Industrial Automatic Gantry Type Rack Plating Line Nickel Electroplating Equipment

Automatic Gantry Type Ni Plating Line Plating Equipment

A gantry-type plating line uses an overhead automated handling system to transfer workpieces between process tanks. The gantry system can be programmed to control movement, immersion time, transfer speed and process sequence according to the required plating process.

This is a fully automatic plating line, with the exception of manual loading and unloading. The flight bars are manually loaded onto and removed from the trolley, while the transfer between different processing tanks is performed automatically by the gantry transporters.

To improve production efficiency and ensure smooth material transfer, the plating line can be equipped with multiple gantry transporters according to production capacity and process requirements.

Each gantry transporter is designed with vertical lifting and horizontal traveling functions, with both high-speed and low-speed movement modes. This configuration enables fast and accurate transfer of flight bars between different processing stations while maintaining stable operation.

The entire plating process is automatically controlled, with manual intervention required only for loading and unloading. Once the product code is entered, the system automatically executes the corresponding pre-programmed process sequence.

The operator only needs to enter the corresponding product code through barcode scanning, IC card input, or the computer interface. The industrial PC (IPC) automatically retrieves the corresponding process parameters and sends the required commands to the PLC. The equipment then completes the entire plating process automatically according to the preset recipe.

The gantry transporters use an absolute positioning system to achieve accurate positioning and reliable movement. Each processing tank is assigned a unique position/barcode identification to prevent positioning errors and minimize the risk of the transporter moving beyond its designated operating range.

The plating line is equipped with multiple safety protection mechanisms to ensure safe and reliable daily operation:

• Collision Protection: A collision-avoidance device is installed on the side of each gantry transporter to help prevent accidental collisions during operation.
• Rail Overrun and Fall Prevention: Fall-prevention rubber blocks and limit power-off devices are installed at both ends of the rails to prevent the transporter from running beyond the designated travel range.
• Emergency Safety Protection: Safety ropes connected to the emergency braking system are installed along both sides of the entire plating line. In the event of an emergency, the system can quickly activate the emergency braking function to help protect personnel and equipment.

The automatic plating line is designed for simple and efficient operation:

• Step 1 - Loading: The operator manually pushes the trolley carrying the flight bar, jigs, and workpieces to the loading station.
• Step 2 - Product Identification: The operator enters the product code by barcode scanning, IC card, or computer input, and then presses the "Load Ready" button.
• Step 3 - Automatic Recipe Selection: After receiving the product code, the IPC automatically retrieves the corresponding plating recipe and process parameters stored in the system.
• Step 4 - Automatic Flight Bar Loading: The gantry transporter automatically travels to the loading station, lifts the flight bar from the trolley, and begins the automatic plating cycle.
• Step 5 - Automatic Process Transfer: The gantry transporter automatically transfers the flight bar and workpieces to each processing tank in the programmed sequence.
• Step 6 - Automatic Unloading: After all plating processes have been completed, the gantry transporter places the flight bar onto the trolley at the unloading station.

Throughout the entire plating process, key operating parameters—including temperature, processing time, current, and other relevant process data—are continuously collected and transmitted to the IPC.

The system stores the process data automatically, allowing operators and engineers to review historical operating records when required. The data can also be saved electronically, retrieved for process analysis, and printed for production records and quality traceability.

This integrated control and data management system provides automated process execution, accurate parameter control, reliable operation, and comprehensive process traceability, making the plating line suitable for efficient and consistent industrial production.

Product: Nickel-plated metal components

Workpiece Material: Copper / Brass / Steel

Plating Process: Nickel Plating

Automation: Automatic Gantry Handling

Control System: PLC + HMI

Installation: Customer factory