Posts

From Obsolete to Upgrade

/in , , , , /by

 

Many manufacturers struggle with finding new parts to maintain old equipment that is integral to their manufacturing process. In this case study, Air Power finds a solution to replace obsolete equipment and get this customer back in production.

Customer

A Manufacturer of foam-filled plastic parts

Challenge

The customer was having trouble with their old, worn-out mix valve on their dispense system. The old equipment needed repairs that required parts that had been discontinued by the manufacturer.  Every 45 minutes of runtime the customer would have to swap heads and do a cleaning on the used head. The customer was informed that a newer version of their system would become available, but they simply could not wait any longer and needed a solution today.

 

Air Power Solution

Air Power Account Manager Matt Graham proposed a Graco HFR with a Paradyne  Two-Component Dynamic Mix Valve to replace the existing equipment. The Graco Paradyne Dynamic Mix Valve is a rotary static valve that consistently mixes and dispenses materials requiring exceptional mixing energy. Engineered with rugged components and precision controls that eliminate dispensing inconsistencies, reduce maintenance downtime, and optimize material usage.

The Paradyne Valve Reliably mixes and dispenses difficult foaming polyurethanes, low viscosity silicones, and other hard to blend two component chemistries.

  • Easily integrates with Graco meter, mix, and dispense systems like the EFR, PR70, or HFR for a complete dispensing solution.
  • Control system delivers precision RPM control, and real time monitoring for dispensing process stability.
  • Built with durable check valves and disposable mixers that reduce maintenance and downtime.

This solution allowed the customer to be back in production quickly and allow them to continue to use their current process. With the help of our Dispense Specialist team; Jeff Pittman, Adam Kearns, and Neal Cutler, we were able to find a solution that integrated into their current system to minimize downtime and the cost of the upgrade.

 

Install_Graco Voltex Mix Valve

 

Results

 

This customer was extremely happy with the results. They are back in production with no hiccups. The Graco HFR and Paradyne mix valve integrated seamlessly with their current process.  Air Power’s solution saved them money in downtime and integrated with their current process to minimize costs.  The new system allowed the customer to run for four hours without any maintenance and at the end of four hours they just have to change the static mixer. They are happy to be back in production and planning to upgrade a few more systems with the help of Air Power Manufacturing Solutions! If you are interested in upgrading equipment in your manufacturing facility, Call Air Power today!

 

Dispense_Graco_VOltex

Ergonomics Meets Dispense

/in , , , , /by

 

Assembly solutions often require an array of different equipment to get the desired result. In this case study, Air Power was able to design a fully ergonomic dispense solution for this customer.

 

Customer

 

Manufacturer of HVAC Equipment

 

Challenge

 

This customer was planning an expansion that included adding 2 additional assembly lines for panel foaming. They wanted to have a more robust Gantry System, contrary to solutions discussed previously with other distributors. Air Power’s ability to integrate the Material Handling portion of this project along with the Dispense/Fluid Management system allowed us to be the sole solution provider the customer was able to find through the initial quoting phase. After digging into the project, the customer realized our potential and requested the Mix, Meter, and Dispense System to supply two separate assembly lines, thus adding more complexity to both portions of the MOVE project. Factors like pressure loss, high-pressure piping, distance, ergonomics were key when bringing this project from theory to paper to real life.

 

Air Power Solution

Our team was able to design a custom solution that utilizes a Unified Dual Cantilever Overhead Rail System, paired with a Hennecke High-Pressure Metering Machine designed to dispense the full range of rigid foams and flexible foams. This dispense system controls 2 mix heads to fill panels with a Polyurethane Foam on 2 assembly lines. This system pumps the foam through high-pressure hoses mounted overhead with an Ingersoll Rand Suspension Balancer and Z-Servo Balance Control.

 

Ergonomics Meet Dispense

Results

This system has the ability to have cross-lateral movement spanning the entire workstation, pump foam throughout the 1000+ feet of piping/hoses, ergonomically sufficient enough to navigate the 100lbs mix heads North, South, East, West with minimal effort, and produce foam with the touch of a button. We were able to deliver all of the key factors with a combination of our vendor support, customer communication/guidance, and our internal resources to deliver a unique one-of-a-kind turnkey solution!

 

Ergonomics

 

Ergonomics_HVAC_ASSEMBLY

Ergonmics Dispense Assembly Solution

 

Download PDF

Ergonomics Meets Dispense

Filling Station with Timed Dispense System

/in , , , /by

 

In this video, Air Power Account Manager Aaron Osborne walks you through this Lubricant Dispense Station. The customer needed to pre-fill cartridges so the operator could utilize it in a manual application for the day shift. Air Power proposed a solution that combines a Loctite Timing and Pressure Dispense System with a Graco Husky Pump. This Filing Station solution reduces down fluid pressure and allows for multiple cartridges to be filled and stored. When the operator needs a cartridge s/he grabs from filling station and attached is bench side dispenser for accurate dispense into the end product.

Product Demonstrations

/in , , , , , , , , /by

Check out the latest updates at Air Power!

Product Demonstrations

Air Power Manufacturing Solutions is making efforts to be sure that we can continue to effectively support the manufacturing community during this time. We love to be able to visit customers on-site and demonstrate how the products we sell can improve manufacturing processes, but there are a variety of other ways we can show you the latest technologies. Follow the link below to read about the ways Air Power can help you improve your manufacturing process!

 

 

pRODUCT dEMONSTRATIONS

 

Get the Perfect Ratio with GEMS 2K

/in , , , , , , , , /by

 

When it comes to mixing paint, accuracy is the key to achieving a high-quality finish. In this case study, we discuss a 2K solution that helped this customer perfect their process and save tons in production costs.

Customer

 

Manufacturer of roadside transformers.

 

Challenge

 

This company has a small parts booth for primer and topcoats. The operator had to manually mix two types of epoxy and one urethane. Each day he had to spray all three colors from the same hot pot system. The color change process was a major problem as the different parts to be sprayed were not batched. This caused a lot of waste of paint and solvent. The other concern was being off ratio and parts not curing properly. This was a major cost to the company. They also had a large booth that sprayed the finished transformer. They had to utilize the same paints and this process had the same problems. If the large transformer was off ratio, they had to sand the paint off and repeat the entire process. This proved to be a very expensive problem.

 

Air Power Solution

 

Air Power proposed to install a Carlisle GEMS 2K mix system for each color. We also put in a pump system to pump and circulate all paints to the mix machines. The catalyst was dispensed to the machines from 5-gallon pressure tanks. The 55-gallon drums of paint each had an agitator in them to keep paint in suspension to maintain viscosity. By having a machine for each color there was no color change or off ratio problems.

 

Results

 

The Air Power Solution eliminated the need to hot pot in tanks. Since each color is mixed on demand; this system provided a major labor savings. There is no paint waste and the newly established process saves about 2 to 3 hours per shift as compared to manually formulating and mixing paint. The solvent usage was greatly reduced as there was not a tank to clean each color change. This solution has been able to speed up production on all three shifts. Our technical group and installers were able to put the system in place without impeding the customer’s production runs.

 

GEMS 2K Mix System

 

Download PDF

Get the Perfect Ratio with GEMS 2K

 

CFT Maple Smart Pump

/in , , , , , , , , /by

 

Carlisle Fluid Technologies Maple Smart Pump

 

The Maple Smart Pump is Carlisle Fluid Technologies’ advanced, air-operated, horizontal piston pump for automotive and general industrial applications. This range of precision-engineered pumps is designed to handle modern shear sensitive solvent and waterborne paints as well as pure solvents and other paint shop materials. The Maple Pump design combines an energy-efficient air motor with CFT’s low shear fluid section technology providing a smooth consistent flow of materials for both automatic and manual spray gun systems.

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE

Troubleshooting with Graco

/in , , , /by

Troubleshooting with Graco

 

Air Power along with the help of the Graco Team, organized a troubleshooting training event. Our team spent time learning all of the Graco pump quick fixes that they can use in the field to solve issues for customers on the spot. With this training, our Account Managers can save customers time and money in service and repair costs. Thanks to the Graco team for their support!

 

Silicone Drum System Saves Money

/in , , , , , , /by

 

Manufacturing facilities in today’s competitive market strive to produce the highest quality product. In this case study we will discuss the importance of recognizing every company’s desire to produce a premier product.

Customer

Leading Global Manufacturer of Display Refrigerated Cases Systems

Air Power’s Solution

In partnership with the customer and the silicone material supplier (Ellsworth Adhesives), Air Power offered a solution by using 3 ea.  Graco 55 gallon drum packages. These drum packages will replace manual and battery operated caulking guns. By going to bulk drums vs expensive tubes customer will reduce silicone cost by 30%. Customer purchases over 1 million dollars per year in silicone. Drums are placed near three assembly stations throughout the plant. Material fluid hoses are festooned 14 feet over head at each operating station to eliminate dangerous trip hazards.

Result

By converting from caulk tubes to bulk 55 gallon drums customer will reduce RTV silicon by an estimated cost by 30%. Each Graco 55 gallon ram drum package features Graco Data Trak. The Graco Data Trak features a light tower located on the 55 gallon ram package. The light tower will alert the operator with a signal showing drum is low on material or empty.

Increased floor space by eliminating cartons of tubes placed on wood skids near each operating station. Increase production time by elimination to open cartons of tubes of silicone and place tubes into manual caulking guns.

Eliminate the need to have batteries charged. Eliminate the cost of replacing battery charged caulking guns.

 

Download PDF

Silicone Drum System Saves Money

Save Time and Paint with ProDispense

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

Manufacturing facilities utilize various types of coatings, some of which are two component paint.   These formulas must be mixed properly in order to properly adhere and perform in the field as designed.  This case study highlights a solution that allowed the customer to maintain tight paint ratios, minimize waste, and remove hand mixing from the process.

Customer

A leading manufacture within the truck and bus industry located in North Carolina.

Challenge

This truck and bus manufacturing facility has multiple paint booths due to their high volume, high quality, and high standards associated with the paint application.  They use a two component primer and paint, and have to maintain automotive quality finish on their production line.  The main paint line utilizes a Graco Proportioning System to dispense on ratio paint to operator; however the offline paint repair/touch up facility still relied on manually mixing (or “hot potting”).  Hot potting tended to be very wasteful as the paint mixed wasn’t always sprayed prior to gelling, or the two parts were mixed off ratio causing imperfections within the finish aesthetics and quality.  Due to hot potting the general work area was considered “messy” as operators were physically hand mixing paint and catalyst out of drums.

Air Power’s Solution

Air Power in partnership with Graco, proposed a solution utilizing the Graco ProDispense platform of product.  This proportioning solution allows the offline operators to mix exactly how much they need for each application on ratio every time. There is no guesswork when it comes to material being mixed or how much is needed, and the work area is self-contained with little to no mess. The offline paint process has become streamlined as the paint operator only has to know how much paint he needs (in liters) and what color.  They select the desired paint volume and color from a custom touch screen user interface. Once selected the exact amount is dispensed and mixed into the paint applicator.  The operator then removes the paint applicator and performs the associated painting task.

Result

Operators are no longer mixing paint by hand.  This alone has saved the company time and money due to costly mistakes associated with the hand mixing process.  The waste output has been reduced due to the ability to accurately and repeatedly meter, mix, and dispense the exact volume of paint in which the operator needs on time and on ratio.  Aesthetically the workspace is much cleaner.  An added benefit to management is the ability to now view, track, and have visibility of paint usage, due to the ProDispense reporting capabilities, within an application which historically has had none.  Allowing for better ontime tracking, shipment, and forecasting.

 

Download Case Study

Reduce Paint Waste with ProDispense

 

 

Graco’s ProDispense is a cost-effective and user-friendly electronic system that dispenses preset amounts of fluids. The ProDispense system allows durable goods manufacturers to quickly and accurately fill cavities with oil, grease, water, or other industrial fluids in assembly line environments where accurate dispensing is essential. ProDispense can deliver up to eight different fluids at multiple dispense points, and accurately measure volume.

  • Consistent fluid dispense
  • Reporting capability tracks volume and usage
  • Easily connects to PLC and barcode scanners
  • Return on investment assures that ProDispense quickly pays for itself
  • User interface provides simple operation and data entry
  • Local or integrated control
  • Manual or automatic dispense
  • Tracks dispense results for process verification

 

 

 

Download Brochure

Graco ProDispense

 

 

Air Power Puts the Graco ProMix PD2K to the Test with HB Fuller

/in , , , , , , /by

Air Power Manufacturing Solutions Put PD2K to the Test with Graco and HB Fuller

 

The customer is switching to Swifttak 4431 Heat Reactivated Water Based Adhesive, a two-component adhesive, for better product quality. They need a system to effectively mix and spray the 2K adhesive. The Graco PD2K is the only 2K system that can effectively handle the Swifttak adhesive due to the industrial pump based unit which allows for operation in either flow or pressure made.

More about Graco ProMix PD2K System

More about Graco ProMix PD2K System

The ProMix PD2K mixes the material close to the gun so the flush zone is significantly smaller. This allows customers to use less paint, spend less on disposal costs and allows for faster color changes. And because there is limited mixed material in the system, the ProMix PD2K is ideal for short pot life materials. It is also compatible with acid-based materials.

Graco has specific ProMix proportioners that are designed to manage tough acid catalyst applications like cabinetry and bar countertops. The corrosion resistance fluid section, plus the smart fluid plate with 316 and 17-4 SST catalyst sections, can easily handle strong acid catalysts.

 

Download Brochure

Graco ProMix PD2K