E-Archive

VOL. 26 May ISSUE YEAR 2025

Cover Page

in Vol. 26 - May Issue - Year 2025
Why Surface Treatment Automation and Robotics Don’t Have to Be Complex or Out of Reach
Multi-Stage RoboAquablast System

Multi-Stage RoboAquablast System

Robotic Blasting with Dual Blast Guns

Robotic Blasting with Dual Blast Guns

Robotic Programming Screen on HMI Interface

Robotic Programming Screen on HMI Interface

As manufacturing industries evolve to meet growing demands for efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness, the adoption of automated surface treatment solutions, including robotic wet blasting or vapor blasting, is becoming increasingly essential. However, many businesses perceive robotic surface treatment solutions as overly complex, difficult to implement, and financially out of reach.

Vixen Surface Treatments: Leading Innovation in Robotic Solutions

Vixen Surface Treatments has long been a pioneer in the development and implementation of automated surface treatment solutions. Their forward-thinking approach has placed them at the forefront of automation, particularly in integrating robotics into wet blasting processes. While many surface treatment providers have hesitated to embrace robotic technology, Vixen has proactively developed innovative solutions to enhance precision and flexibility for their customers.

Pioneering Robotic Wet Blasting Solutions in Aerospace

Vixen demonstrated a proactive commitment to innovation by delivering robotic wet blasting solutions to the aerospace sector many years ago. At a time when many companies opted to remain within the confines of traditional fixed-axis systems, Vixen recognized the need for adaptable, future-proof solutions capable of accommodating evolving manufacturing demands.

In aerospace manufacturing, achieving precise surface preparation on complex geometries such as turbine blades, high-pressure disks, and other engine components is critical. While fixed-axis wet blasting solutions effectively handle static and repetitive processes, Vixen identified that integrating robotic solutions would address the dynamic challenges posed by varying component sizes, shapes, and surface preparation requirements. Their forward-thinking approach ensured that aerospace customers could achieve the highest quality results while reducing manual intervention and improving process consistency.

The Role of Fixed-Axis Solutions in Surface Treatment

While robotic solutions offer flexibility and adaptability, fixed-axis solutions continue to play a crucial role in certain manufacturing environments. Vixen remains committed to designing, manufacturing, and delivering traditional vertical and horizontal fixed-axis wet blasting solutions for applications where they remain the most suitable option.

Fixed-axis solutions excel in scenarios where production cycles involve consistent batch sizes, identical component dimensions, and minimal process variation. In such environments, fixed-axis systems often provide a highly efficient and cost-effective means of achieving surface preparation, cleaning, or finishing tasks. Vixen's ability to offer both fixed-axis and robotic solutions ensures they can tailor equipment to meet the specific requirements of each customer.

Meeting the Demand for Flexible Automation in High-Volume Manufacturing

As industries evolve, manufacturers increasingly require greater flexibility in their surface treatment processes. Batch production environments often involve changing component dimensions, complex geometries, or shifting production schedules. In these cases, the adaptability offered by robotic solutions becomes vital.

Vixen has successfully partnered with numerous manufacturers across various industries to introduce robotic wet blasting solutions that meet these changing requirements. By implementing robotic automation, manufacturers gain the ability to efficiently process a wide variety of components without costly system reconfiguration or time-consuming manual intervention. The ability to program customized blasting paths allows robots to handle complex geometries, ensuring precise and repeatable results with minimal operator involvement.

Revolutionizing Robotic Surface Treatment Solutions

Vixen's latest innovation has redefined the landscape of robotic wet blasting solutions by prioritizing simplicity and accessibility. Recognizing that traditional robotic systems often required extensive programming knowledge and significant financial investment, Vixen has developed a new, compact, and user-friendly robotic wet blasting system that reduces both complexity and cost.

This new solution eliminates the need for extensive programming expertise by offering intuitive software interfaces that simplify the setup process. Instead of relying on specialized coding skills, operators can program the system through user-friendly graphical interfaces, minimizing training requirements and empowering shop floor staff to operate the system with ease.

By reducing the technical complexity historically associated with robotic solutions, Vixen has created a system that appeals to a broader range of industries. Manufacturers in sectors such as automotive, medical implants, precision engineering, and tooling can now integrate robotic wet blasting into their processes without facing prohibitive costs or steep learning curves.

Key Features of Vixen's User-Friendly Robotic Solution

Vixen’s new robotic wet blasting solution incorporates several innovative features designed to simplify operation and maximize productivity:

  1. Intuitive Programming Interface: The system's user interface allows operators to create and modify programs easily, ensuring quick setup for new parts or batch changes without the need for expert programmers.
  2. Compact Design: The compact footprint allows manufacturers to integrate the system seamlessly into existing production environments without extensive layout modifications.
  3. Flexible Automation: The system's adaptability makes it suitable for both high-volume batch processing and low-volume custom production runs, ensuring maximum efficiency across a range of applications.
  4. Cost-Effective Investment: By streamlining system complexity and reducing programming requirements, Vixen's solution significantly lowers the upfront costs and maintenance demands traditionally associated with robotic systems.
  5. Precision and Consistency: The automated system ensures repeatable results with improved accuracy, reducing scrap rates and enhancing product quality.

Expanding Automation Beyond Aerospace

While aerospace remains a key sector for robotic wet blasting, Vixen's innovative solution is now reaching a broader audience. Industries such as automotive, medical devices, and electronics manufacturing are increasingly adopting robotic surface treatment solutions to meet their evolving production requirements.

In the automotive sector, robotic wet blasting plays a pivotal role in ensuring surface preparation before coatings, paint, or bonding applications. For medical implants, precise surface finishing is critical to achieve the required surface roughness and cleanliness necessary for safe surgical outcomes. Vixen's automated systems deliver this precision while enhancing process control and reducing manual labor.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Robotic Solutions

Despite the clear benefits, some manufacturers still perceive robotic surface treatment as overly complex or unattainable. Vixen actively works to dispel these misconceptions by demonstrating that modern robotic solutions can be both user-friendly and cost-effective.

Through product demonstrations, training sessions, and on-site support, Vixen ensures that manufacturers understand how straightforward robotic wet blasting can be. By offering pre-programmed process templates and intuitive controls, Vixen's solution empowers operators to manage automated systems confidently without extensive technical expertise.

Supporting Customers with Comprehensive Service and Training

To further enhance the accessibility of their robotic solutions, Vixen offers comprehensive support packages that include:

  • On-Site Installation and Setup to ensure smooth system integration.
  • Training Programs tailored to operators of all skill levels to empower staff with the knowledge they need to manage robotic systems confidently.
  • Ongoing Technical Support to address any concerns and ensure continuous productivity.
  • By providing these services, Vixen helps manufacturers maximize the value of their investment while ensuring consistent, high-quality surface treatment results.

The Future of Robotic Surface Treatment Solutions

As manufacturing continues to evolve, robotic surface treatment solutions are set to play an increasingly important role. By removing the barriers of complexity and cost, Vixen Surface Treatments has positioned itself as a leader in making robotic wet blasting accessible to industries worldwide.

With a commitment to innovation, adaptability, and customer support, Vixen is empowering manufacturers to embrace automation with confidence. By delivering solutions that are easy to program, cost-effective, and tailored to diverse production environments, Vixen is revolutionizing the world of surface treatment automation.

For businesses looking to enhance efficiency, improve process consistency, and future-proof their operations, Vixen's innovative robotic wet blasting solution offers an ideal path forward.

Enhance Your Production and Partner with Vixen

Vixen Surface Treatments is proud to introduce its brand-new robotic wet blasting solution, designed to enhance production efficiency and improve surface treatment processes across a wide range of industries. As a global leader in wet blasting and surface treatment solutions, Vixen continues to innovate, developing systems that simplify automation and deliver exceptional results.

The new Vixen robotic wet blasting solution is now available and undergoing its final testing phase, ensuring it meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. This cutting-edge system is designed to bring advanced automation to manufacturers seeking greater process control, precision, and repeatability. By integrating intuitive programming and streamlined operation, Vixen's new solution makes robotic automation more accessible and achievable for businesses of all sizes.

Manufacturers looking to improve productivity, reduce manual labor, and enhance surface treatment results can now explore this innovative solution by visiting www.vixenaquablast.com. The website offers valuable insights, including detailed product information, process videos, and application guidance across industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and precision engineering. Visitors can also access a comprehensive overview of Vixen's extensive range of wet blasting machines, from manual solutions to fully automated systems.

For a direct path to information on Vixen's robotic automation solutions, simply follow the provided QR code, which will take you straight to the automation page. This dedicated resource offers in-depth details about Vixen's latest robotic innovation, including system features, technical specifications, and the benefits of adopting automated surface treatment in your facility.

In addition to robotic wet blasting solutions, Vixen designs and manufactures a complete range of surface treatment equipment to meet diverse customer needs. This includes industrial wash lines, ultrasonic cleaning systems, and specialized surface finishing solutions tailored to demanding production environments. By offering a comprehensive portfolio of equipment, Vixen provides businesses with the tools they need to achieve exceptional results across a variety of applications.

Partnering with Vixen means working with a company that understands the complexities of modern manufacturing and is committed to delivering solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and consistency. Contact Vixen today to discuss your surface treatment requirements and discover how their innovative robotic solutions can transform your production processes.


For Information:

Vixen Surface Treatments Ltd

73 Jay Avenue, Teesside Ind Est

TS17 9LZ, UK

Tel. +44.1642.769 333

E-mail: chris.owen@vixen.co.uk

www.vixenaquablast.com