ABOUT NOVAE TRAILER
Novae Trailer, based in Markle, Indiana, is a leading manufacturer of utility, dump, and enclosed trailers. Known for their innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, Novae has grown into one of the largest trailer manufacturers in North America. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established them as a key player in the industry, with a focus on delivering durable, reliable trailers for both commercial and consumer markets.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
To meet increasing market demand, Novae Trailer sought to upgrade its production process at the newly established Markle 3 manufacturing facility. Their objective was to enhance their blasting operations by integrating advanced robotic automation. Specifically, they wanted to create an efficient robotic blast booth that could streamline production, reduce manual labor, and consistently achieve a six-minute cycle time per trailer. The goal was to ensure high-quality surface preparation while maintaining a sustainable and scalable production rate.
BACKGROUND
As demand for their trailers grew, Novae Trailer recognized the need to increase the speed and efficiency of their blasting process. The challenge was to implement an advanced robotic blasting system that could work seamlessly within their production line while maintaining their high standards of craftsmanship. BlastOne collaborated with Novae Trailer to develop a sophisticated solution that would fit within the new facility, addressing all interfacing requirements and mitigating potential risks before installation.
CHALLENGE
The integration of an automated robotic blasting system that could consistently achieve a targeted six-minute cycle time per trailer was a major challenge. The system needed to synchronize multiple robots to ensure a uniform blast finish across large, complex components. Delays in the delivery and installation of the Blastman robots also added pressure to the project timeline, making efficient planning and execution crucial.
SOLUTION
BlastOne provided Novae with a customized solution, designing and installing a blast booth equipped with two Blastman B16XS wall-mounted robotic systems, each operating with two nozzles. The booth was constructed with galvanized Lynx panels for durability and noise reduction, and included insulated panels, high-powered LED lighting, and heavy-duty personnel entry doors to enhance both safety and usability.
The synchronized robotic systems were engineered to work in harmony, achieving a consistent and high-quality finish within the projected cycle time. BlastOne also installed a fully automated abrasive recovery system, which featured oscillating conveyors, a high-capacity bucket elevator, and an airwash system for optimal abrasive recycling. This system ensured that the booth ran efficiently, with minimal environmental impact, while reducing labor demands and improving safety by limiting personnel entry into confined spaces.
RESULTS
The implementation of the robotic blasting system has been a game-changer for Novae Trailer, significantly enhancing their productivity and quality control. While the six-minute cycle time per trailer remains an aspirational goal, the system’s precision and efficiency have drastically improved, bringing them closer to their target. The integration of the Blastman robots has allowed Novae to consistently meet their quality standards while accelerating production rates.
Additionally, the automated abrasive recovery system has minimized material waste, reducing costs and improving environmental performance. The streamlined production process has enabled Novae to effectively manage growing demand while decreasing the reliance on manual labor. As a result, Novae Trailer is now well-positioned to meet market needs, providing durable, high-quality trailers at a faster rate without compromising craftsmanship.
Their investment in cutting-edge automation has cemented Novae Trailer’s status as an industry leader, capable of handling larger production volumes efficiently and delivering consistent quality—setting a new benchmark for trailer manufacturing in North America.
CASE STUDIES
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