Guyson blast system performs alloy wheel etching

This system incorporates many application-specific handling features that enable the operator to operate it safely, without heavy lifting.

The machine can be installed in smart repair centres or auto body shops looking to offer an in-house service, or be used as a replacement for old blast units.

Guyson said that the Wheelmaster has been designed with the operator firmly in mind.

The company added that it included a solution to the issue of manually loading the heavy alloy wheels into the cabinet.

The front door of the blast machine opens fully to allow maximum access for weight bearing equipment such as electric or hand-powered hoists.

The wheel support cradle tilts and pulls out of the cabinet to allow the wheel to be mounted in a vertical position, removing any likelihood of over-reaching while loading wheels.

The wheel is located on a central spindle and supported by a cross braced circular support.

The blast cabinet is fitted with extra-large arm holes to allow maximum operator access while blasting and the wheel is rotated by hand so it can be blast etched just as easily by left- or right-handed operators.

A full-width foot pedal allows comfortable and responsive action to engage the blast gun and maintain blasting - which ceases the moment that foot pressure is released.

The heavy-duty, all-steel blast cabinet affords visibility of the wheel and the area being etched, with bright internal lighting delivering even illumination without shadows.

Optimum visibility is maintained inside the cabinet by a dust collector that constantly removes media dust and fine particles.

The blasting process produces an even finish with easy sweeps across the wheel surface and, unlike traditional disc sanders, it allows both easy penetration of the blast media stream between the spokes and precise localised etching if required.

It also provides a fast and even light etching to remove only the chipped lacquer on virtually new wheels, while being capable of etching right back to bare metal if required.

An optional cyclone separator can improve separation of dust from good blast media prior to media being recycled.

This means that the consistency of the finish is improved and the cycle times are maintained, as only better quality blast media is recycled.

Cyclones are available in several options: standalone, cabinet mounted or as an integral part of an optional pressure-fed blast system.

The optional pressure-feed blast system is available for intensive blasting or for regularly stripping wheels back to bare metal.

In these systems, the blast media is stored within a pressure pot and falls through a valve into a compressed air stream within the blast hose.

It is then accelerated through the blast nozzle to impact upon the wheel.

The pressure-feed system produces faster-moving blast media and offers cycle times that can be up to four times faster than a suction-feed system for tougher blasting applications.

Prospective users of Guyson blast systems are encouraged to submit sample components for free feasibility testing to the company's extensive development workshop located in Skipton, England.