Surface Finishing Engineering Ltd (SFE) supply a wide range of automatic process plant systems. Our engineers have experience of automatic process lines from 0.5m wide for Formula 1 parts up to 18m wide for aircraft wing components.
As well as standard anodising, electro-plating, phosphate cleaning and etching, we also provide automatic FPI (Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection) equipment.
We focus on plant and equipment being engineered for the 21st Century; equipment is robust and importantly, careful attention is given to the aesthetics of the plant.
Features implemented to Improve aesthetic appearance include:
- Cladding around or attached to the equipment
- Neatness of equipment layout
- Materials being resistant to the chemicals and easy to clean
- Quality and appearance of the fabrications and overall construction of the plant
Equipment Basics
- Designed for minimal maintenance
- Equipment is easy to keep clean
- Transporter motors are high quality, requiring minimal inspections
- Lifting is via plastic webbing belts - no need to lubricate and no corrosion
- Transporter designed to ensure maintenance is accessible and safe to carry out
- Equal priority given to access for maintenance as well as operator access
Automation of the Process Line Systems
- Controlled via a PLC and computer HMI
- Software systems are purposely designed for the surface finishing industry
- Numerous features including traceability up to NADCAP standard and allows users to input and interrogate information to any level required
- System can be interfaced with the clients’ network allowing remote interrogation and can be connected for text and SMS messaging
- Inputting new process sequences are simple menu systems
- Parts are stored in a library which include a photograph of the part of how it should be mounted on to jigs
- Barcode entry is also a common feature to eliminate human error
- CCTV monitoring offered to reduce the need for personnel to carry out physical inspection
The Future of Automatic Process Lines
- Automatic transporter process lines have been around for 50 years however SFE have been moving things further with automation of processes only previously carried out manually
- Sophisticated analysis equipment and automatic dosing maintain chemistry in equilibrium
- Ensures consistency of processing and process specification compliance
- Part rotation can be implemented
- Automatic making and breaking electrical contacts and siphoning of liquids
- Automated emptying and filling systems, eliminating the need for transporting hazardous chemicals around site and stopping the dangerous practice of manually adding chemicals into the tanks
Good Engineering
- Good engineering is a top priority for SFE
- Simplicity of design and eliminating unnecessary complication whilst at the same time considering equipment longevity has led to numerous improvements
- Continuing value analysis in the design allows for significant improvements whilst at the same time reduces maintenance and risk of failures
leading to a reduction in costs thus increasing value to our customers.