Abstract Metals are treated by directing a high pressure jet of high hardness particulate material in a fluid medium against the surface of the metal. The fluid material is comprised of small marble particles dispersed in a liquid medium such as water and in some instances including other substances, such as clay and rust inhibitors. The high pressure jets prepare the metal for plating, remove flash, markings and imperfections from the metal. The metal is then washed and buffed. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes high pressure systems for delivering the fluid mixture from nozzles at a station through which the metal is carried. A recovery system recirculates the material so that it is continuously re-used. The process and apparatus are useful for either sheet metal or individual metal parts.
Apparatus for treating metal, comprising a. a treatment station, b. first means for delivering marble particles in a fluid medium under pressure at said station, c. second means connected to said first means for directing said marble particles in a fluid medium against said metal, d. a washing station, e. third means for delivering a washing medium at said washing station, f. fourth means connected to said third means for directing said washing medium against said metal, g. a buffing station, h. movable buffing members mounted at said buffing station and adapted to engage said metal, i. fifth means for moving said metal sequentially along a path through said treatment station, said washing station and said buffing station, j. recovery and recirculating means for the particles and fluid medium operatively associated with said treatment station, and, k. sixth means at said treatment station for causing temporary relative displacement between said metal and at least said second means in a direction generally transverse to said path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for treating metal, comprising a. a treatment station, b. first means for delivering marble particles in a fluid medium under pressure at said station, c. second means connected to said first means for directing said marble particles in a fluid medium against said metal, d. a washing station, e. third means for delivering a washing medium at said washing station, f. fourth means connected to said third means for directing said washing medium against said metal, g. a buffing station, h. movable buffing members mounted at said buffing station and adapted to engage said metal, i. fifth means for moving said metal sequentially along a path through said treatment station, said washing station and said buffing station, j. recovery and recirculating means for the particles and fluid medium operatively associated with said treatment station, and, k. sixth means at said treatment station for causing temporary relative displacement between said metal and at least said second means in a direction generally transverse to said path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said sixth means includes a plate connected to said fifth means and adapted to be moved through said treatment station, at least one spud mounted for reciprocating movement to said plate and adapted to support a metal object thereon and fixed cam means at said treatment station engagEable with said spud upon passage through said treatment station and adapted to reciprocate said spud.