Understanding the Precision and Process of Laser Cutting Technology

Laser cutting is synonymous with accuracy and cleanliness, especially in the technical fields in which it gets used. Equal parts versatile and reliable, laser cutting, works on various materials. It also boasts several unique advantages.

This has become the gold standard for precision, from automotive to semiconductor manufacturing, it all benefits from this adaptive manufacturing technology. And, today, we’ll learn more about the features and benefits of laser cutting and how it helps with applications across the board.

1. It’s More Precise Than Conventional Cutting

Manufacturers using laser cutting enjoy some practical benefits over traditional components. Much higher precision levels and quality than otherwise. This is the same across a variety of materials, all of which laser-based cutting has been proven to excel at.

Lasers provide consistent, precise cutting compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. This is for one specific reason. Unlike conventional techniques, laser cutting doesn’t need to make contact with the material. Conventional cutters take a certain amount of impact from excessive physical contact. Laser cutting, meanwhile, always creates a high-quality finish. These laser beams do not wear out during the laser cutting process. With that in mind, the level of precision and edge quality with the laser cutting machine is staggering in comparison.

Compared to conventional cutting, laser cutting technology allows you to cut more complex shapes. It does this at high speeds, and with very little damage or loss. 

2. Shorter Lead Times. Shorter Turnarounds

Compared to conventional manufacturing methods, laser cutting shortens lead times. Almost any size, shape, and type of material can be cut with a single laser cutter. This eliminates long lead times and setting up many pieces of equipment.

Faster processing times result when using laser services, besides the laser being able to handle large project sizes, as well. A high-quality machine can handle sheets that clock in at hundreds of square centimeters, as well as being thicker than you’d expect.

This further allows us to deliver smaller orders quicker and more efficiently. Allowing manufacturers to respond to market demand quicker than ever before.

3. Cut Materials of Almost Any Thickness 

As we’ve covered, laser cutting does not need to be in actual physical contact with the material being cut. This allows these lasers to perform precise work on materials of nearly any thickness or durability. All of this makes laser cutting ideal for small and specialized services, such as photoengraving.

Laser cutting can be used across dozens of materials and industries. This is enough to make it one of the most versatile materials for effective cutting, from large to smaller projects. And, as we’ve mentioned, laser cutting offers unparalleled precision and cutting quality.

Laser Cutting: A Mark Of Precision

There isn’t a construction technique out there that can outmatch laser cutting. Especially not when compared to its precision and cleanliness. 

For more on these and other operational machinery usage guides, check out the rest of our expert blog content, today!

How to Determine the Ordering Specs for a Crane Hoist

An overhead crane hoist is a type of heavy equipment that’s used to lift and transfer heavy loads. They’re used in most industries, from agriculture and shipbuilding to mining and rail. 

A hoist and crane can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. Either price can be a huge business investment.

That’s why it’s crucial to know what to look for as you’re shopping around. Keep reading to learn how to calculate the ordering specs you need.

Lift Capacity

Every hoist will come with a capacity limit, which is the maximum amount of weight the hoist can handle.

To calculate the lift capacity you need, take a look at your business stats. How much does a typical load weigh at your company?

You should choose a hoist that will lift at 50% capacity. In other words, the hoist capacity should be twice the weight of the average load. This will ensure the safety and longevity of the hoist.

Lift Distance

The lift distance is the space between the hoist and the lowest area it needs to reach. The distance will determine how much vertical space the hoist can use.

To calculate this, measure the distance between the support beam and the floor. Then, subtract the height of the crane bridge. 

The lift distance will help the crane manufacturer decide what size you need.

Lift Speed

The lift speed is how fast the hoist will be able to pull loads up and release them down. Just like with vehicles or other heavy equipment, hoist motors are measured in horsepower. A horsepower is a measurement of pulling power, distance, and time. 

The higher the horsepower a motor has, the more expensive it will be. So, when calculating the lift speed, you need to consider the needs of your business.

If your operation needs to move heavy materials quickly, you will probably need a large motor. But if you infrequently move light materials, you could get by with a smaller motor.

Power Supply/Voltage

Hoists need electricity to pull loads. They can come in voltages of 115V, 230V, or 460V.

When shopping around for a hoist, it’s essential to know what your current electrical system can handle. You may need to call an electrician or refer to the building plans.

Choosing a crane system that is compatible with the electrical system you already have can save you a lot of money.

Crane Span

If you are installing the overhead crane at an indoor facility, you have to make sure it will fit. The span of a crane is a measurement of the distance between the runways.

If you’re ordering a new crane, measure the distance between the support beams where you plan to install the crane. 

Choose Kor-Pak for Your Hoist and Crane Needs

Did you know that an overhead crane can last for up to 80 years? So, you might not need a new crane after all. An upgrade or a modernization might be all you need to make your operation run smoother.

For more information about our hoist and crane products, contact us today.

How to Choose a Scan-Pac Supplier for Your Friction Materials

Scan-Pac friction materials are essential for such heavy industry sectors as oil and gas, agriculture, and alternative energy.

Pressure and friction work together to ensure that brakes, clutches, and more industrial equipment run as smoothly as possible. That’s why the right supplier is crucial.

Not only do you need high-quality materials, but you need a steady supply. Follow these tips to find the right supplier for your needs.

What Are Your Goals?

Before choosing a supplier, assess your business needs and goals. This will help you determine which friction materials are required for your project, customization needs, and cost.

Do you need custom fabrication for your parts? Are you on a strict timetable? These are essential questions to ask when choosing a friction materials supplier.

A Wide Selection of Scan-Pac Products

You have specific needs for your projects. That’s why you need a supplier that manufactures a variety of non-asbestos, molded, and sintered friction materials, as well as phenolics and laminate.

The best way to find out if a potential distributor is a good fit is to check its website. Scan-Pac offers dozens of friction material types.

Popular choices include:

  • High-energy friction materials
  • Overhead crane friction linings
  • Metal friction materials
  • Rigid molded friction materials
  • Woven brake linings
  • Woven oilfield friction products
  • Clutch facings

A distributor’s website should discuss these materials in-depth, along with offering custom fabrication services.

Look for Stable Manufacturer Partnerships

For your convenience, potential distributors should also discuss manufacturer partnerships on their websites. This will give you greater insight into the stability of those partnerships.

Ideally, you want a material handling company that has a long relationship with Scan-Pac. If a prospective company has a rocky relationship with a manufacturer or recently lost their contract, that’s a major red flag.

To learn more, don’t hesitate to give prospective distributors a call. Do they have access to the specific parts you need? It never hurts to ask!

Customer Service

Every business should practice stellar customer service, primarily your Scan-Pac distributor. Prospective suppliers should have no issue answering your questions. And if you need custom services, you’re going to have a lot of questions.

How fast a company responds to your inquiries is one way to gauge a company’s customer service. The quicker, the better. If your emails go answered for days, move on to the next supplier.

Having the right friction materials distributor isn’t just a production issue; it’s a safety issue. You can’t afford to wait. The right supplier should be available to troubleshoot, customize, and ship your parts as quickly as possible.

Another hallmark of stellar customer service is fast estimates. Before you can start your project, you need a quote. Reliable suppliers understand that you need your quotes fast.

Additionally, a trustworthy company will quote a fair price without surprise costs in the end.

Find Your Distributor

Don’t settle for less. Work with a Scan-Pac distributor that checks every box. Remember these tips as you choose your next supplier.

Ready to start your project? Don’t wait to get the parts and fabrication you need for your equipment. Check out the blog for more expert advice or talk to a specialist right now to get the ball rolling.

A Purchaser’s Guide to Buying Industrial Parts

The industrial parts and machinery industry grew by nearly 7 percent last year. This growth is due in part to the resurgence of manufacturing businesses in the United States. If you’re the owner of one of these businesses, you know all too well how important it is to have the right tools at your disposal.

Over time, the equipment you have in place will start to show signs of wear. Whether you are dealing with down industrial braking system parts or damaged crane components, getting the right replacement parts is vital.

The following are some of the things you need to consider when trying to get the best industrial parts.

What Industrial Parts are Needed?

Industrial equipment like cranes and large hydraulic-powered presses have many moving parts. While you may realize your equipment is broken, you may not understand what is causing these problems. Instead of merely guessing what industrial replacement parts you need, consult with a knowledgeable mechanic instead.

If you don’t have a mechanic with experience on the payroll, you should have no problem finding one to consult within your local area. The money paid to a professional for this diagnosis will be worth it considering the valuable information they can provide.

Do Some Online Research

After you have an idea of what replacement parts you need for your industrial equipment, it will be time for the research phase of this process. Don’t necessarily settle on the first replacement parts you come across. Get online and see which brands are the most reputable.

Ideally, you want to invest in parts that are durable and have excellent warranties attached to them. Paying a bit more for a part with a great warranty is a good idea.

Before selecting the parts you need, be sure to compare prices. You don’t want to spend additional money unnecessarily.

Work With an Experienced Supplier

For most business owners, buying industrial parts online is essential. When purchasing online, you can usually get a fair price and fast shipping.

Before completing your purchase with a particular online supplier, be sure to check out their return policy and the reviews they have received from others in the past. With this information, you can figure out whether the supplier in question is the best fit for your needs.

Also, look for a supplier that can provide excellent customer service. If you are unsure about what you need to get, these suppliers can provide you with the necessary guidance to make this buying process an easy one.

Don’t Wait to Replace Defective Parts

As soon as you notice one of your industrial machines is showing signs of wear, you need to take action. The longer you wait to replace worn industrial parts, the harder it will be to reduce damage.

If you are in the market for quality industrial parts at a competitive price, be sure to contact Kor-Pak Corporation. We’ll help you find the parts for your machines.

Top 5 Stromag Parts for Your Oil Rig

Climate change and warming ocean temperatures mean that there will be more violent and destructive storms battering oil rigs than ever before. Keeping a rig producing in top form and maintaining a safe platform means proactive maintenance during calm periods. 

Rig readiness and safety can be stressful to manage. Optimal use of equipment, wear and tear, regulations, and personnel safety can take their toll on even the most seasoned manager. You need to thoughtfully select, install, and maintain all parts of your rig. 

Stromag is a leader in high-quality industrial brakes, couplings, clutches, and controllers. Why risk your rig with no-name alternatives?

Read this article to identify the top five Stromag parts for your rig.

1. Stromag Series 51 Limit Switches

Challenging crane applications require reliable and easy to install Stromag Series 51 limit switches. They are the ideal choice to meet crane application requirements.  The reinforce polycarbonate housing resists harsh deck environmental conditions.

These are geared cam limit switches. They are universal, easy to adjust mechanical switchgear. They can map a broad range of shaft rotations to installed cam discs.

Use limit switches where switchgear cannot directly limit angles or distances.  A limit switch works indirectly based on the measured angle of rotation.  

2. Stromag Hydraulic Caliper Disc Brakes

When your emergency crane brakes provide the power for a hard stop and hold the load during a power outage, you want ATEX certified brakes. SH Series brakes are ATEX certified. They also hold approval certificates for DNV, ABS and Lloyd’s Register-type. 

Experts trust Stromag quality in oil rig safety.

3. Stromag High-Temperature PERIFLEX VN Couplings

Need flywheel connections or shaft-shaft connections under challenging conditions?  Stromag developed the Periflex VN flexible elastomer coupling with linear spring for diesel engine drives. These highly adaptable couplings have many uses in oil and gas applications.

Suitable up to 120 °C ambient temperature, the compound has temperature stability across a range of temperatures. Periflex VN has high resistance to abrasion, mechanical strength, and media resistance against oil and ozone. 

Suitable for Gen-Set, Compressor Set, or Pump Set operations. 

4. Stromag TRI Couplings

Stromag TRI couplings for piston engines can be screwed directly to the flywheel of an engine. They allow two shafts or flanges to connect

These are the ideal couplings for resiliently mounted or soft torsion drives. Their allowance for axial and radial displaceability is high. 

5. Stromag Emergency Brakes

These are some of the most powerful electromagnetic, mono spring or hydraulic brakes on the market. These reliable safety brakes ensure that loads lift safely and hold when activated.  

  • Fail-safe braking
  • Braking by spring application
  • Electromagnetic release
  • Manual lining wear compensation
  • Brake pads with wear indicator

Choose the type best suited for your needs. 

Stromag is the Top Choice for Oil Rigs

When reliability and safety are on the line, count on Stromag for brakes, couplings and more. Stromag parts are built to last under harsh conditions, including seawater and solvents.

Want to learn more? Give us a call or leave your information, and an expert will call.

What is Sintered Friction Material?

In an industrial setting where heavy machinery is involved, the right type of brakes could save lives, prevent property losses, and allow your business to run more smoothly.

Whether you’re looking into manufacturing machinery or replacing parts on existing machinery, it’s essential to know about sintered friction material.

Keep reading to learn more about this type of brake, and it’s benefits and applications. As you’ll see, it’s a crucial part of several industries.

What are Sintered Friction Materials?

Sintered friction materials are created with a mixture of non-metallic and metallic powders.

Base

The base of sintered friction brakes typically consists of an iron or copper alloy. This is what the other materials are bonded to under pressure to create a strong brake that can withstand high heat.

Friction Agent

The other part of this braking material is the portion that provides friction. The materials used as friction agents vary depending on the application and offer a range of energy capacity, wear behavior, and costs.

Whatever materials are used, they are cold-compacted when in powder form between 12 and 18 psi. This bonds them to a steel backing along with any other wear-resistant agents and fillers the brakes may contain.

What Applications do Sintered Friction Materials Have?

Next, we’ll take a quick glance at some of the most common commercial applications for sintered friction materials.

Sintered brakes are also now standard on motorcycles and ATV’s.

Benefits of Sintered Friction Material

Now let’s jump into some of the benefits you can gain from using sintered friction material in brakes for industrial equipment and machinery. Knowing what they’re commonly used for, it’s easy to see why they’re used in those applications.

Stable Under Various Conditions

When using heavy machinery, it’s crucial to have a brake pad that’s stable under various temperatures. Braking materials that are unreliable under temperature changes can be dangerous.

For outdoor applications such as locomotives or wind turbines, it’s even more critical to have brakes that work in wet or dry conditions.

Handle High-Heat

The metallic properties of sintered friction materials allow it to withstand a much higher temperature than organic options.

Large pieces of machinery generate more heat when slowing down than smaller ones, which is why it’s essential to have materials that can handle the heat generated by friction.

No Warm-Up Time

Some types of brakes require some time to warm up before they start producing results. When you’re in a situation where you need to stop something large quickly, there’s no time for brakes to warm up.

This is the third significant benefit to sintered friction materials. They don’t require any time to warm up so you can expect them to act as soon as you need them to, making them safer and more effective.

Ready to Place an Order?

Now you know what sintered friction material is and how it’s used in a variety of industrial and other applications.

If your business needs a high-quality brake material that can withstand high temperatures, contact us today. We would love to provide you with a quote and help you get what you need to keep your business moving forward.

 

3 Reasons Why the Industrial Clutch is Essential

When working with massive industrial machines, even the smallest piece can be a vital part of the overall work process.

A solid and reliable industrial clutch can be a core factor in a well-run setup. Working with industrial equipment without one can be detrimental.

The 3 Core Reasons for an Industrial Clutch

An excellent industrial clutch can come in a wide variety of forms and can work with all manners of machines. The prime purpose of an industrial clutch is to bridge connected machines and shape and control their power and motion.

When operating a large industrial complex, each industrial clutch can and should be providing all 3 of the below core factors.

While not useful all at the same time, each of them provides an efficiency boost and safety net for your employees and hardworking machines.

1. Higher Rates of Control and Speed

Industrial clutches are the lynchpin between machines. They allow for softer stops, smoother transitions of motion and power, and you can tune them for automatic reactions during emergency shifts.

All of these uses allow your industrial setup to run at higher speeds and efficiencies. Clutches act as a proper safety net that keeps your machines protected and operational. 

2. Better Motor Life with Less Pressure

There are a large variety of motors that get used in industrial equipment. No matter the type of motor, powering up a motor takes a bit of energy and strain. This gets worse when you need to build up to rapid cycling conditions.

In a system without an industrial clutch, the motor is in danger. The only way to control the motion of the load, then, is to start and stop the motor. While the motor can work to do this, doing it at a constant rate will wear it down fast.

With an industrial clutch, the motor does not need a constant shifting off and on to control anything. This takes away a lot of pressure on the motor.

3. Protection Within a Power Loss

When working with expensive equipment and high-value loads, you want to make sure you protect yourself at all times in case of emergency. A power loss can cause havoc if you are not prepared.

Industrial clutches are a perfect tool towards ensuring that preparation. In the event of a sudden power loss, your clutch's design allows it to mechanically activate to ensure a slow and safe stop of machinery.

Without this, there can be grinding halts and nasty breaks when things go south.

Safe and Secure Machinery, When You Need It

An industrial clutch is a simple but powerful piece of equipment that turns a running setup from functional to practical. The protection and efficiency they can provide are critical to a well-run setup.

When you need equipment, maintenance, and information on all things industrial, you can turn to Kor-Pak. Contact us today for more details. 

How The Agricultural Industry Uses Industrial Equipment

Humans have strived for new, innovative technology since the dawn of civilization, particularly in how we obtain our food. But we’ve come along way since the inventions of the wheel and cotton gin. 

Technology is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, and the agricultural industry is reaping the benefits. Inventions are becoming more and more advanced and practical.

In this increasingly high tech world, here are some ways agriculture companies are employing heavy machinery. 

Heavy Machinery and Technology

In the agricultural industry, the implementation of software into farm equipment is perhaps most notable. Equipment such as yield monitors, GPS systems, and seed monitors are making farmers’ lives easier by providing precise assessments.  

One of the top recent advances in heavy machinery is a technology innovation that highly improves grain yield. Two large liners take turns inflating and deflating and gently push leftover grain into a conveyor trough. The process enhances the cleanout process to 99% and eliminates the risk of auger entanglement. 

Not only does it improve crop yield, but it also eliminates the hassle of cleaning the machine’s bin floor. 

After the process is complete, the device shuts itself off, saving even more time. 

Farmers’ challenges with these new technologies stem from different companies not interfacing with one another. Once these technologies synchronize, however, it will be an exciting time to be a farmer.  

Industrial Brakes 

The improvement of industrial brakes is another sign of the many advancements to heavy farming machinery. The agriculture industry is about efficiency and durability. Cost-effective disc brakes that last longer and have improved durability help farmers enjoy longer periods of low maintenance on their machinery. 

These brakes are reliable and affordable, improving the dependability and durability of farmers’ heavy equipment. 

Industrial Vibrators

Farming machinery comes with the unfortunate risk of blockage. Containers, belts, and shoots are all prone to blockage. Industrial vibrators reduce the chances of blockage by continually shaking material. This ongoing shaking alters the flow enough to minimize obstructions, and reduce material build-up if blockages do occur.

Industrial Vibrators have a wide range of applications that make them extremely valuable to the agricultural industry. Improving their design, and tailoring specific vibrators to specific applications is an ongoing process. But, thanks to the design improvements, farmers are enjoying more peace of mind than ever. 

Custom Machining and Fabrication 

Because technology is advancing so quickly, farmers are able to get specialized attention for their specific needs. Processes such as laser cutting, water-jetting, bonding, riveting, and other services can now produce a customized assembly.

Companies are simply designing products that suit the farmer’s individual needs more than ever. 

The Agricultural Industry is Heavier than Ever

Farmers have always used heavy machinery. That’s not what’s changing quickly in the agriculture industry. What is changing, however, is the quality of the machinery farmers are using. 

Today, more than ever, the agricultural industry relies on science and industry for its improvement. Advancements such as those made in the field of industrial brakes are cutting down on farmers’ maintenance costs. Software devices such as yield monitors improve farmers’ accuracy. And customization is offering high tech solutions to heavy machinery that simply didn’t exist prior. 

We live in an exciting technological time full of industry and highly mechanized processes. It’s essential to look for which of those processes you can potentially benefit from.

So what are you waiting for? Check out our blogs to find more excellent information about heavy industrial equipment. 

3 Signs You Need EMG Thruster Repair

Keeping equipment operational means more uptime for any business which operates heavy equipment as their core service.

More uptime, in turn, means better customer service and ultimately a better bottom line.

For harbor cranes and other heavy equipment requiring a more sophisticated braking system, EMG thrusters are the heart of the braking system.

If your brakes are failing, EMG thruster repair can get you back online quickly, if you have the right repair service doing the repair job.

Where and how the EMG thruster is used is critical to a smooth and safe operation of heavy equipment around the world.

Failing to maintain this critical component can cause poor operation of heavy equipment, not to mention unsafe equipment operation.

To learn more and find out the three top signs of how you can tell you need EMG thruster repair, read on.

EMG Thruster Repair – Three Signs They Need Repair

EMG thrusters are widely used in the operation of heavy lifting equipment and conveyors across the globe. EMG usage is due to their high durability, ability to provide a safe workplace as well as having a smooth and quiet operation.

Not having a functional EMG thruster can shut an operation down. Knowing what signs to look for can minimize your downtime and help optimize your heavy equipment uptime.

Below are three vital signs of EMG thruster operational failures.

  1. Seal seepage or leakage
  2. Bearing wear and failure
  3. Hydraulic fluid levels and fluid viscosity

What these three things have in common is concatenation. Concatenation refers to a group of items linked together or occurring together in a way that produces a particular result or effect.

In other words, all of these components of the EMG thruster need to be functioning correctly in concert to get the desired result. If one begins to fail, you will have a snowball effect that will cause the entire unit to fail.

What to Do if Your Industrial Brakes are not Performing

The truth is that all equipment will fail at some point. Knowing how to maintain your equipment is the key.

The best companies not only have a proper maintenance plan they have a good preventative maintenance program to stay ahead of issues before they become issues.

Of course, unexpected breakdowns occur, but an excellent preventative maintenance program will be somewhat predictive of when a component will fail. The maintenance schedule will be timed to perform maintenance with that predictive failure in mind.

Not every company has employees with the skill set to run such a program. Many companies outsource this service, which keeps their overhead down and keeps their equipment up and running.

Peak Performance Levels

Keeping your heavy equipment at peak performance is not a simple task. Having the right EMG technician on-site for your EMG thruster repair at the right time is critical to maintaining peak performance.

If you are looking for a replacement part, equipment consultation or EMG thruster repair, visit our blog or contact us today. You will find what you need to keep your equipment safe and performing at its peak.

What Is An Industrial Cable Reel?

What is a cable reel and how can it benefit your operation? What is the right way to purchase the best reel?

The cable you use for your job needs the right transportation. Without a proper means of organization and storage, you can end up losing hundreds of hours on shipping and labor. It’s time you found a solution.

If you want to see how a cable reel can benefit your company, keep reading for the information you need to know. 

What is a Cable Reel?

Cable reels are various spools that carry different types of industrial wire. The main purpose of a cable reel is to organize and transport your cable and wiring. You can expect a cable reel to come in many sizes to fit your style of industry

Configurations 

Cable reels are configured based on transport needs and use. For instance, portable and collapsable reels are perfect for mobile use and easy storage. If you’re a traveling professional you’ll want a reel that can be easily broken down and reassembled for each job you complete. 

A live connection reel is for quick use, as you can use live connection even if the cable is left on the reel. 

When you’re shopping for the right reel, it’s important that you find a drum that matches your measurements and the purpose of your job. You can easily suit a reel to a given job by searching for reels in your specific field. For example, if your operation is looking for cranes, you’ll want a crane cable reel for the job. 

What Are Your Options?

When you’re addressing your options for cable reels you’ll need to start with cable options then start looking at drums. If you’re searching for fiber optic cable, you may need a large drum to support a given electrical job. If you’re operating a crane, you’ll end up buying heavier and longer cable. 

The reel structure also depends on your purpose. For instance, there are many wooden reels that will not withstand the weight of your operation. If you’re having trouble figuring out which equipment to buy, you can use this simple formula: decide the expectation of a given job, match your materials, then optimize cost. 

This formula will account for industry requirements, proper resources, and the cheapest way to purchase any given reel. It’s sometimes encouraged to upgrade your reel with new materials, especially in fields like crane modernization

How to Make it in Your Industry

The cable reel can be useful for almost any industry. If your operation handles tons of cable every day, there is sometimes no better method for organization and storage than a reliable reel. Of course, a reel is just one of many types of products that can help you make it in your industry. 

If you need cutting edge equipment, maintenance technology, or to simply resupply your materials, it’s time you found the right source. 

Your next step to action is a click away. Go ahead and check out our products and services for your industry needs. Start growing your operation today!