Industry 4.0 is the latest industrial revolution. Its advent is changing manufacturing in a variety of ways.

Industry 4.0 is giving manufacturers the chance to make use of advanced industrial manufacturing tools and technology through the life-cycle of products. 

Because of this, there is much more visibility into how operations are conducted.

Manufacturers are also saving a great deal, speeding up production, and providing customer support that is above and beyond. They can stay ahead of competitors – as long as they embrace the changes coming.

Any manufacturers that want to thrive are making use of the newest industry 4.0 technologies. Below are some of these technologies that are changing manufacturing.

1. The Internet of Things

Manufacturers are making use of the Internet of Things (IoT). In essence, this works by connecting unique devices in existing infrastructure online.

This is so useful because there are a wide variety of goals that can be fulfilled. These include reducing costs, improving efficiency and safety, and, most of all, increasing innovation.

The Internet of Things has come about due to a few factors. These are having Internet access readily available everywhere, smaller sensors, and the advent of cloud computing.

2. Predictive Maintenance

Specialized equipment breaking down can be very costly to any manufacturer.

This can cause expenses in repairs, as well as money lost through a lack of productivity. Making sure equipment is always functioning at its best is a priority that manufacturers are now focusing on.

There is a variety of predictive maintenance technology that can detect incoming issues with equipment and mitigate these issues before they even arise.

3. Big Data and Visibility

While the Internet of Things is making use of sensory input to improve data collection, it is also allowing for this data to provide insights in real-time.

Having a variety of data from different sources goes hand-in-hand with cloud computing.

This is making constant access to data not only usable but useful in a way that can improve the understanding of the manufacturing process.

In turn, manufacturers can improve their productivity and optimize their operations all at once. They can also handle issues before they arise.

4. 3-D Printing

3-D Printing is enabling manufacturers to produce items in a much faster and less expensive way.

The use of 3-D Printing allows for quick prototypes to be made, giving designers a cheap way to see how their products work and troubleshoot them at the earliest possible time.

Items can also be produced on demand rather than creating in bulk and then warehousing them.

The Future of Industrial Manufacturing

As long as manufacturers stay savvy to the new changes within industry 4.0, they will be able to improve the processes by which they manufacture and grow exponentially.

Adapting new processes and investing in technology is crucial in today’s world of industrial manufacturing.

Take a look at some more of our articles to find out the latest manufacturing news.

The idea of working on an oil rig has always been a lot of big machines and dirty work. While this is true, not everyone understands the details of oil rig operations.

Even working in the industry, if you have never spent time out on an oil rig, it can be hard to piece together all the little details. Each job, part, and structure is essential, and without organization, they all fall apart.

To get yourself acquainted, we have put together a solid explanation of the basics of oil rig operations and the people who work on them. 

The Basics of Oil Rig Operations

There are dozens of different variables that can make any single oil rig unique. Location is one of the biggest ones, but the number of people, company policy, and type of drill can be factors as well.

The point of an oil rig is simple, drill down, and extract oil. The process has hundreds of moving parts, and the balance of activity and part maintenance can make each day complex. 

While we can go on for hours on each individual rig part, instead, we’ll focus on the core of any oil rig: the people. 

The Workers of an Oil Rig and Their Jobs

The workers on an oil rig ensure the process is smooth and avoids damage to the equipment, oil supply, and surrounding area. 

The seven positions below cover the basics of an oil rig, but often positions can include multiple people, and the numbers in each position vary.

1. Company Representative

The company representative will often be in charge of the general operations on a rig. They’re taken from the company that owns the rig. They are often either a senior manager from the company or a senior member of the crew.

Overseeing operations, a company representative will often direct the building of roads to the rig, installation of the wellhead, and final decisions on formation tests.

2. Derrick Worker

In a more permanent rig operation, a derrick worker is vital. They operate from the tall derricks surrounding the drill. 

Often, a derrick worker will add or remove sections of pipe from the drill string. They add more pipe as the drill goes deeper and remove sections as the drill pulls back. 

3. Driller

The position often manages the rig crew outside of the company representative. They operate the draw works, which are a system of cables and pulleys that runs the pipe, thus their operational name.

They can stand in for the toolpusher as needed.

4. Floor Workers

The most inexperienced people on the crew, the floor workers, always operate in pairs. They are the ones who operate the oil rig tongs.

Often there are two levels to the floor workers, the lead and the backup. The more experienced of the two will get the lead. 

5. Motor Man

Often the extra or 5th operator, the motor man or motor worker, is an experienced position that gives support and backup to the positions as needed. Often they do close work with the driller. 

6. Tool Pusher

While the company representative controls the operational decisions and over-arching plans, the tool pusher is the direct manager during operations hours. 

The tool pusher is the field management compared to the company representative’s corporate management. 

7. Lease Pumper

The leaser pumper is a position taken during the drilling of a new well. Their general focus is on ensuring that the rig remains clean and avoids damaging or spilling into the surrounding area.

When an oil rig is set up onto a leased area, such as a farm not owned by the oil company, it is onto the leaser pumper to ensure excess oil or improper mud pits do not taint the farm.  

Quality Workers, Quality Equipment

Oil rig operations are a complocated affair. The wrong move and it could cost you thousands of dollars in damaged equipment and spilled oil.

With a better understanding of the jobs and operations of an oil rig, you can get a good grip on what kind of oil rig equipment you need. We at Kor-Pak distribute only the best, so our equipment is guaranteed quality. 

The purpose of an industrial vibrator is about as straightforward as anything could be. Quite simply, it shakes things around to get them moving when they’re stuck or blocked. 

Here’s a more comprehensive definition: industrial vibrators help materials flow through bins, hoppers, silos, drums, conveyors, funnels, chutes, and bags. They’re also used to prepare concrete.

And we haven’t even scratched the surface. Industrial vibrating equipment has many different uses, some of which might surprise you. We’ll discuss a few of these in the following paragraphs.

Industrial Vibrators

All industrial vibrators use vibration to separate granular or powdery substances or small parts. Then, they can move, flow, or settle unimpeded by friction or blockages.

This technology is especially important for handling large quantities or a large volume of material at a time. What follows are some examples of where and how industrial vibrators are used.

Mixing and Compacting Concrete

Not allowing concrete to consolidate correctly can lead to product defects, compromise their strength, and create surface flaws.

Therefore, concrete vibrators are enlisted to consolidate freshly poured concrete and release trapped air and excess water, thus allowing the concrete to settle and solidify in the formwork (mold).

Hopper Vibrators, Silo Vibrators, and Vibrators in Train Cars

These are short- or long-term storage containers for grain or other material comprised of loose particles. The materials need to be funneled into other containers when ready for use, but they might have settled or clumped.

Vibrators loosen the material so it can flow into the new containers for further transport, feeding animals, bagging to sell, and so on.

Vibratory Feeders for Sorting

These are vibrating bowls with sorting screens to separate mixed batches of small components–such as bolts or screws. Once sorted, the items are put on a conveyor to be counted and packaged.

These are also used for processing different sizes of rocks and minerals.

Truck Vibrators Spread Road Salt, Fertilizer, etc.

These materials, which are dumped or spread in large quantities by trucks, are prone to clumping and sticking to the inside of the truck. Having a vibrator in place prevents workers from losing work time. It also removes the need to remove the material manually.

Industrial Vibrators in Shipping

Many businesses ship materials like:

• Unprocessed and non-packaged food
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals
• And similar materials

These also benefit from vibrators since they condense the material for vacuum packing and other modes of packaging.

A Sweet Conclusion

Would you believe that industrial vibrators play an important role in manufacturing chocolate? They’re used to maximize purity. After pouring the chocolate into molds, industrial vibrators bring any bubbles to the surface.

The vibrating motion also loosens cooled chocolates from their molds for removal without manual labor.

When you need an industrial vibrator or any similar or related equipment for your business, let us know. We just might have what you need!

In 2018, manufacturing companies used more than 30% of the total American energy use. That energy is put to good use because manufacturing adds trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy.

The question is, how do manufacturers transform that energy into goods? Motors power industrial machines, but how do they turn that power into a product?

Read on to learn about the belt drive and why it’s a necessary part of manufacturing operations. 

What is a Belt Drive?

Belt drives are a type of power transmission system that’s been around for over 200 years. Early versions of this drive system used flat leather belts or ropes. Today, rubber is the most common material for belts.

It’s basically a pulley system. Two pulleys are connected by a belt that transmits power from one pulley shaft to the other. There is one driving pulley and one driven pulley. 

The belt’s movement is what transmits power from an engine to a mechanical device.

There are three general types of belts: flat belts, V-belts, and synchronous belts. V-belts are the most common because of their strong friction thanks to their trapezoid shape. Synchronous belts have teeth, so they’re good in slick environments.

How Are They Used in Industrial Machines? 

The transmission bridges the gap between the motor and the moving parts of industrial machinery. The most common transmission systems are belt drives, chain drives, and gear drives.

Belt systems are used in grain belt conveyors, sawmills, printing presses, punch presses, and more. They’re even used in exhaust fan systems and laundry machinery. 

They’re most commonly used when the two shafts (driving and driven) are very far apart, as in a grain belt conveyor. Rubber belts are useful in this situation because you can get them in any length you need.

Belt systems are also standard in industrial machines that deal with shock loads like crushers or hoists. The sudden change in force can damage the motor.

But, a flexible belt can slip backward. This can make the belt overheat, but it will protect the motor from more expensive damage. 

Benefits of a Belt Drive

Belt systems are the most affordable transmission product option. They’re simple to install, absorb shock and vibration, and are relatively quiet.

Belt systems need regular maintenance to make sure the belts are in alignment. But, the maintenance costs are cheaper with belt systems than they are with a chain or gear drives.

The other transmission options are chain drives and gear drives. Chain drives are more compact than belts, but they’re also more expensive. Gear drives are noisy and need regular lubrication. 

Because of the simple design of belt drives, these systems last longer. They can handle wear and tear, especially with routine skilled maintenance.

Choosing the Right Power Transmission for Your Operation

The belt drive has been a viable transmission option for hundreds of years. It’s a good choice if your shafts are far apart or you regularly deal with shock loads. 

It’s a quiet transmission option that’s also cost-effective. 

If you need help choosing the right transmission products, contact us today. Our knowledgeable staff will answer any questions you have. 

Metal fabrication work isn’t for the faint-hearted. It can be a tough and dangerous job. However, implementing necessary fabrication safety measures is an easy way to decrease injuries and increase productivity. 

Keep you and your employees safe by implementing the following safety measures.

Metal Fabrication Work Safety Measures

One of the best ways to learn how to make a work environment safer is by paying attention to the statistics. For example, knowing the most common metalworking injuries is the first step in preventing them in the future. These include cuts, abrasions, burns, strains, and eye injuries. 

The fewer injuries you have to deal with in your shop, the quicker you’ll be able to complete projects and other orders. 

1. Ensure Everyone is Well-Trained

First, start with a rigid training program for new employees. They may have completed all of their necessary courses and received all of the proper certifications, but every shop is unique. 

Make sure they spend an adequate amount of time learning the ropes of their new work environment, shadowing seasoned fabricators, and understanding what the job entails.

2. Wear the Appropriate Protective Gear

One of the most essential fabrication work safety measures is making sure people are wearing all of the necessary protectives gear. Metal fabrication requires high-heat and high-pressure equipment. Without the proper protective gear, people can quickly get burned, cut, or worse.

This also includes making eye protection mandatory at all times. As eye injuries are one of the most common accidents in fabrication work, there’s no reason to risk it.

3. Use Equipment and Tools as Intended

Next, make sure everyone in the shop is using the machinery and tools as intended. Fabrication equipment is designed for specific purposes and specific materials. Using these tools for anything other than their intended purposes is a great way to damage expensive equipment or cause injuries in the workplace.

Additionally, make sure people are going the extra mile to ensure safety using their equipment. It may take an extra 10 minutes to secure safety clamps, but that’s better than a piece of metal being projected across the shop.

4. Stay Focused

Another common cause of injuries in a fabrication workshop is a simple lack of focus. Due to the nature of fabrication work, it requires your undivided attention. Being distracted while working with dangerous tools and machines could be a huge mistake.

Make sure your employees are staying on task and remaining focused. If you notice someone is distracted by anything (personal or professional reasons), address it immediately.

5. Encourage a Safe and Injury-Free Work Environment

Finally, people often need a little extra motivation to do things by the numbers. While cutting corners can seem like the right move to save time, it often leads to shoddy work or injuries. 

Encourage your employees to stay safe and do things right by offering rewards at the end of each week or month if the workplace stays injury-free.

Be Prepared to Handle Accidents

No matter what protocols and policies you put into place, fabrication work is dangerous and will eventually lead to an injury. It may be a small cut or burn or something much more severe. 

Regardless, being prepared to handle these situations is key to running a safe workshop. Make sure you have plenty of first aid gear on hand, including a defibrillator, just in case.

If your goal is to keep your workshop as safe and productive as possible, you need to make sure your equipment is up to par. Contact us if you’re looking for equipment repair or need any other products!

Water jet cutting is a process of using highly pressurized water to cut through metal.

This is a useful alternative to laser cutting parts for machinery and fabrication. 

The use of water jet cutting dates back to the 1950s. But, the technology wasn’t widespread in use until around the 1970s. 

Water jet cutting was first used to cut lumber. Scientists experimented with pressurizing the water. This led to many ideas for the use of water jet cutting.

Learn more about the many uses of water jet cutting below.  

Water Jet Cutting: A Wave Of The Future

If water jet cutting dates back to the 1950s, how can it be a part of the future?

Water jet cutting is useful on a variety of materials, from steel and ceramics to stone and metals.

Pressurized water combines with crystal garnets and aluminum oxide to cut material.

Water jet cutting is an alternative to laser cutting. A few reasons someone would choose water jet cutting are as followed:

• Something cut by a laser will be hot from the laser, whereas a water jet will keep the product cool.
• Water jet cutting is preferable on more materials than a laser.
• Water jet cutting allows for metal to lay flat while cutting. 
• Water jet cutting is cheaper than cutting something with a laser.

Also, the water jet can keep the molecular structure of a material. This makes it a perfect alternative to using a laser. This is because the heat that a laser produces changes the material. 

Water jet cutting is nothing to play with, though. The water used reach pressurization of 90,000 PSI. This pressure is intense and needs extreme caution when handling. 

Water Jet Uses

People use water jet cutting in robotics, science equipment, and machinery parts too. 

The ability of the water jet to make close, cold, precise cuts make it ideal in the production of machinery parts. 

Water jet cutting is essential in the building of the robots of tomorrow. Robots need many small, intricate pieces. Everything from the base plates to the individual gears is possible with a water jet.

Water jet cutting helped create robotics for NASA. The technology also made machinery that researchers will use in farms of tomorrow. 

Some water jets operate with a low PSI. They can so the jet can cut softer materials. The water jets use the lower PSI to cut rubber, foam, textiles, and leather.  

Power In Water

Water jets have created new and exciting inventions. 

With the ability to create clean cuts on a variety of surfaces, this is the start of new discoveries. Anyone can make their ideas come true with the help of water jet cutting. 

The scientific community has begun to embrace this technology. Water jet cutting is creating new products and technologies!

You know a variety of different ways you can use water jet cutting. For more information, we can help!