Research Article Open Access

Parameter Settings for an Automated Gantry-Robot Painting System using a 3-Gun Atomization Spray Method for an Anti- Static Coating Process

Zunaidi Ibrahim1, Rozman A. Rahim2, Shahrizal Ariffadillah3, Zuradman Mohd Razlan4, Shahriman Abu Bakar4, Wan Khairunizam4 and Rudzuan M. Nor4
  • 1 University of Sunderland, United Kingdom
  • 2 Engineering Division, NS Aries Malaysia, Malaysia
  • 3 Engineering and Operations Director Aerospace Composites Malaysia (ACM), Malaysia
  • 4 Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia

Abstract

Dry film thickness and appearance are the main quality improvements that can be achieved by an automated painting system in the manufacturing process. This study presents the spray coating process for aircraft parts using a gantry robot with an automated spray-painting gun to control the spray path, thus achieving the desired coating layer thickness. The experimental results show that the 3-gun atomization spray method, with high capacity airflow and outstanding atomization characteristics, poses the challenge of achieving an even thickness of the overlapping spray pattern from three separate guns, minimizing the paint material consumption and controlling the dry film thickness within the given specification and standard. The optimization was performed to control the spray path and material consumption with a 3-gun spray method to achieve the optimum setting for the spray nozzle to workpiece height to obtain the target thickness. The results show that replacing the manual process with the automated painting process can increase the speed by up to 30-40%, reduce the setup time and increase the capacity of the painting booth. The development of this system can achieve the desired thickness specification, increase productivity and provide safer, more effective and ergonomic working conditions.

American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Volume 12 No. 4, 2019, 508-524

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2019.508.524

Submitted On: 27 September 2019 Published On: 22 November 2019

How to Cite: Ibrahim, Z., Rahim, R. A., Ariffadillah, S., Razlan, Z. M., Bakar, S. A., Khairunizam, W. & Nor, R. M. (2019). Parameter Settings for an Automated Gantry-Robot Painting System using a 3-Gun Atomization Spray Method for an Anti- Static Coating Process. American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 12(4), 508-524. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajeassp.2019.508.524

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Keywords

  • Robotics
  • Automation
  • Spray-Painting Robot
  • Coating
  • Dry Film Thickness