The objective of this project is to provide improvement to the manufacturing process of an in line automated flocking machine. Centrix Dental currently uses a manual process to produce their flocking applicator sticks. This consists of the use of a circular fixture that holds around 600 polypropylene sticks. Both ends of the sticks are then dipped in glue and subsequently sprayed with electrostatically charged flock after the glue is dried. Finally, the excess flock is blown off while the sticks are cut in half to produce two final products, or twice the number of sticks originally placed in the fixture. Changing to an automated system provides multiple advantages for Centrix, such as an increased production rate and the elimination of the need for an employee to complete this process. Last year’s ME/ECE senior design team provided a preliminary analysis of how the automated process should be undertaken. However, further steps will be taken to move from theoretical analysis to a complete design that can be used directly in Centrix Dental’s manufacturing facility. Factors such as a gluing station, flock box, blowoff station, and UV curing are the main aspects to be focused on. With regards to the flock box, there is a need for a rotating brush to ensure the flock is evenly distributed onto the applicator tip. Additionally, it is imperative that the correct motor is employed to rotate this brush, whether that be a DC or pneumatic motor. Many approaches can be taken to address the blowoff station as well. This component may be solved using a small handheld vacuum or a larger industrial sized model, depending on the required rate of air flow. This report provides further details on the most effective design for an automated process.

Our team collaborated with Mechanical Engineering 12 on this project.