Empire’s latest innovation, the PRobot™ line, is designed to air blast parts with irregular contours while adhering to the most stringent process standards. By integrating advanced robotic technology with Empire’s cutting-edge automation, these systems not only handle complex geometries with precision but also deliver the repeatability and validation demanded by aerospace and medical equipment manufacturers.
The machine, as shown, integrates all functions—except for compressed air and electrical supplies—within a compact enclosure. It’s easy to move, simple to connect, and its small footprint offers valuable space savings in cell production environments. Additionally, mounting the robot on the roof expands the work envelope to a full 360°, often eliminating the need for a costly seventh axis, such as a servo-powered turntable. Depending on the job, the robot either manipulates blast nozzles to trace the workpieces or positions parts within the blast stream—whichever approach is more cost-effective.
In both critical and less demanding applications, the PRobot™ line provides significant benefits. While the initial capital investment may be high, the system drives efficiency in less obvious ways, beyond substantial reductions in rework and labor costs. For example, more precise blasting conserves media and compressed air, unlike systems that rely on excessive blasting for adequate coverage. Furthermore, operator health and workplace safety concerns are greatly reduced. NADCAP audits become less stressful with the integration of media-flow controls and media classification. Empire’s newly expanded product demonstration and test facility is ready to showcase the full capabilities of the PRobot™ line.