The lack of flexibility and unsatisfactory powder coating qualities at external job shops induced a Dutch manufacturer of industrial furniture to bring its coating operation in-house. Unlike its competitors, ML Constructie decided to also perform paint preparation by shot blasting in-house with an automatic shot blasting machine from Rösler. Compared with manual processes, the shot blasting cycle times are not only eight times faster, the
automatic solution also produces better qualities at lower costs.

Since manual blast operations are hard and exhausting, it is very difficult to find and keep the people for this kind of work. With the Rösler blast machine, however, employees must only place workpieces onto the respective fixtures and remove them after the blast process.

Another significant contribution towards a better working environment is the low noise emissions, which are considerably lower than manual blast rooms. Moreover, the automated shot-blast process is eight to 10 times faster, while another benefit is the blast machine’s two rails in ‘Y’ design. This configuration allows the operator to place workpieces onto the fixture at one rail branch, while workpieces from the other rail branch undergo blasting. Therefore, unproductive idle equipment times aremore or less a thing of the past. Last but not least, the overall blast cleaning quality is considerably better.

“In the automated shot-blast process, blast media gets into even the tiniest workpiece
corners,” says Ben Luizink, co-owner atML Constructie.”This is nearly impossible with manual shot-blasting operations. Furthermore, the Rösler shot-blast machine is very
tight and emits practically no dust. Since we are coating the workpieces in the same production hall, this is a huge benefit.”
For further information www.rosler.com

Five months before the event opens, it is already clear that the next GrindingHub will be bigger and more international. Some 375 companies from 28 countries have already secured a place at the trade fair for grinding technology, which will take place on 14-17 May 2024 in Stuttgart.

The increase in exhibitors from Asia is particularly impressive. The organiser has received just under 50 registrations so far. The first GrindingHub was still suffering from the after-effects of the pandemic, whereas freedom of travel today allows companies from all over the world to make their way to Stuttgart. This is particularly evident among the Chinese: the number of exhibitors from China has grown from four to 32. China is currently the largest national producer and largest market for grinding technology.

As another trend, more abrasives manufacturers will be represented in 2024 than at the launch event, for instance. The broad range on show – including everything from grinding machines themselves to appropriate software tools, process peripherals and measuring and testing systems – raises the appeal of the trade fair for users of grinding technology.

Martin Büsch, head of marketing for central Europe at Saint-Gobain Abrasives, says: “As far as we’re concerned, GrindingHub has established itself as the leading trade fair for grinding technology within a very short space of time. We therefore see it as an excellent and useful opportunity to engage with our customers, potential interested parties and top-class experts.”

Markus Heering, executive director at the VDW, adds: “The VDW will begin the layout planning shortly. We are delighted about having to open a fourth hall thanks to the increase in the number of exhibitors.”
For further information www.grindinghub.de