Skimming the dross – robotic dross removal for galvanizing

10 Oct.,2022

 

Zinc Dross


There are many manufacturers whose facilities run 24/7. Some of these facilities are galvanizing plants that need to use robots to remove dross from their metallic zinc baths over and over throughout the endless work day.

Removing dross, or metal oxides, from a zinc metal bath during a 24-hour production schedule can be dangerous work for humans, according to robotics.org. It is not only back-breaking work, but it is also hot – 878 degrees hot – which can cause all kinds of injuries if workers are tired or not paying attention.

By implementing robotic dross removal for these zinc baths, manufacturers are sidestepping these possible injuries to workers. Robots are not injured by high temperatures, and they don’t need shifts or days off to recuperate from a long day at work. This also means that when manufacturers use robots to remove dross, they are also getting something that can work the factory schedule without downtime – 24/7/365.

And make no mistake, this process has to be done continuously, which is another reason that automated robotic removal of dross is preferred. By switching to robotic dross removers, manufacturers will see an elimination of physical ailments due to manual dross removal, as well as a decrease in time it takes to get rid of dross.

Workers that were once in charge of dross removal can also be rotated out into other areas once dross removal is automated. These employees can be moved to jobs that are less strenuous and taxing, which will then improve morale on the line, and possibly in the entire facility.

RobotWorx, a certified integrator for Fanuc, Motoman, Universal Robots, and KUKA robotics, has several industrial robotic models for dross removal. These models are ready to be purchased and customized to fit your facility’s needs. Many of these robots have been treated with special coatings to protect them in high-heat environments.

For more information about automating your dross removal with robots, contact RobotWorx today online or at 877-762-6881.