Surface processing

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Part carriers in surface treatment: Process reliability, protection and automation from the outset

Industrial surface treatment – whether sandblasting, vibratory finishing, polishing, or coating – places high demands on workpiece handling: components must be securely fixed, precisely positioned, and protected from damage – from in-house transport to automated processing stations. ZELL part carrier systems have been a proven solution here for decades – modular, economical, and process-reliable.

🏭 30 years of ZELL: From the blasting process to the modular workpiece carrier

ZELL has been active in the field of industrial surface technology for over 30 years, especially in sandblasting small parts in large series. In many projects, the components were initially processed in containers provided by customers – a frequent cause of deformations, mix-ups and damage during blasting or in-house transport.

In accordance with the guiding principle „Ideas for better solutions“, ZELL then developed its own workpiece carriers: modular systems that protect sensitive geometries, enable reproducible clamping and can be easily integrated into automated production and logistics processes.

🔧 Technical features: This is how ZELL Part carriers work

ZELL carrier systems are based on a modular principle with adaptable fixtures. Depending on the component geometry and process requirements, various techniques are used:

  • Positive locking via contour receptacles or holding trays
  • Force-fit clamping for rotationally symmetrical parts
  • Decoupling of sensitive surfaces by elastomer or damping-supported pads
  • Positionswiederholung <10 µm durch definierte Anlage- und Referenzflächen
  • Resistance to blasting media, temperature, chemicals – e.g. through materials such as stainless steel and glass bead reinforced plastics.

🧪 Specific Practical Application Example

➡ Sandblasting of valve plates

  • Parts: Stainless steel M10 / L = 5 mm
  • Batch size: 315 pieces per carrier
  • Result: No deformation, 30% faster assembly, zero rejects after 3 months of continuous operation

📈 Economic advantages for production & purchasing

The part carrier systems from ZELL not only offer technical precision, but also impress with clear economic added value in series production and daily operation:

1. Faster setup times:
Thanks to the modular design and sophisticated quick-change mechanisms, product changes in the line or at manual stations can be accelerated by over 50%. This reduces downtimes and increases machine availability - especially for variant production or frequently changing batches.

2. Less waste:
The safe and component-guided fixation reliably protects sensitive geometries - even during transport and return. Damage during handling is reduced by up to 90%, which directly contributes to reducing the reject rate and increasing overall quality.

3. Investment protection:
ZELL carriers are designed for longevity and reusability. They are made of robust, easy-to-clean materials, have a modular design and have replaceable wear components. This reduces operating costs and increases investment security.

4. Easy integration into existing systems:
The carrier systems are compatible with common conveyor technologies, robot gripper systems and RFID and DMC tracking solutions. This allows them to be seamlessly integrated into existing lines or logistics processes - without complex modifications or special solutions.

🚚 Automatability & logistics integration

ZELL Part Carriers are designed for manual as well as fully automated lines:

  • Robot-compatible (gripper contour, centering)
  • Stackable / Suitable for storage
  • Optional with RFID, DMC, or color code for traceability
  • Ergonomisches Handling mit Griffzonen, Gewicht <2 kg, abrutschsichere Oberflächen

In conclusion: Part carriers from ZELL – Surface treatment without compromise

Thanks to decades of experience in industrial surface technology, ZELL knows what matters: process reliability, protection of sensitive geometries and efficiency throughout the entire machining process. With a modular approach and sophisticated material selection, ZELL workpiece carriers offer a future-proof solution – from the sandblasting process to high-end coating.

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