Dennis Phillips, National Sales Manager for PFERD-South
Africa, a leader in the manufacture, supply and distribution of abrasive tool
solutions, said, “Buying cheaper, or trying to operate quality tool drives with
sub-standard consumables is a false economy”.
“This incompatibility not only increases consumable use and
subsequent operational costs, but the additional noise, vibration and dust
usually associated with sub-standard abrasives, increases operational hazards
for the operators. The reverse is also applicable, because buying sub-standard
machines and pairing them with high-performance abrasives will also not deliver
optimum results.
Incompatibility Woes
Incorrect machine and tool combinations increase costs in
the long run. It is the main driver behind premature wear and reduced
consumable service life, leading to increased consumption. A knock-on effect is
wasted human resources because increased tool changes use up valuable time that
could have been spent on production.
Compatibility Benefits
A powerful tool drive paired with the correct
high-performance abrasive eliminates large consumable bills that would result
from the mismatch between tool drive and consumable.
Phillips added, “The benefit of ensuring balance through
correct combination is what delivers the best performance and achieves the
desired results. Correct compatibilities offer improved productivity and cost
efficiencies, reduced consumable purchasing, faster processing times, increased
operator safety and comfort and less machine down time. It is more beneficial
to consider the long-term requirements and to keep the overall process in mind
when selecting consumables and tool drives.”
Assessment Excellence
“Our Application Specialists and Technical Sales Advisors
are available to conduct site visits and assess a company’s applications and
requirements as well as provide guidance on the machine and tool combination
that will offer the most cost-effective solution.”
“If required, training at the PFERDAcademy can be arranged
as we believe that training is key to achieving the operational performance
that delivers cost savings on consumables and prolongs the machine’s service
life,” said Phillips.
Recently, PFERD’s Application Specialists went to a site to
assess the customer’s unusually high usage of tungsten carbide burrs. It was
determined that the customer recently replaced their pneumatic tool drives and
price played a major role in their decision-making.
Phillips commented, “During our investigation, we determined
that the new pneumatic tool drives were of the incorrect rotational speed for
the tungsten carbide burrs being used. The machines were rated at 25 000 RPM
whereas the consumables had an optimum operating speed/RPM of 16 000 RPM. This
incorrect operating speed led to heat build-up, premature wear and in some
instances product failure”.
“A new tool drive with the correct operating RPM and a
material specific burr, ideally suited for the material and application, was
recommended. The immediate difference was in the handling, performance and
comfort for the operators”.
Further in-production testing resulted in the customer
changing over to the recommended machine and consumable combination. While
initial set-up costs were higher, the customer noticed a significant overall
cost reduction due to improved product service life and productivity. “The
proof was in the performance and the balance sheet,” said Phillips.
PFERD is well known for their expertise and high-performance
abrasives. When used correctly, their products offer greater lifespan, better
performance and superior cost efficiencies.