Posted to News on 21st May 2024, 14:00
Procter Machine Safety Delivers Cutting-Edge Enclosure for WAAM3D
Procter Machine Safety recently completed a significant project for WAAM3D, a pioneering 3D printing company. The project involved designing, manufacturing and installing a bespoke machine enclosure that addressed numerous challenges and met the stringent requirements of WAAM3D's innovative wire arc additive manufacturing machine, RoboWAAM.
WAAM3D approached Procter with a design concept for their new machine enclosure. The project required translating this concept into a fully functional and practical enclosure. Key challenges included:
- Ensuring the structure's components were manageable, with panels weighing less than 15kg for easy assembly.
- Achieving elaborate curves without the budget for specialised tooling.
- Developing a unique single rotary door, a first of its kind.
- Delivering a finished design suitable for a Japanese customer, necessitating a right-first time approach.
- Integrating an operator station with dual large monitors and height adjustability.
- Considering efficient packaging for global shipment.
Innovative solutions
Procter Machine Safety tackled these challenges with ingenuity and precision. The final design included:
Door design - Procter developed a new style of roller door, using off-the-shelf components to ensure global availability of spare parts. The electronically controlled door features a tension system for even load distribution and a wireless safety edge to enhance operational safety.
Structural integrity - The enclosure's steel frame, constructed from 50x50mm SHS box sections, was designed to support the 500kg roller door. Clad with 2mm steel panels, the structure was engineered for strength and ease of manufacturing. Fiberglass panels were moulded from these steel components to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Operator station - An adjustable operator workspace, incorporating desk lifting technology, was seamlessly integrated into the design, providing ergonomic benefits for the user.
Efficient packaging - The enclosure was designed for efficient packaging, with components stored in seven crates. Each crate was organised to facilitate a sequential build process, ensuring ease and speed during assembly.
Design and fabrication excellence
Procter's expertise in machine enclosures ensured that every aspect of the project, from initial consultation and design to final certification, was handled with meticulous attention to detail. This project exemplifies Procter's ability to deliver comprehensive solutions that address unique customer requirements and industry challenges.
John Procter, Managing Director of Procter Machine Safety, expressed his satisfaction with the project: "We are proud to have transformed WAAM3D's complex design into a robust and practical enclosure. Our team's ability to innovate and collaborate effectively has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. This project highlights our commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions from concept to certification."
Procter Machine Safety continues to be a trusted partner for companies seeking comprehensive enclosure solutions, offering a seamless service from concept to certification.
