Air Blast
Empire has designed and produced hundreds of automated systems, ranging in sophistication from standard automation to advanced robotic nozzle, part manipulation and part handling. Our customers report productivity gains between 100 and 700 percent.
At Empire we begin with building the finest blast and recovery systems and integrate robots to them. Since 1987 Empire Abrasive Equipment has successfully integrated commercially available robots into a variety of pre-engineered robotic blast cells, customized robotic blast systems and robotic blast rooms. Our goal is to consistently deliver customers with robot blasting technologies that enable efficient, quiet and clean robotic blasting solutions for surface preparation and peening applications.
Empire is a Fanuc Authorized Integrator, Kuka Official System Partner, ABB Robotics Authorized Partner, Yaskawa Motoman Strategic Partner, and Robotmaster CAD/CAM software integrator. Working together with our strategic partners we provide integrated robotic air-blast solutions for aerospace, transport, energy, gas & Oil, high technology, military, medical and industrial / consumer manufacturing markets.
To meet evolving requirements and challenges our growing portfolio of robotic blast system optional features include: servo controlled auxiliary axis, vision systems, off-line programming, coordinated part manipulation, end-effectors for part manipulation, custom part fixturing, unified HMI controls for data collection, RFID/Barcode scanners, Laser Scanners, Ethernet communication, IOT capable remote access routers for data collection and monitoring.
Choose from a wide selection of automated systems.
Batch Processing Machines
Our batch processing systems, which include both continuous and indexing turntable machines, are ideal for parts requiring long blast cycles.
Continuous Processing Machines
Empire offers turntable and in-line machines for continuous processing. These systems can be loaded and unloaded manually, equipped with robotic arms or designed as an integral part of the production line.
Single Piece Flow Cell Machines
Single-station cell machines serve as just one example of how we meet the ever-changing demands of manufacturers worldwide. Our cell machines reduce inventory requirements and conserve floor space, giving many customers the winning edge in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Rotary Head
Rotary blast head delivers tremendous coverage while conserving compressed air. When the application calls for it, our rotary head will outperform any horizontal-nozzle oscillator, including our own, by reducing the number of blast guns and energy required for the job.
Shot Peening Systems
Shot peening is a cold working process used to produce a compressive residual stress layer and modify mechanical properties of metals and composites. It entails impacting a surface with shot (round metallic, glass, or ceramic particles) with force sufficient to create plastic deformation.
In-line Systems
As with other Empire Abrasive automation systems, In-Line blast systems are available in a variety of configurations. Final design being influenced by part size, weight, shape and material handling requirements.
Custom Automated Systems
Empire Abrasive Custom Automated systems are available for your specific application. Final configuration/design being influenced by part size, weight, shape, production rates and material handling requirements. No matter what your application demands, Empire can custom engineer a system to fit your process and production requirements.
Indexing Turntable
Indexing Turntable systems have been a staple in the manufacturing industry for many years. An indexing turntable provides precise positioning of the work piece in front of blasting nozzles for guaranteed repeatability of process requirements. These units allow for a variety of loading and unloading options, ranging from simple manual operation to more sophisticated robotic operations.
Blast Rooms
Empire’s Pre-Engineered Blast Booths (PEB) feature all the essentials for OSHA complaint blast rooms at a fraction of the cost. For many applications, requiring strict environmental and safety compliance, Empire’s PEB booths offer an attractive alternative to makeshift enclosures or higher priced custom blast rooms.
Pro-Finish® Blast Cabinets
If your operations involve cleaning with chemicals, acid etching or dipping, liquid honing, wire brushing, sanding, deburring, grinding or peening, moving up to a Pro-Finish® cabinet will normally expedite work, improve quality and eliminate the environmental problems associated with chemical finishing.
ProFormer™ Blast Cabinets
Empire ProFormer™ cabinets put it all together in a single assembly that’s easy to move and simple to hook up. These cabinets require only two connections, air and electrical, and include features offered in our high production Pro-Finish® line.
Airbrasive® Work Chambers
Also referred to as abrasive blast cabinets, they have been specially designed to assist in hand-held work. Made from enameled steel, our Work Chamber’s can be used with all Micro Abrasive Blasting Units and easily attached to our Dust Collectors.
These units feature tempered glass, hinged safety lid, internal illumination, screened flooring, and drop-down front panel for handling larger parts. Working access is through two front portholes.