Fettling is the process of removing surface risers and excessive material from the outside of casting processes. This is commonly part of the foundry process and is usually completed before the final finishing or painting of the part or component.
In the past, fettling was done by hand. It involved the operator running the riser or the excessive material over a grinder to create a smooth surface and to eliminate the ridge caused by the join in the two sides of the mould. This task was not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it was and still is a health risk for the employees.
The use of robotic fettling eliminates the need for a human to complete the process. It also adds several benefits for OEMs and foundries to consider in the processing of casting parts for any type of industry requirement.
Standardized Surfaces
Using robotic fettling technologies allows the operator to set the tolerances for the process. The system will complete all required tasks to the exact specifications, ensuring uniformity throughout the parts. Different systems offer more complex solutions for the final finishing of castings. This can include deburring, milling, and grinding with precision and accuracy.
Cost-Savings
OEMs selecting a foundry offering robotic fettling will find the cost per unit of production is often decreased. This is due to the increased speed and volume of parts that robotic systems can process compared to human labor. These systems can operate 24/7, which further increases products, decreases even slight differences between parts, and ensures all tolerances are met.
Ghatge Patil Industries Ltd. offers robotic fettling for small and large parts and components. To find out more, see us at www.gpi.co.in.
