PECM Issue 19 2016 | Page 135

Tsubaki Has The Answer For Automotive Coating Applications Automotive manufacturers put incredible designed for carrying different vehicle array of sizes and shapes and are used emphasis on the paint finish of their new types and models. These chains are very in all sorts of specialized equipment, vehicles. Not only is immaculate paintwork durable and highly efficient to ensure including multi-axis robots. Th ey are made essential for that 'showroom appearance', smooth, accurate, slip-free conveyance. from a flame resistant certified material for it is also a vital element in the long term peace-of-mind use in areas that require environmental protection of the body The bodies are then transferred to a cart panels. Therefore paint shop plant and and delivered to a second coating station, equipment must be of the highest calibre, where a robot spray paints them with an The top coat is sprayed on by special and even the drive chains must be of a intermediate grey coat which ensures they coating robots and reciprocating quality that ensures smooth operations are smooth and ready for the top coat. machines, whose combined motion and reliable long term performance in (The grey coat also prevents the top coat ensures the body panels each have a harsh working conditions. from fading over time.) beautiful, even finish. The reciprocating inflammability. coating machines typically use drive Chain and associated ancillary products chains such as lube-free Tsubaki Lambda are used throughout many major chain, which has special oil impregnated automotive plants, in just about every bushes and is available in a wide range of section of the production and assembly sizes. Lambda is highly resistant to seizing process. Many plant engineers have opted and is not susceptible to excessive wear for Tsubaki chain because of its reputation and therefore trouble-free, reliable and for smooth operation and reliability over long lasting, even in raised temperature time. In fact Tsubaki chains and accessories environments. have a track record of many years' standing in automotive production that embraces The carts are each driven by a small gear All Tsubaki drive chain, including roller most of the major manufacturers. motor, such as the Hypoid motor made chain, heavy duty 'Super Chain' and leaf by Tsubaki. These are available with either chain, is made from quality materials using In the paint shop for example, the first a solid or a hollow output shaft and in a advanced manufacturing techniques stage of the coating section involves wide range of reduction ratios. The robots which minimise chain wear and vehicle bodies being hung from a chain have multi-axis movements so are highly elongation. Thus they have a long working conveyor and passed through a tank of dexterous and therefore need support life, a key requirement for the automotive primer coating. Tsubaki supplies a range of and guidance for their power cables. This sector, where plant stoppages (planned conveyor chains suitable for this, including duty can be entrusted to Tsubaki plastic or unplanned) for maintenance are to be large size chain and ancillary equipment Cableveyors, which come in an extensive avoided at all costs.