Automotive glass is tempered by subjecting it to a series of heating and quenching operations. To maintain a uniform glass temperature an infrared scanner monitors temperature across the glass surface and sends signals to a PLC, which automatically adjusts conveyor speeds and oven temperatures. Control problems occurred when dust and other airborne particulate coated the sapphire lens of the scanner and caused it to generate false temperature readings. The result was hundreds of metres of rejected glass.
A Model 110006 152 mm Exair super air knife was mounted on one side of the lens, directing a boundary layer of air in front of it. The sheet of air created an invisible barrier that kept contaminants off the surface. Process time was reduced and the waste was eliminated.
The ability to screen the lens without a wiper or other obstruction was the key to success in this application. The uniform airflow produced by the super air knife makes it an ideal way to separate one environment from another. This same arrangement has been used to keep lasers and other lenses clear of smoke and debris. Similar applications include trapping fumes in an open container, retaining heat in an oven or deflecting mist from a machine tool.
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Air compressors are a major consumer of power, much of which ends up as air leaks in the factory distribution system. Energy is easily wasted by poorly performing air compressors that waste electricity and do not have rated air flow rates. Energy wastage is not sustainable and escalates production costs.
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As a leading manufacturer of high performance cartridge valves and integrated packages, Sun Hydraulics has gathered a collection of innovative solutions proven to significantly boost and improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and ultimately provide cost savings for the end-user.
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Because filtration is the only effective defence against wear and tear when contaminants are present, it is critical that effective filter components are used.
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