United Surface Preparation has a long-standing relationship with a large national precision components manufacturer. When the customer was looking to improve efficiency in one of their plants, United Surface Preparation performed a thorough evaluation of their blasting operations and offered recommendations for improved quality and performance.
THE CHALLENGE
A Faster Process to Improve Surface Finish, Reduce Downtime to Achieve the Lowest Cost-Per-Part
Case Study
Category: Large Stainless Steel Medical Parts
Industry: Precision Engineered Metal Component Manufacturer
Cost Savings: $60,750
Interested in improving your current blasting operations? Call 800-322-1413
Problem
The manufacturer wanted to eliminate bottlenecks and increase production in their blasting operations, specifically on large medical components. They also wanted to reduce downtime resulting from frequent media change-outs due to inconsistent finishes.
Solution
After performing a process evaluation, United Surface Preparation suggested they move from a suction blast cabinet system to an Empire Pro-Finish Pressure Blast Cabinet. The new pressure blast cabinet utilizes a pressure vessel and media reclamation system that:
- Consistently removes dust and undersized particles
- Eliminated the need for complete media change-out
- Ensured consistent surface finish
Results
The installation of the new Empire Pro-Finish Pressure Blast Cabinet reduced blast time per part from 24 minutes to 7 minutes. This reduced the finishing cost from $27.50 per part to just $7.25 per part — for an annual savings of $60,750. As a result of the process improvement, the manufacturer also experienced:
- Higher production output
- Superior surface finish
- Less machine downtime
- Less time spent on maintenance and media change-outs
- Lower cost-per-part
United Surface Preparation is a leading specialty industrial distributor with a national reach, headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota. Known for unparalleled service, we provide quality surface preparation products, manual and automated processes and innovative solutions to metalworking, woodworking and concrete customers nationwide.
