Wheelabrator Group helps company treble efficiency, increase output and improve blast performance
WHEELABRATOR PROVIDES ‘STEELY’ RECOVERY FOR CUSTOMER
A steel castings company has seen efficiency treble, output increase and experienced an improved blast performance, after upgrading its machinery as part of an equipment modernisation programme from Wheelabrator Group.
The producers of alloy castings approached the market leaders in surface preparation and finishing machinery, after its blast cycles under performed, became too timely and were no longer cost effective.
Jay Dorling, general sales manager, wheelblast UK at Wheelabrator Group, said: “The third wheel on the customer’s existing blast machine (car table type 3-wheel) had become in-active and actually plated over.
“Blast cycles were too lengthy, there was poor separation of abrasive and contaminant, and as a result they were experiencing a low wheel parts life of only three weeks. The machine just wasn’t reaching its full potential and failing to finish the product to the required standard.
“The dust extraction system was also under performing, creating health and safety concerns as a result of poor airflow.”
Following a full machine appraisal by Wheelabrator Group, the third blast wheel was re-instated using the latest Wheelabrator blast wheel technology and a completely new dust collector was added together with new extraction ducting.
Mr Dorling added: “After further analysis we also carried out a total modification of the recycling system, incorporating full continuous magnetic separation.
“A secondary elevator, additional abrasive store and transfer hopper were also included and fully integrated into the existing system to give better efficiency when separating the abrasives and heavy sand load.
“Our customer can now re-use its raw materials, making additional cost savings, as well as being kinder to the environment. The new process also removes the problem of contamination within the media mix, allowing a more efficient machine operation and less parts wear, resulting in an improved blast finish and a very happy customer!”
The modernisation of existing machinery has seen blast cycles drop from 30 minutes to 10 and, consequently, reduced wear on the wheel blades, which now last up to three months.
Mr Dorling said: “More importantly, the improved efficiency of the dust extraction ensures a safer working environment. The finished quality of the castings is also dramatically different and much improved, as all products are clean and free from dust.
“The customer is absolutely delighted with the results and is already enjoying the payback, capitalising on efficiency and output, while reducing costs.”
For further media information, please contact Kirsty Mellor, marketing manager, Wheelabrator Group, on 0161 928 6388 (kirsty.mellor@wheelabratorgroup.co.uk) or Clare Cockroft/Carly Pattison, Ptarmigan Consultants, on 0113 242 1155.
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