franklin Bronze Precision Components, produces standard and custom stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, brass, bronze, and Ni-Hard alloy investment castings supplied for pumps and valve manufacturing, oil and gas production, mining, steelmaking, among other sectors.