Feature on Grinding and Surface Finishing

Eight times faster shot blasting at ML Constructie

The lack of flexibility and unsatisfactory powder coating qualities at external job shops induced a Dutch manufacturer of industrial furniture to bring its coating operation in-house. Unlike its competitors, ML Constructie decided to also perform paint preparation by shot blasting in-house with an automatic shot blasting machine from Rösler. Compared with manual processes, the shot blasting cycle times are not only eight times faster, the
automatic solution also produces better qualities at lower costs.

Since manual blast operations are hard and exhausting, it is very difficult to find and keep the people for this kind of work. With the Rösler blast machine, however, employees must only place workpieces onto the respective fixtures and remove them after the blast process.

Another significant contribution towards a better working environment is the low noise emissions, which are considerably lower than manual blast rooms. Moreover, the automated shot-blast process is eight to 10 times faster, while another benefit is the blast machine’s two rails in ‘Y’ design. This configuration allows the operator to place workpieces onto the fixture at one rail branch, while workpieces from the other rail branch undergo blasting. Therefore, unproductive idle equipment times aremore or less a thing of the past. Last but not least, the overall blast cleaning quality is considerably better.

“In the automated shot-blast process, blast media gets into even the tiniest workpiece
corners,” says Ben Luizink, co-owner atML Constructie.”This is nearly impossible with manual shot-blasting operations. Furthermore, the Rösler shot-blast machine is very
tight and emits practically no dust. Since we are coating the workpieces in the same production hall, this is a huge benefit.”
For further information www.rosler.com

IMI Truflo Marine invests in MecWash system

The addition of the MecWash MWX300aqueous cleaning system has made a dramatic impact at IMI Truflo Marine, increasing cleaning productivity by over six times while reducing the operational manpower required. IMI Truflo Marine noted a significant improvement in both efficiencies and the standard of cleaning, helping the business to meet global demand. This historic naval valve manufacturer makes flow control solutions, with over 120,000 valves in service on 24 of the world’s naval fleets.

The precision cleaning and sophisticated drying processes offered by the MWX300 ensures components produced by IMI Truflo Marine are free of contaminants, preserving the critical tolerances necessary. The company’s parts have very tight tolerances, and even small amounts of dirt or contamination can prevent them from functioning properly.

Kurtis Smith, continuous improvement engineer at IMI Truflo Marine, says: “Truflo needed a machine that could provide a consistent and high-quality finish on valves in sensitive materials used in marine systems. It was important for the business that the new system could improve productivity with less manpower required in the parts washing process.

“Since the installation in 2022, the MWX300 has delivered impressive cleaning results, especially considering its size,” he continues.“The cleaning process has always been challenging due to the sensitivity of the parts and the mirror finish required. Previously, we could only clean three valve kits in a 30-minute cycle; using the MWX300 we are cleaning 12 kits within 18 minutes, with a smooth and polished finish.”

The previous cleaning method at IMI Truflo Marine was manual and required the blow drying of parts with air guns after washing. Now, the company simply loads baskets of parts into the MWX300 and presses start.
For further information www.mecwash.com

Guyson and Inventec Performance Chemicals join forces

Guyson International, a manufacturer of industrial cleaning equipment, and Inventec Performance Chemicals, a provider of speciality chemicals and cleaning solutions, are entering a strategic partnership aimed at delivering cutting-edge precision cleaning solutions to a global customer base.The partnership will provide UK customers with state-of-the-art cleaning processes and services that meet stringent industry requirements.

Inventec Performance Chemicals specialises in developing cleaning solutions tailored to specific industrial needs. The company’s dedication to research and innovation supports an extensive portfolio of high-performance cleaning chemicals and solvents designed to tackle challenging cleaning tasks with precision and sustainability.

By combining their strengths, Guyson International and Inventec Performance Chemicals aim to disrupt the precision cleaning landscapewith their new range of environmentally friendly chemicals and solvents, thus offering a comprehensive solution to customers seeking innovative and efficient cleaning processes.

Both companies are excited about the opportunity to leverage their knowledge, capabilities, and resources to address the evolving needs of industries that demand pristine cleanliness, product quality and sustainability. Together, Guyson International and Inventec Performance Chemicals will provide technical support and tailored solutions to customers, ensuring that they achieve the optimal cleaning results.

“We are delighted to partner with Inventec Performance Chemicals, who are truly setting the standard through their new sustainable solvents,” says Mark Viner, managing director of Guyson International’s Blast and Wash Division. “Our shared commitment to innovation and excellence will enable us to offer our customers the best in precision cleaning equipment and cleaning chemicals.This partnership marks the beginning of a promising era in precision cleaning solutions.”
For further information www.guyson.co.uk

PTG Holroyd chooses gearboxes from Apex Dynamics

PTG Holroyd is using the APC and ADseries of high-torque, low-backlash planetary gearboxes from Apex Dynamics as part of its ultra-precise CNC helical rotor and gear grinding machines.

Gearboxes are an integral part of PTG Holroyd’s technology as they drive the machine’s axes, making precision key. The company had very specific requirements for output torque, accuracy and product dimensions, and was seeking the optimal gearbox solution. PTG Holroyd approached planetary gearbox specialist Apex Dynamics with a set of tight specifications for its helical grinding machines, which Apex was able to meet with its APC and AD series.

Working alongside PTG Holroyd’s engineers and design teams, Apex Dynamics UK identified the optimalsolutions for the machine tool manufacturer’s helical grinding machines.

The specific Apex Dynamics’ high precision planetary gearboxes best-suited to PTG Holroyd’s helical grinders were from the APC series of rotary flange style gearboxes (with 55:1 ratio) and the Apex AD series of compact gearboxes (with 50:1 ratio). Both product ranges deliver high torque, low backlash of less than 1 arc-minute and high levels of accuracy.

The APC series comes with a patented curvic coupling output, giving a high-concentricity, low run-out, high-torque, zero-backlash connection. Its case-hardened and ground gearing offers high accuracy and high wear resistance for the gear train and, by adding a fourth planetary gear, boosts torque capacity by up to 25%.

The compact, helical, one-piece planetary cage design of the Apex AD series provides PTG Holroyd with a range of benefits. These includea stiff and accurate rotating flange design that supports accuracy of less than 1 arc-minute,and a flange to flange distance as short as 70mm, making it capable of fitting into the smallest spaces.
For further information https://apexdynauk.com/

GrindingHub will be bigger and more international

Five months before the event opens, it is already clear that the next GrindingHub will be bigger and more international. Some 375 companies from 28 countries have already secured a place at the trade fair for grinding technology, which will take place on 14-17 May 2024 in Stuttgart.

The increase in exhibitors from Asia is particularly impressive. The organiser has received just under 50 registrations so far. The first GrindingHub was still suffering from the after-effects of the pandemic, whereas freedom of travel today allows companies from all over the world to make their way to Stuttgart. This is particularly evident among the Chinese: the number of exhibitors from China has grown from four to 32. China is currently the largest national producer and largest market for grinding technology.

As another trend, more abrasives manufacturers will be represented in 2024 than at the launch event, for instance. The broad range on show – including everything from grinding machines themselves to appropriate software tools, process peripherals and measuring and testing systems – raises the appeal of the trade fair for users of grinding technology.

Martin Büsch, head of marketing for central Europe at Saint-Gobain Abrasives, says: “As far as we’re concerned, GrindingHub has established itself as the leading trade fair for grinding technology within a very short space of time. We therefore see it as an excellent and useful opportunity to engage with our customers, potential interested parties and top-class experts.”

Markus Heering, executive director at the VDW, adds: “The VDW will begin the layout planning shortly. We are delighted about having to open a fourth hall thanks to the increase in the number of exhibitors.”
For further information www.grindinghub.de