Sonar Buoy Marking System
Project description
The manufacturing of this sonar buoy marking system was a design challenge. Because of limited floor space at the OEM’s facility, the system needed a vertical design and had to allow the parts to spin to apply the markings.
Fabricated from aluminum frames and panels, the machine was designed to mark the buoys for identification along the circumference at 5″ and 6″ diameters. Measuring 10′ x 32″ x 32″, this marking system would handle parts to 40″. This unit featured 2-axis Allen Bradley PLC controls. It was necessary that the black and white solvent-based inks used in this application be alcohol and abrasion resistant. The system was anodized with a powder coated finished to prevent corrosion from occurring, it was also tested against UV light and saltwater. The 2,000 lb machine was delivered to the client’s facility in Florida where we performed the installation and startup.
Automation-Plus is a leader in designing and fabricating marking systems for industrial applications. If you would like more information about this sonar buoy marking system, please feel free to contact us.
Highlights of this Sonar Buoy Marking System Project
Requirement | Create a machine to mark a Sonar Buoy for identification using both black and white ink. Ink had to be alcohol and abrasion resistant. |
Capabilities Applied/Processes | Fabrication |
Material Type | Aluminum |
Material Form | Frame, Panels |
Controls | 2-axis, Allen Bradley PLC |
Ink | Solvent Based Pigment |
Part Diameter | 5 and 6 in |
Part Length | 40 in |
Product Depth | 32 in |
Product Width | 32 in |
Product Height | 10 ft |
Tightest Tolerance | ±.010 in, ±1° |
Ink Color | Black and White |
Material Finish | Powder Coated, Anodized |
Resistances | Alcohol, Abrasion |
Secondary Operations | On-Site Installation and Startup |
Packaging | 2,000 lb |
Industry for Use | Defense |
Volume | 2 per year |
Lead Time | 16 weeks |
Delivery Location | Florida |
Tests Performed | UV Light, Saltwater |