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Assembly tools increase safety

Written by Christopher Richmann on July 12, 2024. Posted in Assembly tools, Featured, Industrial, Industrial, Industrial, Manufactured housing, Manufacturing, Metalworking, Safety. Leave a Comment

Successful manufacturers and industrial leaders understand the importance of safety.

Maintaining a safe environment through company culture and attention to detail is critical to the long-term success of your organization. It reduces risk and, more importantly, ensures employees are free from harm. It’s also the right thing to do.

There are numerous ways to enhance safety. Company leaders can appropriately organize a facility, decrease the need for climbing ladders, automate dangerous tasks, and remove safety barriers. Training, of course, is one of the most important tools for maintaining a safe working environment. (For example, many companies provide training for dealing with silica dust.)

The correct assembly tools also improve safety. It’s also critical to ensure these electric, pneumatic, and battery-operated tools are up-to-date and maintained.

Safety first: a legal and financial argument

First and foremost, you should focus on safety because it’s the right thing to do. As a manufacturing manager, leader, or owner, it’s your moral and ethical responsibility to create a safe working environment. This means a physical environment that is as safe as possible and a company culture that relentlessly focuses on safety.

It’s also the law, with various legal implications for companies that do not meet various safety standards. Not meeting these statutes can incur fines, injury claims, and more. As the claims and fines go to court, the public is aware and your brand may suffer.

Safety also brings financial benefits.

According to the National Safety Council, the average cost for all workers’ injury claims in 2020-2021 was $41,757. The most expensive type of claims were related to motor vehicles; these had an average cost above $89,000. The least expensive was a cut or scrape, which still cost around $24,000. Strains, which can be reduced by assembly tools, cost an average of $36,200.

The exact savings from a safety investment can be extremely difficult to calculate. The general wisdom is that for every dollar you spend in safety, you’ll realize about $2 in savings. If that holds, investing $50,000 in safety equipment would save $100,000. Even half that number would be a solid ROI.

So there are financial motivations, as well as legal and ethical reasons, to invest in safety equipment. Some of this investment, at least for manufacturers, will be in high-quality assembly tools that reduce issues while increasing productivity.

How assembly tools increase safety for your team

Reduce repetitive strain

Employees in manufacturing are subject to regular physical demands. But it’s not a short-term, intense burst of physical activity; it’s steady, repetitive motion. Performing the same task repeatedly will test nerves, muscles, and joints, all of which could become damaged.

Assembly tools, however, can reduce repetitive motions and create an easier overall process. They can eliminate repetitive work that strains muscles and creates injury, boosting productivity while enhancing workplace safety.

Decrease mental fatigue to reduce lapses in attention

Repetitive industrial tasks will not only wear out muscles, they can also cause a mind to become fatigued or inattentive. According to OSHA, fatigued workers may lack the “energy to do their jobs safely or effectively.” They can also have difficulty paying attention or take longer to react. They could even take more risks, increasing the chance of injuries.

Reliable assembly tools could reduce the need for repetitive tasks and increase overall safety by helping workers stay sharp, alert, and mentally engaged.

Use automatic shutoffs

High-quality assembly tools have various safety features built into their design. These features ensure that dangerous activity is avoided and people are protected throughout a long workday.

For instance, some tools’ automatic shutoffs activate after a variety of triggers. If an unsafe use or mistake is detected, the tool will automatically shut off to prevent potential injury.

Safety interlocks

Another assembly tool feature that can increase safety is an interlock. An interlock is a device or system that prevents a user from making an inappropriate or unsafe maneuver with a tool. If someone uses a tool inappropriately, the interlock adjusts the system to a safer state.

For safety reasons, interlocks prevent a user from making unsafe actions or prevent use if an unsafe condition is detected. For example, some assembly tools have guards that keep users from touching a moving component, such as a cutter or grinder. An interlock system will make the tool nonoperational if this guard is removed.

Reduce or eliminate “torque reaction”

Torque reaction is related to repetitive-motion strains. Essentially, when an operator is running a screwing, bolting, or twisting tool of some type, they use their muscles to absorb the heavy torquing and twisting motion. This creates fatigue and weakness, especially when absorbing the torque is a regular part of the day.

Fortunately, torque reaction arms are available. These assembly tools, which can be used in various manufacturing environments, take the tool weight and torque out of the operator’s hands. This reduces wear and tear on the operator, enhances production quality, saves time, and reduces costs from downtime and tool use.

Equipment age matters and so does maintenance

Finally, we’ll leave you with a simple reminder: the age of your assembly tools and equipment matters. There is a connection between the age of tools and the increased potential for injury. Occupational hazard studies have found that the age of equipment can create a higher rate of injury. Much of this is connected to modern features, and many of the studies don’t involve industrial equipment, but it still suggests that when you have new, up-to-date equipment, you are more likely to see fewer injuries.

Better, newer equipment leads to higher safety or equipment that is maintained and re-calibrated from a certified lab. So if you have older equipment and items that need to be updated, contact an industrial professional today for updated equipment.

Safety equipment and gear from professionals

Safety is the most important aspect of properly managing and operating a facility. When you are dedicated to safety, your plant will be more profitable and productive. You’ll also be a more attractive place to work, an essential factor when expanding your team is a high priority.

Get the latest advancements, best brands, and product variety in industrial safety equipment and safety supplies. Plus, turn to us for refurbished tools, maintenance, and calibration from an A2LA (1522.01) certified lab. We’re experts in safety.

Common problems and mistakes when spraying paint

Written by Christopher Richmann on June 24, 2024. Posted in Automotive, Coating & Finish Systems, Coating & Finish Systems, Coating & Finish Systems, Coating & Finish Systems, Coating & finishing systems, Construction, Countertop, Featured, Industrial supplies, Manufactured housing, Manufacturing, Metalworking, Signage, Woodworking. Leave a Comment

Applying a coat of paint is simple. At least in theory.

In practice, however, making your product look great can be surprisingly complicated, difficult, and frustrating. How can you achieve the best result while maintaining the perfect finish? We have ideas about avoiding common mistakes and problems. Understanding the common issues, including typical problems and mistakes, and taking steps to avoid them will create a foundation for an outstanding final product.

Not reading the product datasheet or setting the spray gun up correctly

The manufacturer’s technical data sheet provides essential information that helps you create a perfect finish. So, take your time, break out the technical data sheet, and familiarize yourself with the product. You’ll find essential information, such as when to use the appropriate hardeners and thinners, spray gun setup, thickness, drying times, and re-coating procedures.

The spray gun must be perfectly set up to create the ideal paint job. With an improper setup, you’ll see pimples, blisters, fizz holes, oversprays, and runs. Again, the product datasheet will provide the best information on how to set up your system; check it ahead of time to avoid problems.

Not underestimating drying times

Understand the proper drying time for your paint and substrate. The atmosphere, temperature, film thickness, solvent, and more can affect drying times. Don’t get impatient or guess; make it a standardized part of your process to calculate these for the best results. Get more ideas about drying times.

Not providing the appropriate air pressure

The right air pressure is a fine balance. Too little air pressure from the spray gun, and you’ll see pitchy patterns, more paint applied to the outer circle (rather than the center), and uneven paint distribution. Although these problems could be caused by other issues, such as worn-out nozzles, they generally indicate weak air pressure.

Too much pressure is also a problem. Some people try to increase the air pressure, thinking this will speed up the process and enhance efficiency. However, it can lead to oversprays, excessive paint use, and increased wear on the spray gun.

The trick is to work at the lowest required pressure to create a high-quality finish. Start at the lower end of the pressure range, then steadily add pressure until you have the ideal paint distribution.

Unmaintained equipment

Your spray system, including the hoses, guns, and filters, should be properly maintained. The filters are especially important, as dirty filters cause pressure drops, reduce efficiency, and create a poor final coating. Dirty filters will release debris, landing on the finishing and creating a substandard product.

Poor adhesion

Poor adhesion, when the paint does not properly cling to the material being sprayed, can be caused by various issues. For example, solvents in the topcoat may penetrate through areas of the undercoat; this could be caused by an unsuitable primer. Peeling could also occur, which is often caused by insufficient prep time or the wrong primer. Another problem is wrinkling or lifting of the paint, which occurs when solvents in a new finish interact with the old finish. Issues may arise if you don’t give time to cure. You may even have issues if you don’t clean or prepare your substrate.

Whether you see chipping, wrinkling, or parts of the paint lifting in feathers, you’ll want to re-examine your entire paint process, especially the curing, primer, and dry times.

Defective finish texture

You’ll know a defective finish when you see it. You may see air trapping, cracking, or webbing, which could have a spiderweb appearance or become “crow’s feet,” which are cracks in the top layer. You could also have dimpling or a grainy finish. All of these issues may be unnoticeable from a distance, but they are problems that can be seen when viewing the product up close.

Like poor adhesion, a bad texture can be caused by different issues, depending on the specific texture flaw. For instance, if you see a grainy finish, it could be caused by spraying too far from the substrate. Essentially, the paint is atomizing and drying before it lands. Or, if you have a gritty finish, you may have a dirty system or working in a dusty environment.

Discoloration

Discoloration, darker or lighter than your intended finish or coat, can also negatively impact your product. Your customers expect a uniform color, but various issues can cause the final coat.

One of the more common problems is a blushing or cloudy appearance in the paint. This is often caused by spraying in a humid environment, which causes the solvents to evaporate and traps moisture in the paint layer.

Another issue related to discoloration is bleeding, a yellowish stain that appears in the topcoat. This can happen because of too much hardener, insufficient mixing, and priming before the filler is completely cured.

Not getting the right equipment

There are many choices for spray guns and spray systems. More complex systems come with options for hoses, pumps, mixers, and more. Choosing a low-quality brand just because it’s cheaper can impact your project. Not getting accessories that work together can just waste time and money.

At Elevated, we can recommend options, parts, and processes that improve your product, increase longevity, and build your industry reputation. Our experts can visit your location to provide ideas to meet your business goals.

Top challenges facing the metal fabrication industry

Written by Christopher Richmann on June 18, 2024. Posted in Coating & Finish Systems, Compressed Air, Industrial, Industrial, Industrial, Manufacturing, Metalworking. Leave a Comment

The metal fabrication industry is going through numerous changes quickly. Technology is evolving, customer demands are changing, and new materials are being requested. At the same time, there is a lack of skilled workers and fewer raw materials available.

The obstacles are seemingly infinite, but this is a resilient industry. To help prepare for the future, here are the main challenges facing the metal fabrication industry…

Rising costs

Although the issue of rising costs is universal, inflation is having a significant impact on this industry. As consumers know, the cost of raw materials is increasing. In the fourth quarter of 2015, for instance, the price of iron ore was about $48 per ton. It rose to more than $87 in 2019. In 2021 it skyrocketed to nearly $200! The price is down from that high mark, thanks to inflation reduction measures, but is still more than $100.

Demand for customization

Consumers are demanding faster delivery speeds for their metal products and expect complete customization. A successful metal manufacturer strives to meet these demands, no matter how difficult. These customizations and specializations require estimates and quotes. Not only is the product more expensive already with these customizations, but added labor (including the estimates themselves) adds to the cost.

Customization also creates an issue for inventory. In an attempt to leverage lower prices, a shop may purchase a bulk supply of materials. These materials may be useless if a customer demands customized metal products.

Dealing with customization and finding that balance between efficiency and customization demands can be a major issue for metal fabricators.

Limited supply

The pandemic created a significant barrier in the supply chain, which metal fabricators (and manufacturers of all types) are still recovering from. But it’s not just the pandemic, which (as of this writing) started over four years ago; it’s also issues with transportation labor and staff shortages.

There is also a lack of machinery, as machine manufacturers and assembly lines are struggling to create output. Used machinery has become increasingly popular, although this creates obvious concerns for manufacturers who can’t afford a shutdown.

Meeting sustainability expectations

According to McKinsey & Company, “the steel industry is among the three biggest producers of carbon dioxide.” With steel produced in a relatively small number of select locations, it’s a prime candidate for decarbonization. There is demand from both governments and consumers for carbon-friendly metal products, but reducing the overall footprint is not easy.

“Green metal” is mostly achieved by using renewable energy in the manufacturing process. Wind, solar, and hydroelectric power can all make metal fabrication less impactful on the environment, but implementing these changes has a cost. Metal fabricators must weigh the benefits, including the potential for higher sales and lower long-term costs, against the high initial price.

Workforce shortage

No matter the industry, sector, or specific role, there is a shortage of labor. It’s impacting technology, healthcare, transportation, retail, food service, and yes — metal fabrication. There simply aren’t enough CNC operators, machining specialists, and general laborers to meet industry demands. This has led to delays, shortages, missed orders, and an overall sluggishness to the industry as a whole.

To address this problem, people within the industry have made changes and launched new initiatives. One of the biggest efforts is to work with community colleges that can train and educate future metal workers. Community colleges, trade schools, and now high schools are also positioned to attract new operators, increasing the potential job pool.

This is, admittedly, a problem that has been ongoing for years, even decades, but that doesn’t mean it will just fade away. The effort to address workforce shortages must continue. Much like paying the energy bill, investing in the future workforce is now a fundamental part of doing business in the metal fabrication industry.

Adopting and training for technology

Technology is pervasive throughout every industry. In metal manufacturing, successful, competitive fabrication means integrating advanced technology and making it part of everyday operations. It’s no longer a luxury; technology is a must.

The specific technology varies, but it often starts with high-quality, thorough data that can be used to make better purchasing, fabrication, sales, and marketing decisions. Deep-learning AI programs, which integrate robotics into the system and can perform basic tasks like cutting and welding, will be useful for profitability. Even when they are produced in high volume, products fabricated by robots are precise and durable.

Automation will be used to drive efficiency and reduce costs. Companies need to quickly adopt this technology and train their staff to work with these complex yet time-saving machines.

Reduced efficiency, same demand

Earlier, we discussed how customization is in demand, but customers also expect rapid efficiency. Unfortunately, there is an overall reduction in efficiency, caused by many of the factors we have already discussed, including workforce shortages, supply chain issues, and the need for technology training and adoption.

Customers have become accustomed to rapid delivery, but that is no longer the case. A report from The Logic Factory says that the average copper pipeline project has decreased in size by 30%. And yet, the time to market is 15% longer. Smaller orders, more time to complete. This is just one example of how production in metal fabrication and construction has become less efficient.

Demand for lightweight metals

The aerospace and automotive industries, two critical sectors for metal fabrication companies, are demanding more lightweight metals, including aluminum, titanium, and magnesium. These metals have become popular for modern transportation, aviation, and aerospace vehicles, thanks to their strength, durability, and lightweight profile.

This, too, is an ongoing problem. In 2009 there was a demand for roughly 18.7 billion tons of aluminum, according to the Aluminum Association. By 2018, this demand peaked at 28.1 billion tons. Although it dipped, it was still at 26.3 billion in 2021.

Finding material, bringing it into a facility, and meeting the demands of customers who meet lightweight metals, will continue to be an issue for metal fabricators at home and abroad.

Help for fabrication companies

Metal fabrication companies require the right tools, abrasives, adhesives, tapes, and more. Elevated provides a wide variety of readily available industrial supplies for trusted brands. We also offer coating and finishing as well as assembly tools. Plus, we have compressed air systems and services for companies in western Ohio, eastern Michigan, and South Carolina. But it’s more than just having a supply of superior products from trusted brands, Elevated has the expertise to help you meet your goals. We’re there to ensure you’re reducing overall costs, improving quality, increasing safety, and saving time.

Summer safety: recognize, treat, and prevent heat exposure

Written by Tami Matthews on June 4, 2024. Posted in Compressed Air, Construction, Countertop, Featured, General, Industrial, Industrial, Industries Served, Manufactured housing, Manufacturing, Metalworking, Resources, Signage, Woodworking. Leave a Comment

So many industries require their workforce to be in hot spaces — inside and outside. During the summer months, work across the United States, especially in the South, can be brutal. Indoors, facilities can be sweatboxes. Outdoors, temperatures sometimes climb above 100.

In other words, heat exposure can be fatal.

That’s why it’s important to understand, handle, and hopefully prevent heat exposure.

Recognizing symptoms and treating them

There are three main stages of heat exposure: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Each stage has its own set of symptoms to watch out for and suggestions for what to do when it happens.

Heat Cramps
- Symptoms: Muscle cramps (often in the legs or abdomen), heavy sweating, fatigue.
- What’s happening: Your muscles lose essential salts and fluids through sweat.
- What to do: Get to a cool place (with shade or air conditioning), drink water or a sports drink to replenish lost fluids or electrolytes, and rest. Try stretching cramped muscles gently.
Heat Exhaustion
- Symptoms: Heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, weak but rapid pulse.
- What’s happening: Your body is struggling to keep cool, and it’s starting to overheat.
- What to do: Follow the instructions for heat cramps, but add a light snack, use wet cloths on your skin (or take a cool shower) to bring down your temperature, and elevate your feet slightly when resting.
Heat Stroke
- Symptoms: High body temperature (104°F or higher), hot/red/dry or damp skin, rapid pulse, confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness.
- What’s happening: This is a medical emergency! Your body’s cooling mechanisms have failed, and it can be life-threatening.
- What to do: Call 911. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool place and reduce the temperature with ice packs. Keep an eye on their condition; you may need to perform CPR.

Preventing heat exposure

Dress for the heat

These days, there are many options that keep employees safe while preventing heat exposure.

Wear lightweight and loose-fitting safety apparel. Some suppliers have cooling vests, bandanas, washcloths, and more to keep your workforce’s core temperature down. Moisture-wicking clothing also helps reduce heat, including when your workforce is inside while it’s hot.

Outside workers should wear apparel with sun protection, sunscreen, and sunglasses. (Don’t forget to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating.) Wear neck protection and wide-brimmed hats. Also, heat-reflective clothing may help keep employee’s temperatures cooler.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. Backpacks with water reservoirs and drinking tubes can ensure your workforce gets the necessary water, especially in places where water breaks are limited.

Eat light snacks throughout the day.

Plan accordingly, take breaks, pay attention, and train staff

If you can plan your workforce to avoid the heat, do so. Stop work before 10 a.m. and start again after 4 p.m. — the hottest part of the day. If you can’t schedule to avoid the heat, plan frequent breaks. Even if work is planned around the heat of the day, ensure you’re watching the temperatures to introduce breaks when needed.

Remind employees to remove their hard hats (when it’s safe) and use wet washcloths on their necks to cool down. Ask managers and other employees to check in with each other. Train your staff in the symptoms of heat exposure, how to treat it, and more importantly how to avoid it. Ensure your workforce pays attention to their bodies.

Use company policies and a support system to help prevent issues from arising.

Elevated can help your team stay safe

Sure, we have advice and ideas, but we also have safety apparel needed to keep your team safe. Contact us for a list of safety gear.

What to do about high and low compressed air temperatures

Written by Christopher Richmann on June 4, 2024. Posted in Compressed Air, Compressed Air, Compressed air systems. Leave a Comment

Summer can be fun — BBQs, pool parties, ice cream, and more. But facilities managers believe summer can be stressful, too. High ambient temperatures, the source of so much summer fun, can impact the overall performance of an air compressor system.

But it’s not just summer that’s a problem. Extremely low ambient temperatures, especially when they approach freezing, can also impact compressor systems.

Why air temperature matters

Higher ambient temperatures influence the amount of moisture in the system. When the air is 95 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, it holds roughly 230% more moisture than when it’s around 65 to 70 degrees. This means more moisture in the system, impacting tool performance and internal air quality.

Most air compressors must maintain an internal temperature of roughly 50 to 100 degrees. When air is extremely cold or too hot, performance lags. They can overheat or, when too cold, freeze and stop functioning, which can damage internal parts. Also, many systems rely on ambient air to stay cool. When temperatures are hot, staying cool becomes increasingly difficult.

Key factors

Altitude and “volumetric flow”

Air compressors are designed to operate at a specific volumetric airflow. However, changes in altitude will impact this air flow; the higher the altitude, the less air flows into the system. Therefore, more volumetric flow is needed to achieve the best results. We won’t bog you down with the physics and math; just know that if your facility is at a higher altitude (Denver or Albuquerque, as examples), you’ll need a stronger air compressor to achieve the same results than at close to sea level (Detroit).

Cooling methods

The cooling method for an air compressor is a significant design choice. Air-cooled compressors and dryers need thousands of cubic feet per minute of cooling air to maintain ideal operating temperatures. It all depends on the size of the system, but if your compressor room can’t bring in enough air, it may struggle to maintain performance.

If air temperatures often exceed operating temperature, you may need a water-cooled system. For instance, if your facility is in Arizona, South Carolina, Georgia, etc. where summer temperatures constantly surpass 100 degrees, the air won’t cool the compressors. (At least, not as effectively.) Therefore, a water-controlled system may be ideal.

Dirty or dusty environments

High temperatures often bring dusty conditions, which places more strain on the system. When the compressed air system operates in a dusty environment, the service intervals need to be shortened to reduce the chances of overheating, excessive operation, and low airflow. Motor greasing should be a priority, as friction can cause greater harm to the system. If your environment is dusty, take additional steps to maintain your compressors, especially when temperatures are hot.

Keeping your system cool in hot temperatures

Proper placement

Having an air compressor in the right place is critical. If you stack multiple compressors next to each other in an area with numerous other machines, they may struggle to keep a cool internal temperature. Like multiple people in a crowded room, air compressors like having enough space to stay cool and comfortable.

Ventilation

This is directly connected to compressor placement. These machines need good ventilation to work properly. Placing them where they receive enough airflow is important, and adding fans and other air-movement and ventilation sources can help. Open windows and large fans can help a compressor with ventilation.

Appropriate size

Smaller air compressors have to work harder to reach the same air volume as a larger system. This extra work can result in higher temperatures. While other factors are at play, if your system is constantly overheating, a larger compressor may be required. If a larger compressor is not possible, an additional compressor of the same size could help.

Monitoring

When it comes to keeping the system cool, diligence is key. Knowing how the system runs can make a big difference in understanding and managing the compressors. Monitoring key points, such as the compressor, dryer, and overall system, will indicate how well or poorly the components are running. Monitor information like discharge temperature, motor temperature, and system pressure so you are fully informed about what happens within the compressed air system.

Maintenance

Keep up with maintenance throughout summer (and all seasons, for that matter). Scheduled routine maintenance ensures your compressor runs better and is ready for higher ambient temperatures.

Should you purchase a water-cooled compressor?

Installing a water-cooled system is one of the most effective ways to deal with high ambient temperatures. Multiple types of water cooling are available, and they help maintain compressor discharge temperatures.

However, these systems have a higher overall cost. While the initial capital is not huge (compared to an air-cooled system), the operating costs are higher. The costs of running a water-cooled system can exceed $100,000 annually (see “Water-cooled Air Compressors”), while air-cooled systems are often less than $10,000 to operate. There is an additional expense if a cooling tower or chiller system needs to be added.

Design, installation, and service for your entire system

Proper installation is crucial for maintaining compressed air temperatures. Work with the industrial experts at Elevated Industrial Solutions, and we’ll ensure you have a system designed to handle years of hot (and cold) ambient temperatures!

From scorching summers to frigid winters, we can provide a compressed air system from Kaeser or help your current compressed air system.