TRANSTAR Automation Systems

Zenith's TRANSTAR Automated ultrasonic cleaning systems are designed to minimize the labor required to operate a multi-stage cleaning process, and can be added to any multi-tank clean/rinse/dry system. Originally designed for aerospace applications requiring the highest quality cleaning results, the TRANSTAR system includes features and equipment not found on competitive automated systems.

The TRANSTAR Automation System eliminates the need to manually move baskets into cleaning, rinsing, and drying tanks. Rather, parts are transferred fully automatically using a high-speed stepper motor-controlled belt drive system.

Baskets of parts are placed onto a load area, composed of the standard single-position load platform, or optional 3-position Load Conveyor which permits queuing of several baskets simultaneously.

Once the basket is in position, the TRANSTAR system detects its presence, and moves the basket into the CROSSFIRE Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank where all contaminants are removed. An Ultrasonic Basket Oscillation Sequence is also included to flush loosened contaminants from detailed part areas prior to transfer into the Rinse Tanks, as well as a Drip Delay Sequence which allows excess detergent to drip off of parts.

The basket is then transferred through both rinse tanks which include timed Basket Oscillation Sequences and Static Dwell Sequences to maximize rinse performance.

Once rinses have been completed, the baskets are placed into the High-efficiency Dryer Tank, where the parts are rapidly dried with a high-volume heated air flow. Baskets are then deposited onto the Unload Platform, or optional 3-position Unload Conveyor.

However, the TRANSTAR does not just move baskets like competitive automated parts washers. It is also capable of modifying the cleaning environment to suit specific part designs to enhance the cleaning performance. For example, some aerospace or aluminum components are sensitive to damage by the ultrasonic energy in the cleaning tank. To eliminate the damage potential the TRANSTAR system includes the exclusive Frequency and Oscillation Selection Feature to process these parts using only 80kHz ultrasonics, which are significantly more gentle on parts than the included 40kHz ultrasonic system. The patented CROSSFIRE Multiple Frequency Ultrasonic System (US Patents 5,865,199 and 6,019,852) permits this possibility. Parts can be processed with low frequency ultrasonics, high frequency ultrasonics, or CROSSFIRE simultaneous multiple frequency activity.

Not only can the frequency be selected, even drying tank temperatures are recipe-selectable to process parts with differing maximum temperature values. Drying tank temperatures will change to match the basket being processed, fully automatically.

The TRANSTAR system is also capable of Simultaneous Multi-recipe Basket Transfer Operations. Many competitive automation systems can not process baskets with different recipes at the same time. All baskets using recipe 1 would have to be processed first, then all of recipe 2, and so on. This requires that operators queue baskets of identical recipes together, significantly complicating the cleaning operation. With the TRANSTAR system, baskets of any recipe can be added at any time. The system automatically adjusts to ensure that each basket is processed with its proper recipe.

The TRANSTAR system includes other exclusive features, such as a 3-position Light Signal Tower to indicate system operating conditions from a distance, Light Sensor Safety Curtain to stop all moving components if operators approach the movement area, an Allen Bradley Touch-screen Operator Interface and Programmable Logic Controller, Unload Sensor to indicate when baskets requires removal, and many others.

Optional equipment available for the TRANSTAR system includes Automated Recipe Detection which automatically detects the recipe without requiring user touch-screen interaction. A basket is placed onto the load conveyor, and the operator walks away. The TRANSTAR system will automatically detect the proper recipe to use, and will adjust system operations accordingly.

Automated Tank Covers are also available, and work seamlessly with the automation platform. The 316L stainless steel covers open and close as required to allow entry or exit of baskets being processed, keeping evaporative losses to a minimum, and cleanliness to a maximum.

If you have an application which may require a multi-stage automated ultrasonic cleaning system, contact Zenith Manufacturing and speak to one of our engineers who will discuss the many other features and optional equipment available to ensure that the system meets your every need.
 

TRANSTAR Automation Systems:

• Pick & Place Robotic Transfer System
• Is Controlled with Optically-encoded Servo Motors
• Are Adjustable for Speed, Acceleration, and Deceleration
• Is Controlled with an On-board PLC Control System and Touchscreen Interface
• Are Available with Many Options such as Queuing Load and Unload Conveyors, Automatic Recipe Programming, Automated Covers, and Many Others.

For a downloadable PDF Brochure, click here.

Zenith Mfg. & Chemical Corp.
85 Oak St.
Norwood, NJ  07648-0412
800-432-SONIC (7664)
201-768-6999
sales@zenith-ultrasonics.com

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