Stainless steel is well known for its ubiquitous practical uses — making appearances in a range of commercial and industrial applications.

Since stainless steel contains chromium, it’s highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

Its ability to withstand high temperatures, high pressure and still be ductile and malleable makes it ideal for a wide range of oxidation resistant applications.

Stainless steels, by nature, are alloys of iron with a chromium content of at least 10.5 percent.

Other alloying elements in stainless steel include copper, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, nitrogen, and carbon. These elements are added to enhance its properties such as toughness and formability.

Due to its versatility, there is a wide range of stainless steel fabrication techniques.

The Importance of Chromium in Stainless Steel Fabrication

Chromium is a hard, corrosion resistant element that gives stainless steel its corrosion resistant properties. It’s an essential element in the manufacture of stainless steel and has no viable alternative.

In the presence of oxidizing agents, the stainless steel forms a passive film (chromium oxide) invisible to the naked eye on the surface.

As the film adheres strongly to the surface of the steel, it protects it from interacting with the environment, stopping the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion.

How Stainless Steel is Made

The Manufacture of Stainless Steel Involves a Series of Processes.

1. Melting and Casting

The alloy materials are melted in an electric furnace for around 8 to 12 hours until the metals become molten.

The molten mixture is then decarburized in an Argon-Oxygen Decabuliser (AOD) to remove excess carbon. This involves blowing argon, oxygen, and nitrogen into the molten steel.

At this stage, other alloying elements such as nickel and molybdenum can be added enhance the properties of the stainless steel.

2. Tuning and Forming

Tuning involves stirring the steel slowly to remove unwanted elements and maintain the right chemical composition.

After tuning is complete, the molten steel is cast into forms. This is done by passing the refined stainless steel through a casting machine to form slabs, billets (round or square shapes), blooms (rectangular shapes) and tubes.

3. Hot Rolling

Hot rolling involves heat treatment of the final products after the forming process. It involves heating the slabs to between 1,100 to 1300 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of steel.

Through the heating, billets and blooms are further formed into bar and wire while slabs are formed into strips, sheets, and plates.

The plate thickness can range from 3mm to 60mm.

4. Cold Rolling

Cold rolling involves subjecting the rolls to a relatively low temperature. The process not only reduces the thickness of the rolls but also produces smooth, shiny finished, and cold rolled stainless steel.

5. Annealing and Pickling

Annealing is the process used to soften the stainless steel and improve its ductility. The annealing process results in a scale build up on the steel, which is often cleaned through a process called pickling.

Pickling involves bathing the steel in nitric hydrofluoric acid. Alternatively, the scale can be removed through electrocleaning — a process that involves the use of electric current to get rid of the scale.

6. Cutting

Cutting operations are necessary to give the final product the desired shape or size.

Mechanical cutting involves the use of guillotine knives for straight shearing, circular knives for circle shearing, or steel blades. Other methods of cutting include nibbling and blanking.

7. Finishing

In applications where the appearance of the stainless steel is important, applying a surface finish can give the steel an attractive look.

Some surface finishes also make the stainless steel easier to clean, which is important for kitchen appliances.

Surface finishes are in most cases the product of the stainless steel fabrication process. For example, annealing, hot scaling, and descaling result in a dull finish.

A combination of annealing and cold rolling in controlled temperatures produces a reflective finish. Abrasive belts and grinding wheels can also be used to polish steel.

To Sum Up

Currently, there are over 60 grades of stainless steel, all categorized by the alloy elements of their microstructure. Within these grades are the three most popular types of stainless steel, namely, austenitic, ferritic, and duplex.

Each type of stainless steel differs depending on the percentage of chromium and the proportion of other elements.

Contact us today for all your iron and steel supplies. We’ve been a successful supplier to the iron and steel industry for over 30 years, and have successfully designed hundreds of overhead crane industrial braking systems for the steel industry.

Let’s not mince words: underground mining can be very dangerous. Remember the Gleision Colliery disaster and the Soma Mine Explosion? These accidents remind us that we should all work harder at keeping our miners safe.

We can at least thank some factors for reducing mining deaths and injuries in recent years. The MSHA credits advances in technology, mine safety laws, and training for this.

That’s not to say a few mining accidents are acceptable. Rather, it’s a work in progress.

Everyone in the mining industry should keep miner safety a priority. This covers everything from equipment used to accident programs and laws enforced. That said, here are some tips to keep in mind when working with underground mining equipment.

Ensure Proper Illumination

Paths, walkways, etc. should be sufficiently illuminated. Make sure lamp sockets are weatherproof.

You should also immediately replace faulty taillights and headlights on mobile equipment. Otherwise, the mine operator should keep a record of future inspections.

Wear Protective Gear

Miners should wear face shields or goggles when doing any type of work that could hurt their eyes. This includes digging with a pick, riding in railcars, and breaking material with a hammer.

For handling electric equipment or testing power circuits, miners should always wear gloves. Other protective gears include hard hats, reflectorized clothing, and high-visibility coveralls.

Check Machinery and Equipment

Equipment defects can compromise the safety of miners. These include worn tires and faulty hydraulic controls, to mention a few. To avoid incurring violations, operators must immediately remove and replace unsafe equipment.

Every mining company must perform routine checks and maintenance programs. This will ensure all vehicles and equipment are safe to operate.

Maintain Efficient Ventilation

Diesel fumes, aerosols, and particulates are contaminants that are harmful to underground workers. Air quality sensors and alarms can help detect hazardous substances in the atmosphere.

You should also note that some gases have the potential to explode. A well-maintained ventilation can reduce this risk.

Make Sure Signaling Devices Are Working

Hazard signs should always be visible. Telephones and other communication devices should work at all times. These devices can be critical for an injured worker to get emergency medical help on time.

Prepare for Emergencies

Do office workers take part in disaster evacuation drills? What about other simulated emergency procedures? All the more should high-risk workers know emergency plans by heart.

Miners should know how to evacuate in case of an earthquake or another disaster. There should be emergency gear ready. This includes HAZMAT suits and rescue breathing apparatus.

Last Words on Underground Mining Safety

Underground mining safety is not just a miner’s problem. Safe underground working conditions are the responsibility of everyone in the mining industry.

Safety awareness is just one component of this. To effectively reduce mining accidents, consistency in following safety policies is key.

Contact us today if you need mining-safe products and services. We look forward to helping you in every way possible. Feel free to also browse our blog for the latest news in mining, oil, steel, rail, and energy industry.

All it takes is one wrong move for a factory to shut down entirely. And that’s before getting into the money workman’s comp claims or lawsuits can cost your business.

From a dangling wire to a slippery surface, there’s so much that can go wrong. Your employees work hard for you, so return the favor by giving them a safe work environment.

Safety keeps employees happier, healthier, and even more productive. Read on for some easy ways to improve factory safety.

5 Ways to Immediately Improve Factory Safety

1. Invest in Training and Ongoing Training Programs

One of the easiest ways you can keep employees safe is by maintaining a regular training regimen. It isn’t enough to just send your employees onto the factory floor after watching a few videos.

Your employees deserve to really get the ins-and-outs of the factory lifestyle. After all, they’re surrounded by thousands of pounds of heavy machinery.

Invest in training for your employees and you’ll have a stronger, safer workplace.

2. Maintain Equipment

From cranes to presses to vehicles of all shapes and sizes, there’s a lot to keep up with in a factory. Rubber wears down, chains rust, and brakes need to be replaced. And if you’ve ever seen a mechanical malfunction, you know how debilitating it can be.

Keep track of your equipment and maintain it on a regular basis. There could be obsolete pieces in some of your machinery.

Make sure you have an updated log of when machines and equipment were last maintained or repaired. You may be shocked to discover just how overdue your equipment is for basic maintenance.

3. Evaluate Your Workplace Environment

Just as equipment needs regular maintenance, factory safety involves regular cleanings and changes. Take some time to evaluate your work environment and determine whether or not safety changes need to be made.

If you need some help, there are plenty of helpful checklists online to let you know what to look for. Think about some of the following as you walk the aisles of your workplace:

• Codes of conduct between workers
• Material management and placement
• How or if procedures are followed
• Employee compliances with safety procedures
• Cleanliness
• Easy exits in case of an emergency
• Access to safety materials such as fire extinguishers

4. Allow For Frequent Breaks

One of the leading causes of workplace accidents isn’t due to mechanics — it’s due to employees. Keep workers happy and refreshed by allowing for frequent breaks.

Recently, Tyson Foods found themselves at the center of a horrible controversy. Tyson violated several codes by not allowing for frequent restroom breaks.

Avoid these costly mistakes. Factory safety will improve and your workers will be happier and more productive.

5. Make Sure Employees Have Access to Proper Equipment

Our final step is perhaps the simplest. The easiest way to improve factory safety is just by giving workers access to safety tools.

Be it hard hats, goggles, hair nets, or even ear plugs, access to these simple tools keeps workers safe.

With these 5 steps, you can keep workers happier and healthier. And if you’re in the market for new machinery, be sure to contact us. From easy repairs to full-on replacements, we can keep your factory safe for less.

If you are interacting with heavy equipment on a daily basis, chances are you’re familiar with hydraulic pumps. After all, most farming equipment and other heavy machinery run on hydraulics.

When your hydraulic hose leaks, though, it can be a huge hassle, especially if you aren’t familiar with how to replace it.

You can always go the professional route and have someone replace the hose for you, but really, the job is more dirty than difficult. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do the job yourself, you can save time and money.

So let’s look at the steps to replacing a hydraulic hose.

1. Find the Issue

Chances are, your heavy machinery has more than one hose, and it’s important to figure out exactly which one is damaged before you start taking things apart.

It may be obvious if the hose has actually burst, but if it’s just a leak, pick up some hydraulic leak detection fluid to help pinpoint the source of the leak.

2. Assess the Situation

You need to check for two things before you remove the fittings and hose.

First, determine exactly how many components are going to need to be removed for you to safely remove the troublesome hose.

Second, make sure to relieve the pressure from any components directly connected to the hose. This ensures you won’t get a face full of oil when you start removing pieces.

3. Safety First

Heavy machinery is called heavy for a reason. Make absolutely sure that any pieces controlled by the hose are lowered to the ground and can’t fall on you while you work.

You already have a leaky hose. You don’t need to be crushed to death as well.

4. Get Everything out of the Way

Heavy machinery can be a mass of fittings and couplings and attachments and clamps.

Make sure everything around the broken hose is removed so you have a clear view and a clear work area.

5. Loosen the Fittings

Now to get into the real business of removing the hose.

First thing is to loosen the fitting that attaches the hydraulic hose to your equipment. This might be the valve spool, the cylinder, or the coupling, so make sure you’re in the right place.

Also make sure that as you loosen, nothing but the fitting is turning.

6. Remove the Hose

Get that hose off. Don’t worry about cleaning it yet. We’ll get to that in a minute.

It is important to have a bucket handy at this point, though, because some oil will probably spill from both the coupling and the hose.

7. Plug the Fittings

To avoid more leaking oil while you are picking up a replacement hose, make sure you plug the fittings.

The best option here is a plug made for the specific fitting, but if you don’t have one handy, a clean rag will work. Your goal is just to make sure no dirt or debris finds its way into the machine.

8. Match the Hose

Now it’s time to take your hose down to your supplier or dealer and either order a replacement or have a new one made. Most dealerships do both.

Just make sure you clean the hose off. You don’t want to be handling and transporting something coated in oil if you don’t have to.

9. Install the New Hydraulic Hose

Once that new hose comes in, get it back on your equipment!

Make sure you’re using temporary plugs on the hydraulic hose itself to ensure everything stays clean during installation.

Replace the fittings, replace any clamps or guards you removed, and check the fluid levels. You’re ready to turn your equipment back on and see how good a job you did.

10. Check for Leaks

Fire up your equipment and check the area for leaks. If everything looks good, congratulations! You just replaced your own hydraulic hose!

If you need any additional help, feel free to get in touch with us.

Do you love working on an oil rig? If so, you’ve probably gone through a fair amount of industrial safety training.

Yet, working on an oil rig can be a dangerous job. For example, the Minerals Management Service handles offshore drilling and reported 39 fires or explosions in the first five months of 2009 alone.

Clearly, you can never be too safe. To ensure that you’re protected from the hazards of an oil rig,  take a look at our tips below.

Keep reading to learn about the top four tips for keeping you safe on an oil rig. Let’s get right into it!

Keep the machines working properly

While it may seem that the first thing you do should revolve around keeping people protected, it is actually incredibly important to keep the machines running smoothly.

These machines can make or break the safety of workers on the oil rig. As such, it is essential to keep the machines working properly.

You need to treat the machinery well and keep it running smoothly or else you may endanger your life and the lives of those around you.

Be sure that everyone around you is properly trained in handling the machinery. Don’t forget to take part in regular maintenance and checkups of the equipment.

Keep repair and safety tool boxes nearby

You can never have too many safety tool boxes around. Be sure that repair equipment and tool boxes are stashed in all corners of the oil rig.

You also want to make sure you have enough first aid kits located in easy to reach places. You never know when someone might get injured and need first aid immediately.

Industrial safety precautions require repair tool boxes and first aid kits to be available on all industrial sites. However, this is especially vital for oil rigs located in the sea.

Request to have more supplies than you think is needed just in case you end up in short supply. You will likely need welding gear, power tools, plumbing equipment, electrical tools, and more.

Be sure you have all the repair and safety tool boxes you need at every corner of the oil rig.

Be on the alert at all times

You never know when an accident may occur so it is really important to stay alert. Often, an accident can happen rapidly and without warning.

Keep your eyes out for any falling equipment and keep focused on your machinery. Remain a safe distance away from any moving equipment as well.

Keep an eye out for your co-workers and avoid bumping into anyone. Remain alert at all times when you’re working on an oil rig.

Need another industrial safety tip? Wear your protective gear!

To avoid getting hurt, be sure to wear high-quality protective gear.

The protective accessories may vary from job to job. you may wear one thing when welding and something completely different when operating heavy machinery.

You may need to wear goggles, gloves, face protection accessories, and more. Whatever the protective gear may be, be sure to keep it on at all times.

To keep yourself and your coworkers safe, consider getting one of our crane inspections. If you need products or services for your industrial works, get in touch with us.

Taking Care of Your Stromag Limit Switch

Your industrial business is dependent upon its people and equipment. The Stromag limit switch is an essential aspect of promoting the safety and efficiency of your company’s assets.

These limit switches determine whether or not a machine is operating at their capacity, and shut it down if it is not.  Without them, your company could see serious injuries and a loss of productivity.

In simpler terms, your competitive edge relies upon limit switches.

Neglecting your Stromag limit switch is neglecting your business. Once you’ve picked out the perfect switch for your company, you will want to ensure its proper operation through general maintenance.

Here’s how you can keep your equipment running, your employees safe, and your money flowing.

Do A Daily Check Of Your Stromag Limit Switch

Limit switches don’t last forever. Just like other equipment, they will wear out over time and eventually fail. This can lead to serious safety concerns and slow down production.

If you stay on top of looking for general wear and tear, you can order a new Stromag limit switch and have it before your old one fails. That saves time and money.

Even if your switch is brand new, you still want to do daily checks. Manufacturing mistakes happen, so you want to catch any problems early. This will also get your team into the habit of doing daily checks before there is an issue.

Use it Properly

Limit switches are meant to be used indoors. Using one outdoors is unsafe and will lead to equipment failure.

There are also certain types of gases and conditions that can cause your switch to fail:

• Hydrogen Sulfide
• Sulfur Dioxide
• Ammonia
• Nitric Acid
• Chlorine
• Excessive dirt and dust, or anywhere with high humidity and heat.

Try to maintain an environment that does not have major changes in temperature, as this can warp equipment and lead to problems later on.

Keep the Frame and Cover Clean

Check the frame of your switch to ensure that there is not dirt build up that can mess with the electrical components.  You will also want to make sure the cover is not damaged, and replace the cover if necessary or after cleaning the frame out.

Depending on the conditions of your workplace, this can be done annually or more often.

Train your employees on safety procedures for limit switches

Oftentimes when a limit switch is activated, it has to be reset by your employees.  This can prove dangerous if the employee has to climb in order to do so.

There are dozens of cases in which people have been severely hurt or killed due to limit switches that have to be reset.  There are also cases in which limit switches have been over-ridden in order to speed up production, leading to injury and death.

Make sure that your employees know that this is never acceptable, and always provide proper safety equipment in case a switch has to be reset.

Pick the right equipment for the job

There are a variety of Stromag limit switches to choose from. Choosing the right one for the needs of your business is essential to guarantee your satisfaction.

Perhaps you need Potentiometer or encounter mounting, or there are budget concerns and you want to maximize your money.

We are always here to help.  Feel free to contact us here with any questions you might have.

Industrial Vibrators: A Complete Buying Guide

Industrial vibrators help keep your machinery working efficiently. They are used in countless industries from farming and agriculture to railroads. The functionality of chutes, hoppers, pipes and bins can all benefit from the use of a vibrator. But how do you select the right one for the job?

Several factors are involved. They include the size and shape of the machinery you’re clearing, the type of material you’re moving and where the vibration is needed. Once you determine these elements, you can choose the right vibrator design.

Here, we’ll provide a step-by-step breakdown of how to make the right selection.

How Do I Know if I Need an Industrial Vibrator?

It’s probably best you answer this question before moving onto researching the product. Industrial vibrators are used for aiding in material flow inside your equipment. They are also used for cleaning off the walls and corners of your vessels. Vibrators can even be used for sorting and positioning materials.

Keeping Materials Loose & Positioned Properly

Vibrating hoppers are most commonly found in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries to help move or position bulk materials or small parts. The vibration moves materials more efficiently. It also positions smaller components so they can be reached by other automated equipment.

Compactors & Concrete

Vibrating compactors are often used to compact soil during the construction of road, building and railway foundations.

Concrete vibrators are used to consolidate freshly poured concrete in the formwork. The vibrations release trapped air and excess water.

Number of Vibrations

The number of vibrations needed for your equipment is first determined by the size and shape of the unit.

Industrial vibrators have a 5 foot “radius of influence.” This means they are only able to “shake” a certain area inside your hopper, chute or other machines. You might need multiple vibrators depending on the amount and consistency of the material you’re moving.

Some vibrators are designed to shake the entire piece of equipment, while others only shake a certain area.

Strength of the Vibrator

The strength of the vibrator you need is determined by it’s use.

If your vibrator is being used simply to keep materials “unstuck” from the walls of your unit, or clean out corners, then you only need to consider the wall’s thickness.

If your intent is to keep materials freely flowing inside your vessel, then there are several calculations involved. You must determine the weight of the material found in the transition area of the chute or hopper. Once you’ve determined the weight of the material, you can calculate the amount of force needed to keep things running smoothly.

Start Shopping For Industrial Vibrators

Now that you’ve calculated the job your vibrator needs to perform, the number of vibrators needed and the strength of the vibrator, you can start shopping!

A few additional things to consider when making your selection are noise levels, environmental concerns, and the vibrator’s required power source. Vibrators must also be mounted to the internal wall of your vessel, though there are some external models. Different vibrators offer different options for mounting, including portable and permanent units.

You can also decide between pneumatic and electric vibrators. Both types will require lubrication and maintenance.

Using an industrial vibrator is a great investment for improving your equipment’s functionality, efficiency and longevity.

Your Guide to Proper Industrial Vibrator Installation

When you work with machinery you have to make sure that everything is running in top shape at all times.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to problems, or in some extreme cases even damage equipment beyond use.

Industrial vibrators are used in so many different kinds of equipment. They’ve become essential in certain kinds of production, and if you have one that isn’t working properly you need to get a new one installed as soon as you can.

What you need to know about industrial vibrator installation

Industrial vibrator installation shouldn’t be rushed. It takes time to properly install a new vibrator, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to replace them with ease.

Want to know the ins and outs of vibrator installation? After you read this post, you’ll be an installation pro.

Never mount directly onto equipment

One of the easiest mistakes you can make when you’re performing an industrial vibrator installation is to directly mount it on the bin or hopper. The vibrator may need to be on the equipment, but it should never be directly mounted on.

If you directly mount the vibrator on the equipment you leave it prone to extensive damage. The intense vibrations can harm the equipment, or even the vibrator itself. In some extreme cases, it could even cause a high amperage draw.

When you do industrial vibrator installation make sure you put it on a plate and channel iron combination. That way you won’t have to worry about damage to the equipment or vibrator when it’s in use.

Mount the right way

You can mount a vibrator to machinery with any regular welding method. The stitch-welding method works best because it doesn’t require heat on the corners of the mount.

Welding on corners could lead to warping or bending after it has been in use for awhile, and could lead to bin damage or even failure.

Place it in the right direction

It’s surprisingly easy to place a vibrator in the wrong direction during installation. Placing a vibrator in the wrong position or mounting it wrong could damage equipment.

Any electric units should be perpendicular to the channel iron. It’s also important to check the mounting plate for any kind of warping. If you notice any irregularities in the mounting it should be shimmed so you can have a tight seal.

It’s important to note that both the vibrator and the mounting plate to be tightly placed. Any slackness could cause problems and damage as time goes on.

Keep spacing in mind

You may have a simple single vibrator installation, but it’s possible that multiple vibrators could be needed. When you install multiple vibrators spacing is very important.

Vibrators that are spaced too close together could be too strong and could damage equipment and themselves. Vibrators that are too far apart may not be working properly and unevenly distributing vibrations.

When you’re placing two vibrators on the same piece of equipment, it’s generally good to keep them 180 degrees apart. If you suspect that you have to place three or more, be sure that the equipment can handle the number of vibrators. If you place too many you could cause damage to equipment when they’re in use.

Next steps

Now that you know how to install a vibrator, it’s time to learn more about them. Learn about the different things industrial vibrators can do and find one for your needs.

If you have any questions about vibrators and our other equipment, contact us so we can help.

It’s always a headache when an industrial gearbox fails and you don’t know why. Maybe the gearbox is making an awful noise or isn’t working like normal. Usually, you know something is wrong and it’s going to take some investigative work to figure out.

Proper and regular maintenance can help prevent these headaches. An industrial gearbox is a machine and will wear down just like any other. You can keep it running.

Here is a handy guide to keeping your gearbox healthy for a long time.

Regular Use And Inspection

All industrial gearboxes are designed to be used in a specific way. They will include specific guidelines and use ratings to help you use them correctly. When a gearbox functions outside of these parameters, this can cause issues.

Be sure to use the gearbox as intended and check it regularly. Look for signs of wear and issue. Abnormal noises, overheating, and decreased performance can all indicate an issue needs to be fixed.

Lubrication Maintenance

Proper maintenance should focus on keeping the gearbox in normal running condition. During normal use, a gearbox will damage itself. Overtime, this damage can build up.

A gearbox’s lubrication and oil should be your first stop. Lubrication helps reduce friction on moving parts so gear changes occur smoothly. To do this, special oil or lubrication is required.

Many times, the lubricating liquid will become contaminated with little particles of dust and other matter. In this case, the lubrication should be replaced. Changing the lubrication regularly can help keep everything pure without having to look for containments.

Advanced Maintenance

Regular maintenance will help keep the gearbox functioning by repairing or replacing the parts that see the most use. Parts that frequently wear out first should be taken care of immediately.

Many parts in the gearbox are important for the transmission changes. Parts such as the gears will normally wear out over time through normal use. This can be accelerated if the lubrication isn’t changed regularly.

When an issue like this comes up, it’s best to replace the specific part and any additional parts connected to it. Some repairs require the replacement of a whole assembly.

Contamination control is another area you can frequently repair. The seals, filters, and breathers that keep foreign contaminants out will require replacing over time. If you ignore these parts, the gearbox will be vulnerable to foreign matter which can increase wear on the inside and affect the lubrication.

Most of these individual units can be replaced on an individual basis. Good shops will keep a healthy supply of these parts on hand.

You should also inspect these parts frequently, both on the inside and outside of the box.

Keeping The Industrial Gearbox Healthy

Avoid a headache with some regular maintenance. You should be consistent with your inspections and maintenance. Make it a routine and stick with it.

If you can do this, you should notice a remarkable improvement in the gearbox’s overall performance and lifespan.

For more help and information, get in touch with us.