TABLE OF CONTENTS Continuous installations are typically systems of machines working together. The first considerations are production volume and material handling requirements, i.e., the moving of products to the machine from the loading method to the separation stations, rinsing and drying, then unloading (see Figs. 10-10 and 10-30). Other post processing operations may be included as required. If media other than steel is used a media classification area may be required to automatically discard under -size or worn media to prevent media lodging in the workpiece. Continuous equipment is usually of the in-line method, which better lends itself to inline external automation. However, there are many applications for continuous bowl machines. Two methods of processing are available with the bowl machine. One is the conventional once around and out with the cycle time governed by the machine size and capacity along with important part size and weight considerations. The second method, now out of date, involves a dwell system that is accomplished by shifting the top weight of the vibrator between pre-set stops, thus creating an alternating feed/dwell effect to the mass movement, resulting in a longer cycle within the processing channel.
Both bowl methods utilize the internal separation method where a dam or gate interrupts the mass travel. This method directs the mass upward where it is separated on a screen deck above the processing channel sending the parts off the top...
