{"id":12899,"date":"2024-02-04T11:54:58","date_gmt":"2024-02-04T11:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vatech.co.uk\/?p=12899"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:01:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:01:15","slug":"ic-series-robots-shelling-automation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vatech.co.uk\/en-US\/2024\/02\/04\/ic-series-robots-shelling-automation\/","title":{"rendered":"IC-Series Robots: The Backbone of Shelling Automation"},"content":{"rendered":"

IC-Series Robots:\u00a0<\/span>
\nThe Backbone of Shelling Automation<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Precision and repeatability are essential for\u00a0investment casting. This is why we have engineered a comprehensive portfolio of\u00a0shellroom\u00a0solutions\u00a0that take traditional\u00a0shell-making\u00a0into a streamlined, intelligent process. This includes automated solutions for\u00a0ceramic shell\u00a0coating\u00a0to shell drying, with every\u00a0shellroom\u00a0system delivering consistent quality, reduced cycle times, and enhanced process control.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

IC-Series Robots<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Our\u00a0Shellmaker\u00a0System\u00a0is built around the use of our\u00a0IC-Series Robot, designed specifically for the\u00a0rigorous\u00a0process\u00a0of\u00a0lost wax casting. These robots form the core of our\u00a0shelling robotic system, enabling precise automated\u00a0shell dipping, shell coating, and shell building\u00a0of complex wax pattern geometries.<\/p>\n

IC-series robots\u00a0<\/span>are based on the<\/span>\u00a0Kawasaki, Fanuc,\u00a0<\/span>Kuka<\/span>\u00a0or ABB\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>ystem with enhanced engineering\u00a0<\/span>for\u00a0<\/span>optimal<\/span>\u00a0performance in<\/span>\u00a0investment casting.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
\n

  • KEY FEATURES<\/div><\/span><\/li>
  • – Large working envelope<\/p>\n

    – Payload 130kg-1500kg (286lb-3300lb)<\/p>\n

    – Heavy-duty payload<\/p>\n

    – User-friendly programming modules<\/li><\/ul><\/div>

    • OPTIONS<\/div><\/span><\/li>
    • – Slurry level calibration control<\/p>\n

      – Integrated 7th axis<\/p>\n

      – Multiple gripper styles<\/p>\n

      <\/li><\/ul><\/div>

      • KEY FEATURES<\/span><\/div><\/span><\/li>
      • – Large working envelope<\/p>\n

        – Payload 130kg-1500kg (286lb-3300lb)<\/p>\n

        – Heavy-duty payload<\/p>\n

        – User-friendly programming modules<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>

        IC-Crystal: Shell Management System\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

        At the heart of our\u00a0automated shell-making process is IC-Crystal, our proprietary\u00a0process management software\u00a0designed to manage every aspect of\u00a0ceramic shell production. Our IC-Crystal Shell Management System provides:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Real-time monitoring of robot operation and part handling<\/li>\n
        • Long-term analysis of Key Process Variables (KPV) for quality assurance<\/li>\n
        • Environmental condition tracking to optimise shell drying and to ensure zero process variability<\/li>\n
        • Equipment service alerts and out-of-tolerance notifications<\/li>\n
        • Integration with slurry equipment, including sensors for temperature, viscosity, and slurry level control<\/li>\n
        • Compatibility with rotary rainfall sanders and vertical sanders for seamless process control<\/li>\n
        • Optional\u00a0ceramic shell weighing system\u00a0for coat-by-coat tracking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Process data is logged against a shell process library for traceability and review of part-specific processes to ensure every ceramic shell meets predefined standards.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/p>\n

          Shell Coating Cells\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

          Our shell lines are designed for full automation or hybrid manual-robotic operation. These systems support:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Automated shelling solutions for consistent layer application<\/li>\n
          • Optimised drying of ceramic shells through controlled airflow and humidity<\/li>\n
          • Enhanced\u00a0shell coating\u00a0precision with programmable dipping cycles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

            \n