BACKGROUND

ABB transformer, as the predecessor of Hitachi ABB, had used Blastman robot for automatic sandblasting of its transformer cases at Ludvika factory in Sweden since the late 80s in the last century. In 2023, the successful blast robot experiences of Ludvika project were replicated in Hitachi ABB Chongqing, one of the automatic manufacturing plants in Asia. Hitachi ABB Chongqing has applied Blastman latest generation automatic robot for automatic sandblasting to transformers.

 

Hitachi ABB Energy Chongqing is a global leader in transformers, offering liquid-filled and dry-type transformers. Hitachi Energy's power transformers are key components in power networks.

 

 

OBJECTIVES
The requirement was to blast clean automatically and completely exterior surfaces and essential interior surfaces of various transformer cases and accessory workpieces at a given speed.

 

SOLUTION
We delivered two sets of robotic blast rooms with two different robot models. The first blast room is equipped with one Blastman B20CS robot. The robot arm is equipped with two 16mm blast nozzles. The second blast room, which is equipped with two sets of B16XS robots with one 16mm nozzle on each robot is designed for blasting accessory workpieces mounted on the transformers. Blastman Studio software allows operators to make blasting programming off-site and meanwhile improves the availability and efficiency of the robots dramatically for each different workpiece.

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B20CS TECHNICAL INFORMATION

 

Nozzle diameter	16mm
Number of nozzles/robot	2
Blasting pressure	7 bar
Blasting rate	75 m2 per hour
Abrasive	Steel grits
Degrees of freedom	8
Programming	Offline / Point-to-Point
Operation mode	Automatic Manipulator mode

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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B16XS TECHNICAL INFORMATION

 

Nozzle diameter	16 mm
Number of nozzles/robot	1
Blasting pressure	7 bar
Blasting rate / robot	50m2 per hour
Abrasive	Steel grit
Degrees of freedom	7
Programming	Offline / Point-to-Point
Operation mode	Automatic

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESULT

Thanks to the robots, the required roughness and cleanliness were reached in both two lines in the required cycle time. High efficiency and constant quality were guaranteed by using Blastman robots.

 

Compared to traditional manual blasting which requires massive manhours and manpower, programmed Blastman robots have simply reduced a large amount of labor force, and only very limited manual work is required for the blast cleaning process as a result.

 

Operator safety is always a key concern. Blastman robots, running automatically, ensure the protection of operators and remove them from the harsh blasting environment.

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Blastman will be exhibiting at CWIEME Berlin from 19–21 May!

📍 Visit us at Stand 27A39 to discover how Blastman’s robotic blasting solutions help manufacturers improve safety, consistency, and productivity in demanding industrial environments.

 

We look forward to meeting industry professionals, partners, and innovators from around the world and discussing the future of smarter, safer, and more efficient manufacturing.

 

If you’re attending CWIEME Berlin, be sure to stop by and connect with our team.

 

📅 19–21 May
📌 Stand 27A39
📍 Berlin, Germany

 

See you there!