As established in Part 1 of our Automotive Blog Series, “Cost-Effective Surface Improvement for Key Engine Components,” shot blasting is an effective technique for the surface treatment of automotive parts including crankshafts.

Used in heavy trucks, heavy equipment, and, even, large ships, crankshafts enable an engine to move a vehicle by converting the reciprocating (up/down) movement of the pistons/connecting rods into a rotational movement that propels the vehicle forward.

Depending on their size, weight, and production volume, crankshafts can be blast-cleaned in different machines. Rosler Metal Finishing offers solutions for a wide range of crankshaft types with weights from 15 to more than 500 lbs and lengths from 10 up to 80 in and more.

Typical Machines

Built with specific work pieces in mind, the machines designed to process crankshafts are as diverse as the work pieces they accommodate.

RHBE Spinner Hanger Series

For somewhat larger work pieces with relatively low production volumes, Rosler’s RHBE spinner hanger machines offer flexible options.

For example, the RHBE 17/22 spinner hanger shot blast machine with a working envelope of 67 x 86 in allows the individual blast cleaning of crankshafts with lengths of up to 80 in and weights of more than 500 lbs In case of smaller crankshafts, a special work piece fixture permits the simultaneous processing of eight or more components.

RKWS Crankshaft Blast Machine Series

In recent years there has been a trend towards specially engineered, dedicated shot blast machines allowing low-cost, efficient blast cleaning of large volumes of small to midsize crankshafts.

Responding to this trend, Rosler has introduced two specially engineered, highly compact shot blasters, the RKWS 2 x 2 and the RKWS 3 x 4. These machines offer cycle times of 20 seconds per part for the RKWS 2 x 2 and 15 seconds per two parts for the RKWS 3 x 4, including work piece loading and unloading by multi-axis robots.

Gamma G Turbines

The specific turbines used in a shot blasting machine greatly impact its effectiveness and efficiency. That’s why Rosler designed its Gamma 400 G turbines.

These turbines produce 20 percent higher blast performance and lower energy consumption than conventional blast wheels. With a quick-change system, the Gamma blades minimize downtime caused by blade changes. To minimize wear and the need to purchase new blades, Gamma blades are curved to allow both sides of the blades to be used for added longevity.

The Rosler Way

With more than 80 years of experience, Rosler has the technology and drive to develop a shot blasting application for your automotive crankshaft needs. Contact us to discuss your challenges and needs so we can help you find a better way.

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The complete Automotive Series includes:

• Part 1 – Cost-Effective Surface Improvement for Key Engine Components.
• Part 2 – Shot Blasting Machines Designed for Crankshafts.
• Part 3 – Typical Mass Finishing Machines Used for Crankshafts.

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