Thermal Spray, Laser Cladding and Integration

These robots have taken the factory labor force out of a dusty and noisy environment and put many of them in the role of robot operators, where they make sure the proper parameters are dialed into the system for the specific part to be coated and assure that the process is working properly. Parts are sprayed to more exacting measures in a fraction of the time with robots.

SLM also uses ABB robots in its waterjet stripping process for the precision removal of worn or sacrificial coatings. Waterjet stripping is used to remove numerous thermal spray coatings, including HVOF applied carbides, plasma applied ceramics, chrome plating and other thermal spray coating on many different substrates.

The waterjet process is significantly faster and does not erode the base metal and, unlike chemical stripping, there is no need for subsequent heat treating or expensive waste removal efforts. Once stripped, the parts are typically recoated.

Using the highly accurate application of precise streams of high pressure water, the robots are able to remove a coating a thousandth of an inch at a time, ensuring there is no damage to the substrate. The robot enhanced process reduces the time it takes to strip many parts from days, to minutes. Most of the ABB robots on the SLM floor are foundry class, fitted with the very best seals and motor enclosures to protect against water, dust and other contaminants

Tom Desloge, director of sales and marketing at SLM, noted, “These robots have allowed us to provide consistent quality to our customers for many years, and have helped build our reputation as being an industry leader in the area of thermal spray, laser cladding and finishing services.

In addition to running its own operation, SLM has expanded into the business of setting up similar ABB robotic spraying systems in non-competitive industry segments throughout the country. “They are a great example of a company that has realized the benefits of automating their processes with industrial robots,” said Michael Mahfet, the vice president and general manager ABB Robotics, North America. “Not only have their robots kept them at the top of the thermal spraying and laser cladding industry, but their expertise has now become so deep that they are starting to be an integrator of ABB robots for other end users.”

All of this enables SLM to serve as a one-stop shop for all thermal spray, laser cladding, machining and grinding services for aircraft, oil & gas, mining, power, and general industrial.

St. Louis Metallizing, 4123 Sarpy Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, 314-531-5253, www.stlmetallizing.com.