The Challenge: Eliminating the Guesswork from Blast Finishing Machinery Selection
Many manufacturers know the surface finish they need but are uncertain about the best way to achieve it. In some cases, parts have historically been sent to outside contractors for blasting, leaving manufacturers with little understanding of the process variables involved. In other situations, production requirements have changed, and existing equipment can no longer meet throughput demands.
Customers often come to Empire with questions such as:
- What blast media should be used?
- How many parts can be processed per hour?
- How many nozzles are required?
- Will the process achieve the required surface profile?
- How many machines will be needed to meet production goals?
- What is the expected return on investment?
Without testing, these questions can be difficult—and costly—to answer.
The Solution:
Empire’s Demonstration Lab allows customers to submit sample parts for comprehensive process evaluation and testing before investing in equipment.
Using a wide range of blast media, nozzle configurations, cabinet designs, automated systems, and robotic technologies, our engineers develop and validate a process tailored to the customer’s application.
In many cases, customers provide a finished sample that represents their desired result. Our engineers can then evaluate the target finish, measure surface profile characteristics, identify appropriate media types and sizes, and develop a process capable of reproducing the required results.
Testing is also used to evaluate throughput requirements. By running production simulations, we can determine the equipment configuration necessary to meet daily production targets and labor objectives.
The Results
Customers gain confidence that the proposed solution will deliver the required finish quality and production performance before equipment is purchased. The testing process frequently identifies opportunities to improve throughput, reduce labor requirements, optimize media selection, and streamline overall production flow. Most importantly, testing helps eliminate uncertainty from the equipment selection process.
Key Customer Benefits
Validate process capability before purchase- Determine the optimal blast media and operating parameters
- Establish achievable throughput rates
- Evaluate automation opportunities
- Reduce project risk
- Improve ROI projections
- Receive expert process development support
- Gain confidence in equipment selection
More Than Equipment Selection
For many customers, the testing process becomes the foundation of their production strategy. Whether developing a new process, replacing an outsourced operation, or scaling existing production, Empire’s Demonstration Lab provides the data and expertise needed to make informed decisions and achieve predictable results.
Contact Us with your surface finishing questions and we’ll test your parts in the Empire Demonstration Lab for the answers.