Equipment for Mechanical Plating

The primary components of a mechanical plating or galvanizing system include:

Plating Barrel(s) - The most effective plating barrels are those with a “tulip” design.  They are constructed from carbon or stainless steel and lined with an acid - resistant and  abrasion - resistant lining such as neoprene, polypropylene or poly-butylene.

Surge Hopper - This item accepts the load of plated parts and feeds the separator, allowing the operator to begin  plating another load.

Separator - The separator separates the parts and the media.The most primitive separators are merely a screen with water sprays; more complex separators are vibratory separators and magnetic separators (which are the  currently preferred process).

Media Handling System - The media handling system returns glass impact media from the sump underneath the  separator to an overhead media reservoir. Most platers utilize two loads of media.

Chromator (Optional) - For optimum corrosion protection, a chromate is applied to the deposit using a spray or dip process. Generally, dipping in baskets gives better results.

Dryer - The parts may be dried in a “toss- catch” dryer, a belt dryer or in a centrifugal dryer. Generally centrifugal dryers are preferred because they use less energy and produce a higher quality product.

Approximate Cost of Dual/Twin M10 Cubic Foot System

2 Barrels
2 Hoists 
1 Surge Hopper 
1 Magnetic Separator 
1 Media Handling System 
1 Control Panel 
Operator Platform                                                                            

TOTAL (Approximately): $345,000

Belt Dryer (Approximately): $70,000 (Additional)
   


    For a specific configuration or quotation, please contact John Kobe at Dynamic Systems, LLC, Waukesha, WI.  This describes a common dual/twin M10 installation  with a magnetic separator. Many other configurations are available (i.e. 10, 20 or 30 cubic foot barrels, in single or dual/twin systems, with centrifugal, vibratory or belt drying).

    As for capacity, a part type with a bulk density of 100 pounds per cubic foot (which would be typical), an M10 dual/twin system is capable of processing about 16,000 pounds per 8-hour shift.  M20 and M30 Systems would have proportionally larger capacities. For further details, contact Dynamic Systems.