Within the past few years robotic shell and core removal has become an attractive alternative to traditional vibratory, caustic, shot blast and water blast alternatives. This change is not driven by a single breakthrough, but rather a combination of advances and gained expertise that offer that help to reduce the running cost per part over traditional alternatives.
This presentation will discuss the advances that made robotic shell and core removal viable, the elements of a successful system and how it compares to other alternatives. Examples of shell and core removal of different types of castings and materials including videos and pictures. The presentation will also step through some actual case studies exploring the decision process that these customers went through, the financial analysis that drove their decisions and the actual production results. Since robotic shell and core removal is not necessary the best alternative for every foundry, this presentation will also provide guidelines for identifying what are likely to be successful opportunities as well as those that might be better off waiting until there are further advances.