The Challenge
Automating Even Surface Flame Treatment on Large Door Panels
Treating a wide range of garage door panel sizes evenly and efficiently presented challenges in consistency, speed, and ergonomics. The customer sought to automate this step in their production process with the following goals:
- Treat panel sizes ranging from 6 to 20 feet in length and 18 to 32 inches in width
- Ensure consistent, even flame coverage across the entire panel surface
- Minimize operator interaction while maintaining process safety
- Seamlessly integrate with manual loading and unloading operations
MWES was selected for its ability to design custom handling systems integrated with precision flame treatment equipment.
The Solution
Conveyor-Integrated Flame Treatment Using Enercon Plasma System
MWES delivered a dual-conveyor flame treatment solution featuring an Enercon Dyne-A-Flame 1500 system, enabling automated processing of garage door panels.
- Two 16-foot conveyors (infeed and outfeed) guide panels through the flame treater
- Manual load/unload operations with operator-activated foot pedal release
- Photo eye sensors ensure proper panel positioning for treatment
- System halts or advances based on flame station readiness and conveyor status
This efficient and semi-automated setup ensures safe, uniform flame treatment while maintaining operator oversight and minimizing process complexity.
The Results
Fast, Reliable Surface Treatment With Minimal Manual Handling
The MWES system provided improved throughput and consistent treatment quality with simplified operation.
- 20-second cycle time for loading and unloading panels
- 8-second treatment time for an 8-foot panel at 50 FPM conveyor speed
- Increased consistency of surface prep for various panel sizes
- Reduced operator handling and improved overall process safety
MWES helped this manufacturer streamline a critical surface treatment process, reducing cycle times and ensuring uniformity across large-format door panels.
