Leaning into a gelcoat tunnel to either pull or shove a heavy mold down the line will become a “task from the past” with our Variable Speed Gelcoat Tunnel (VSGT). This tunnel provides precise and automatic movement of molds through the gelcoat curing process. By automatically moving the molds through the tunnel, labor associated with mold moving can be reduced and precise gelcoat cure times can be obtained.
Manufacturers can choose speeds from 6” per minute to 10’ per minute, with the appropriate speed determined by the temperature setting and ambient plant conditions. Since even the heaviest molds move automatically through the tunnel, you don’t need to expend your employees (or their backs) to physically shove the molds through to the other side. In addition, precise gelcoat times can be obtained once proper timing is established.
Once the molds have reached the end of the gelcoat tunnel, an alarm sounds, alerting an employee that the mold is ready for transfer to the casting area.
The VSGT system utilizes a special roller chain so that existing mold tracks need not be modified. The VSGT can be used in new installations or can be added to an existing gelcoat tunnel by replacing the conveyors in the tunnel. The unit is available in the customer’s choice of three conveyor systems: a double wide, dual drive conveyor with separate speed controls for each conveyor; a double wide, single drive conveyor which drives both lines of conveyor simultaneously; and a single drive conveyor for small tunnel applications.
The VSGT can further offer manufacturers peace of mind with their manufacturing schedules as well as workers’ compensation worries.
Description:
The VSGT includes a speed controller providing a stable range of mold speeds from approximately .5 ft. min. to 8 ft. min., to allow for proper curing in many different applications. The VSGT system utilizes a special roller chain so that existing mold tracks need not be modified. The VSGT can be used in new installations or be added to an already existing gelcoat tunnel, replacing the skate wheel conveyors in the tunnel. Two conveyor systems are available: a double wide single drive conveyor, which drives both lines of conveyor simultaneously; and a single wide single drive conveyor, for small tunnel applications.
Equipment Requirements:
All models are equipped with a power chord only and would require a plug to match service outlet for testing purposes only. Mixers should be hardwired to an appropriate circuit by a qualified electrician to meet your local electrical codes. Additional controls may be necessary to meet your local regulations. Any additional requirements needed to deem this equipment operational will be obtained by buyer at buyers expense.
Above (from left to right) - Complete Tunnel, Tunnel without conveyor, and Gelcoat Tunnel Addition (no conveyor shown).
Features:
- Inverter control system
- Inverter duty explosion proof motor
- Potentiometer speed control
- 5 feet per minute to 10 feet per minute speed range
- Light/Alarm indicating molds exiting tunnel
- Heavy duty roller chain
- Matches up with skate wheel conveyor
- Start stop switch
- Emergency stop cable along both sides of tunnel
- E-stop on control box
- Consistent time in Gel cure tunnel from mold to mold.
- No modifications to molds are needed.
- Reduced labor.
Specifications:
- Height: 120" to top of posts , 127" to top of heater
- Width: 72", 84", 96" or 102" (between posts)
- Length: Available in 30 ft. lengths, with 10ft. additions
- Width: 20 1/8" (wheel center to wheel center)
- Height: 28"
- Chain conveyor: 208-230/460V, 3Ø, 60hz. @ 3.2-3/1.5A
- 50kW elec heater: 208-230/460V,3Ø,60hz@76-71.2/38A
- Blower: 110/220V, 1Ø, 60hz @ 11/5.5
- Natural gas/Propane: 200,000btu
VSGT Conveyor
Shown below is a Double Wide, Variable Speed Conveyor (part number VSGT)
Order Information
Variable Speed Gelcoat Curing Tunnel
| Cat. No | Description | Length (A) | Width (B) |
| VSGTS | Variable Speed Gelcoat Conveyor, 1 Level, Single Wide | 50’ | 50’ |
| VSGT | Variable Speed Gelcoat Conveyor, Double Wide, 1 Level | 50’ | 50’ |
| GCEL72SNC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor, Electric, 1 Level, Double Wide 72” Clear | 30' | 72" |
| GCEL84SNC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor, Electric, 1 Level, Double Wide, 84” Clear | 30' | 84" |
| GCEL96SNC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor, Electric, 1 Level, Double Wide, 96” Clear | 30' | 96" |
| GCNG72SNC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor, Natural Gas, 1 Level, Double Wide, 72” Clear | 30' | 72" |
| GCNG84SNC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor, Natural Gas, 1 Level, Double Wide, 84” Clear | 30' | 84" |
| GCNG96SNC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor, Natural Gas, 1 Level, Double Wide, 96” Clear | 30' | 96" |
| GC7210NC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor Addition, 1 Level, Double Wide, 72” | 10' | 72" |
| GC8410NC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor Addition, 1 Level, Double Wide, 84” | 10' | 84" |
| GC9610NC | Gelcoat Tunnel No Conveyor Addition, 1 Level, Double Wide, 96” | 10' | 96" |
Accessories
Crating
Gruber Systems Inc. believes the above information to be accurate and true. However, Gruber Systems makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the product’s performance, color, quality, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. Environmental conditions and/or manufacturing processes may vary beyond Gruber Systems’ control and users should satisfy for themselves that these materials are suitable for the particular application. Specification and design changes may occur at any time.
