Every raw material is different, so Steele engineers continue to optimize our machinery for your production processes. One area of focus is stiff extrusion for abrasive raw materials — clay, shale, and blends with high sand content.
These materials accelerate wear on bridges and pins, which led our engineers to look at high-wear coatings. Their coating formulations performed well in lab testing, which meant the next hurdle was to prove it in production.
30 million-plus SBE on one bridge
We talked to our friends at ACME Brick Co. and delivered a bridge with our Ultra high-wear coating (read the case history here). The bottom line? ACME’s Ouachita plant ran 30 million-plus SBE on one new core bridge — and that bridge was ready for re-use with new stems and sleeves, as the bridge bar was intact.
Close-up of Steele Extreme high-wear coating for bridges.
Working relationships with machine operators
Speaking of ACME, we want to thank Nic Best, Production Supervisor at their Ouachita plant, for his essential support on this project. Nic maintained impeccable records, which helped us document the product value, and gave us suggestions on where to apply additional coatings.
There’s no substitute for production. Or the years of working alongside professionals like Nic, who help us make our machines better.
Want that support from your machinery company?
If you’re running highly abrasive raw materials in production, then we should talk. Steele engineers have optimized stiff extrusion for specific materials and like you, we’re committed to reduced downtime, increased production and a better ROI.
Those are the core values you look for in a partner — they’re not something you should look for in a parts supplier who competes on cost.
Check out the new Steele high-wear coatings here. They’re engineered for specific materials with a fully customizable coating configuration to match your production requirements.
Close-up of Steele Brickhide high-wear coating for bridges.