Abstract: Aspects of the present application include a configurable blast gun plate assembly, which allows the workpiece processing apparatus to accommodate workpieces of different shapes and sizes. In an embodiment, a blast gun assembly for processing workpieces includes a platform, a blast gun support structure disposed on the platform, a blasting gun held onto the platform via the collar and the blast gun support structure. The platform is substantially horizontal, and the blast gun support structure is configured to releasably hold the collar in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a metallic workpiece with defined edges (e.g., a gear) comprises media blasting of the workpiece by directing a first media against exposed surfaces on the workpiece to increase the root strength of the gear, the blasting causing the defined edges to be radiused or mushroomed, ceasing the media blasting, loading the workpiece into a finishing apparatus, and subjecting the workpiece to a finishing process with a second media, the exposed surfaces on the workpiece being subjected to the finishing process to reduce the radiused edges on the workpiece created from the media blasting. The process of moving the workpiece to the spindle-finishing apparatus from the media blasting may be performed automatically by a machine. Once the workpiece has been subjected to the finishing process with the second media, it may be removed from the spindle-finishing machine, washed, and rinsed with rust inhibitor whereby wear properties of the workpiece are enhanced.

Abstract: A part processing assembly comprising including a media collection device that is adapted to receive used media from a media-blasting chamber. A transport mechanism, coupled to the media collection device, transports used media to a media reclaim system. A first separation device is used to perform a filtering process on the used media to create non-useable media and useable media. A second separation device is configured to apply a magnetic field to the useable media to create recycled media for use in the media-blasting chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a shaft and spindle assembly for retaining a part in a part processing assembly. The part is retained on the shaft via a downward force from a part hold-down assembly. The shaft is retained in the spindle assembly that is coupled to a turntable of the part processing assembly. The shaft includes an annular step that abuts against a portion of the spindle assembly to block downward movement of the shaft when the downward force is applied. In this way, the part is retained in a precise location relative to processing nozzles of the part processing assembly even after multiple parts are held down by the part hold-down assembly and processed.

Abstract: A workpiece processing assembly comprising including a media collection device that is adapted to receive used media from a media blasting chamber. A transport mechanism, coupled to the media collection device, transports used media to a media reclaim system. A first separation device is used to perform a filtering process on the used media to separate non-usable media from usable media. A second separation device is configured to apply a magnetic field to the usable media to create recycled media for use in the media blasting chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a shaft and spindle assembly for retaining a part in a part processing assembly. The part is retained on the shaft via a downward force from a part hold-down assembly. The shaft is retained in the spindle assembly that is coupled to a turntable of the part processing assembly. The shaft includes an annular step that abuts against a portion of the spindle assembly to block downward movement of the shaft when the downward force is applied. In this way, the part is retained in a precise location relative to processing nozzles of the part processing assembly even after multiple parts are held down by the part hold-down assembly and processed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a part hold-down assembly for retaining an oversized part. The part hold-down assembly is aligned along a central force axis and applies a downward force onto the part. The part-hold down assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a compression assembly extending between the top and bottom plates. The compression assembly includes two, parallel biasing assemblies that extend along compression axes that are parallel to but offset from the central force axis. Each biasing assembly including an upper collar, a lower collar and a resilient biasing member, in one embodiment in the form of a coil spring, retained between the upper and lower collar. The parallel biasing assemblies are positioned on opposite sides from each other about the central force axis, and may be spaced away from the central force axis an equal distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a part hold-down assembly for retaining an oversized part. The part hold-down assembly is aligned along a central force axis and applies a downward force onto the part. The part-hold down assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a compression assembly extending between the top and bottom plates. The compression assembly includes two, parallel biasing assemblies that extend along compression axes that are parallel to but offset from the central force axis. Each biasing assembly including an upper collar, a lower collar and a resilient biasing member, in one embodiment in the form of a coil spring, retained between the upper and lower collar. The parallel biasing assemblies are positioned on opposite sides from each other about the central force axis, and may be spaced away from the central force axis an equal distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a part hold-down assembly for retaining an oversized part. The part hold-down assembly is aligned along a central force axis and applies a downward force onto the part. The part-hold down assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a compression assembly extending between the top and bottom plates. The compression assembly includes two, parallel biasing assemblies that extend along compression axes that are parallel to but offset from the central force axis. Each biasing assembly including an upper collar, a lower collar and a resilient biasing member, in one embodiment in the form of a coil spring, retained between the upper and lower collar. The parallel biasing assemblies are positioned on opposite sides from each other about the central force axis, and may be spaced away from the central force axis an equal distance.

Abstract: A part processing apparatus and method is disclosed that includes a media-blasting apparatus and a cleaning apparatus. The media-blasting apparatus is configured to blast a stream of media against a surface of a part, and the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean debris or particles from the surface of the part. The cleaning apparatus includes a first spray-and-wash unit, a first ultrasonic wash unit, a second ultrasonic wash unit, and a second spray-and-wash unit, which may be arranged in the listed order. Each of the units may be configured to utilize hot liquid or water to clean the part being processed. The first ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the first ultrasonic wash unit at a first frequency, and the second ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the second ultrasonic wash unit at a second frequency.

Abstract: A part processing apparatus and method is disclosed that includes a media-blasting apparatus and a cleaning apparatus. The media-blasting apparatus is configured to blast a stream of media against a surface of a part, and the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean debris or particles from the surface of the part. The cleaning apparatus includes a first spray-and-wash unit, a first ultrasonic wash unit, a second ultrasonic wash unit, and a second spray-and-wash unit. The first ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the first ultrasonic wash unit at a first frequency, and the second ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the second ultrasonic wash unit at a second frequency. The first and second frequencies may be different from each other, such that vibration at the second frequency causes additional debris or particles to be removed from the surface of the part.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a part hold-down assembly for retaining an oversized part. The part hold-down assembly is aligned along a central force axis and applies a downward force onto the part. The part-hold down assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a compression assembly extending between the top and bottom plates. The compression assembly includes two, parallel biasing assemblies that extend along compression axes that are parallel to but offset from the central force axis. Each biasing assembly including an upper collar, a lower collar and a resilient biasing member, in one embodiment in the form of a coil spring, retained between the upper and lower collar. The parallel biasing assemblies are positioned on opposite sides from each other about the central force axis, and may be spaced away from the central force axis an equal distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a metallic workpiece with defined edges (e.g., a gear) comprises media blasting of the workpiece by directing a first media against exposed surfaces on the workpiece to increase the root strength of the gear, the blasting causing the defined edges to be radiused or mushroomed, ceasing the media blasting, loading the workpiece into a finishing apparatus, and subjecting the workpiece to a finishing process with a second media, the exposed surfaces on the workpiece being subjected to the finishing process to reduce the radiused edges on the workpiece created from the media blasting. The process of moving the workpiece to the spindle-finishing apparatus from the media blasting may be performed automatically by a machine. Once the workpiece has been subjected to the finishing process with the second media, it may be removed from the spindle-finishing machine, washed, and rinsed with rust inhibitor whereby wear properties of the workpiece are enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a metallic workpiece with defined edges (e.g., a gear) comprises media blasting of the workpiece by directing a first media against exposed surfaces on the workpiece to increase the root strength of the gear, the blasting causing the defined edges to be radiused or mushroomed, ceasing the media blasting, loading the workpiece into a finishing apparatus, and subjecting the workpiece to a finishing process with a second media, the exposed surfaces on the workpiece being subjected to the finishing process to reduce the radiused edges on the workpiece created from the media blasting. The process of moving the workpiece to the spindle-finishing apparatus from the media blasting may be performed automatically by a machine. Once the workpiece has been subjected to the finishing process with the second media, it may be removed from the spindle-finishing machine, washed, and rinsed with rust inhibitor whereby wear properties of the workpiece are enhanced.

Abstract: A part processing apparatus and method is disclosed that includes a media-blasting apparatus and a cleaning apparatus. The media-blasting apparatus is configured to blast a stream of media against a surface of a part, and the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean debris or particles from the surface of the part. The cleaning apparatus includes a first spray-and-wash unit, a first ultrasonic wash unit, a second ultrasonic wash unit, and a second spray-and-wash unit, which may be arranged in the listed order. Each of the units may be configured to utilize hot liquid or water to clean the part being processed. The first ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the first ultrasonic wash unit at a first frequency, and the second ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the second ultrasonic wash unit at a second frequency.

Abstract: A part processing apparatus and method is disclosed that includes a media-blasting apparatus and a cleaning apparatus. The media-blasting apparatus is configured to blast a stream of media against a surface of a part, and the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean debris or particles from the surface of the part. The cleaning apparatus includes a first spray-and-wash unit, a first ultrasonic wash unit, a second ultrasonic wash unit, and a second spray-and-wash unit. The first ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the first ultrasonic wash unit at a first frequency, and the second ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the second ultrasonic wash unit at a second frequency. The first and second frequencies may be different from each other, such that vibration at the second frequency causes additional debris or particles to be removed from the surface of the part.

Abstract: A part processing apparatus and method is disclosed that includes a media-blasting apparatus and a cleaning apparatus. The media-blasting apparatus is configured to blast a stream of media against a surface of a part, and the cleaning apparatus is configured to clean debris or particles from the surface of the part. The cleaning apparatus includes a first spray-and-wash unit, a first ultrasonic wash unit, a second ultrasonic wash unit, and a second spray-and-wash unit, which may be arranged in the listed order. Each of the units may be configured to utilize hot liquid or water to clean the part being processed. The first ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the first ultrasonic wash unit at a first frequency, and the second ultrasonic wash unit is configured to ultrasonically vibrate a liquid in the second ultrasonic wash unit at a second frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a metallic workpiece with defined edges (e.g., a gear) comprises media blasting of the workpiece by directing a first media against exposed surfaces on the workpiece to increase the root strength of the gear, the blasting causing the defined edges to be radiused or mushroomed, ceasing the media blasting, loading the workpiece into a finishing apparatus, and subjecting the workpiece to a finishing process with a second media, the exposed surfaces on the workpiece being subjected to the finishing process to reduce the radiused edges on the workpiece created from the media blasting. The process of moving the workpiece to the spindle-finishing apparatus from the media blasting may be performed automatically by a machine. Once the workpiece has been subjected to the finishing process with the second media, it may be removed from the spindle-finishing machine, washed, and rinsed with rust inhibitor whereby wear properties of the workpiece are enhanced.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a part hold-down assembly for retaining a part. The part hold-down assembly includes an upper collar, a lower collar and a resilient biasing member, in one embodiment in the form of a coil spring, retained between the upper and lower collar. The upper collar has a first end, the first end having an annular ledge. The lower collar has a second end, the second end having an annular ledge. The resilient biasing member includes a first end and a second end, the first coil end configured to engage with the annular ledge of the upper collar and the second coil end configure to engage with the second annular ledge of the lower collar. A stabilization tube may extend within a central aperture of the resilient biasing member, the stabilization tube reducing or eliminating movement of the resilient biasing member in a direction that is not parallel with the direction of the central axis of the part hold-down assembly.

Abstract: An induction hardened processing shaft of a part-processing apparatus and method of manufacturing includes exposing a shaft to a partial induction hardening process. An induction hardening process may be applied to only the portion of the shaft that may be exposed to processing spray or shot peening material. The portion of the shaft exposed to induction hardening will include a harder surface material that can better withstand its composition and structure during impact, minimizing or reducing the amount of wear on the surface from exposure to processing material utilized in the part-processing apparatus. By limiting the induction hardening process to less than the full length of the shaft, the shaft is less likely to experience substantial deformation, and further permits screws and fasters to be driven into the shaft to secure the shaft at specific locations with the processing apparatus.