ProDispense – Always accurate and Always Correct
Problem
An axle manufacturer has had ongoing issues with accurate filling of gear oils in axle hubs and center differentials due to the operator having to manually select the oil dispensed along with the quantity of oil being dispensed into a given axle. There would be issues with the operator selecting the incorrect oil or volume of oil which often resulted in quality issues of an axle or batch of axles. There was no way to confirm which oil and volume of oil was dispensed into a given axle, which operator did the dispensing on a given axle. All data was on the build sheet for the axle and it was the responsibility of multiple operators and quality technicians to ensure it was filled correctly. All build sheets would have to be read by operators on both sides of the line, then they would have to select the correct oil and volume of oil based on what they read or thought they had read. Quality tracing was extremely difficult using this method. Oil spills and drips were also extremely common, leading to waste and safety concerns
Air Power Solution
Multiple Graco ProDispense systems have been introduced to the facility to eliminate these issues by utilizing advanced technology and programming to ensure error free selecting and filling of fluids. The facilities engineering team will be integrating the ProDispense into their existing PLC’s with new HMI’s which will contain each axles information and location in real time on the line. This will allow each axle’s build sheet to be loaded into the system. By using the axle’s build sheets in the system each operator will touch each axle’s hub or center diff on the HMI which will automatically select the correct oil and oil fill volume for that particular component which will have been preloaded into the PLC and ProDispense by the engineering team. Once the location on the axle has been touched on the HMI the ProDispense will have the appropriate recipe selected via the PLC and the system will illuminate an LED light next to the correct hose reel which contains the appropriate oil. The operator will then unwind the hose reel and dispense valve and insert it into the appropriate oil fill port. Once that is done they will touch the start button on the HMI which will trigger the ProDispense to fill the appropriate volume into the axle. This information will be recorded in their network and will be easily traced back to the axle, oil used and operator performing the fill for traceability. The ProDispense will accurately dispense the correct oil every time within +/- 1%. This will reduce rework, defects and axle failures for the end user. We are utilizing no drip valves to ensure drip free operation to reduce waste and spills to improve safety at the line sides.
Effect
The ProDispense allows for accurate selecting, fill tracking, capturing data associated with each fill to prevent defects, failures, waste and improves safety and accuracy of the entire filling process. Repeatability of the process with operators both new to the line and veterans is much improved as each selection is now automated by the system.
Prevost Launches new 4″ Air Pipe System
Prevost Corporation, an international manufacturer of pneumatic equipment, is pleased to announce its Prevost Piping System (PPS) 100% aluminum line has expanded to include a new 4” diameter size.
Like the existing line, the 4” range boasts an extensive selection of fittings and accessories making it the most complete range by any single manufacturer. They designed the 4” fittings to facilitate installation while maintaining the same reliable performance customers have grown to trust. The double lobe O-ring in our fittings, guarantees the system leak free for 10 years. In addition to the 4” launch, they also developed new “CC” fittings designed for compressor rooms and limited space constraints, innovative installation tools, and a pneumatic safety shutoff valve. The entire system is fully customizable and designed to accommodate any facility configuration.
They meet numerous worldwide certifications though our rigorous Research & Development design process, stringent manufacturing operations and thorough quality inspections. Their products meet the following international requirements: ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 8573-1 Class 0.0.0 for air quality, ASME B31.1 & ASME B31.3 for pressurized equipment, Fire Classification UL 723 – ASTM E84 and ATEX approved for gas, areas 1 & 2 then dust, areas, 21 & 22.
Since 1978, Prevost has been developing, manufacturing and marketing a complete range of products suitable for air, fluid and vacuum systems. Innovation has always been the central pillar of PREVOST’s strategy and why they strive to develop top quality, safe and sustainable products. They specialize in safety couplings, blowguns, piping networks, air filtration and pneumatic equipment.
Interested in learning more about Prevost’s new 4″ piping system…please contact Air Power
Controlling Viscosity through Proper Temperature Control
Problem
Automotive manufacturer was having trouble controlling their paint viscosity with the change in temperature in their facility from morning to afternoon. The customer was constantly changing fluid pressure to try and keep up.
Air Power Solution
With Air Power’s partnership with Saint Clair Systems we offered the customer a solution providing them with a Temperature Control Unit and heat exchanges for each color for each of their spray booths.
The Customer Experienced the following benefits:
- Maintained constant viscosity at point of use to their automatic spray system.
- Reduced re-works which reduced labor and paint costs.
- Learned about other deficiencies by maintaining constant viscosity
- Improved and kept a consistent appearance on all vehicles
Effect
The above benefits save the customer TIME and MONEY!
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