Tsubaki has the Answer for
Automotive Coating Applications
A
utomotive manufacturers
large size chain and ancillary equipment
array of sizes and shapes and are used
put incredible emphasis
designed for carrying different vehicle
in all sorts of specialized equipment,
on the paint finish of their
types and models. These chains are very
including multi-axis robots. They are made
new vehicles. Not only is
durable and highly efficient to ensure
from a flame resistant certified material for
smooth, accurate, slip-free conveyance.
peace-of-mind use in areas that require
immaculate paintwork essential for that
'showroom appearance', it is also a vital
inflammability.
element in the long term environmental
The bodies are then transferred to a cart
protection of the body panels. Therefore
and delivered to a second coating station,
The top coat is sprayed on by special
paint shop plant and equipment must be
where a robot spray paints them with an
coating robots and reciprocating
of the highest calibre, and even the drive
intermediate grey coat which ensures they
machines, whose combined motion
chains must be of a quality that ensures
are smooth and ready for the top coat.
ensures the body panels each have a
smooth operations and reliable long term
(The grey coat also prevents the top coat
beautiful, even finish. The reciprocating
performance in harsh working conditions.
from fading over time.)
coating machines typically use drive
chains such as lube-free Tsubaki Lambda
Chain and associated ancillary products
chain, which has special oil impregnated
are used throughout many major
bushes and is available in a wide range of
automotive plants, in just about every
sizes. Lambda is highly resistant to seizing
section of the production and assembly
and is not susceptible to excessive wear
process. Many plant engineers have opted
and therefore trouble-free, reliable and
for Tsubaki chain because of its reputation
long lasting, even in raised temperature
for smooth operation and reliability over
environments.
time. In fact Tsubaki chains and accessories
have a track record of many years' standing
The carts are each driven by a small gear
All Tsubaki drive chain, including roller
in automotive production that embraces
motor, such as the Hypoid motor made
chain, heavy duty 'Super Chain' and leaf
most of the major manufacturers.
by Tsubaki. These are available with either
chain, is made from quality materials using
a solid or a hollow output shaft and in a
advanced manufacturing techniques
In the paint shop for example, the first
wide range of reduction ratios. The robots
which minimise chain wear and
stage of the coating section involves
have multi-axis movements so are highly
el ongation. Thus they have a long working
vehicle bodies being hung from a chain
dexterous and therefore need support
life, a key requirement for the automotive
conveyor and passed through a tank of
and guidance for their power cables. This
sector, where plant stoppages (planned
primer coating. Tsubaki supplies a range of
duty can be entrusted to Tsubaki plastic
or unplanned) for maintenance are to be
conveyor chains suitable for this, including
Cableveyors, which come in an extensive
avoided at all costs.
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PECM Issue 20