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Wheelabrator Perfect Production at Slack & Parr

12 November 2007

Precision engineering company Slack & Parr is moving production up a gear after purchasing two vibratory finishing machines from Wheelabrator Group, to replace inconsistent and time-consuming hand deburring.

The two machines, manufactured by the world market leader in surface preparation equipment, will be used by Slack & Parr to finish its range of gear metering pumps. Traditionally these components had been finished by hand, with operators using brushes and abrasive stones to remove the fine burrs left by the manufacturing process.

Mick Banton, Materials Purchasing Manager at Slack & Parr said: “These hand operations were proving to be inconsistent, time consuming and inefficient, tying up our highly skilled fitters, whose expertise was better employed for assembling and testing the pumps.

“Following a visit to our site in Kegworth, near Derby, Wheelabrator tested our parts and recommended we complete our finishing processes with Burr Bench machines instead. Wheelabrator have provided a cost effective solution to our problem and we’ve not been disappointed.”

The new mechanical process now sees Slack & Parr’s larger gear parts undergo wet vibratory finishing, which includes high-density polishing in conjunction with a liquid compound to aid dirt flotation, provide rust inhibition and produce a clean, bright finish. The smaller gears, due to their intricate tooth profile, are de-burred via a dry process and polishing technique.   
    
Mr Banton continues: “Both machines are compact and quiet in operation, so we’ve been able to locate them in the main assembly area, which makes for optimal work flow and minimal disruption.”

Slack & Parr’s high precision pumps come in different variants, including planetary gear pumps and spin finish-metering pumps.  The profile of the teeth is highly critical and accurate to +/- 2.5 microns. 

Richard Brent, Area Sales Manager for the Vibratory Finishing Division at Wheelabrator Group, said: “The de-burring process and vibratory machines are used across a range of high-tech industries. Automating this fairly routine process has allowed Slack & Parr to focus its staffs’ skills in other areas, which enables them to use their people more effectively and provide a more stimulating working environment. Our solution has also allowed them to manage their production more efficiently and enjoy the cost savings this has brought.” 

From its initial venture in 1917, Slack & Parr has become a market leader in high precision engineering, manufacturing core components for a variety of industries.

Wheelabrator Group is the world-leading manufacturer of surface preparation and finishing equipment. It owns, designs, manufactures and provides wheelblast, airblast and vibratory mass finishing equipment for surface preparation and cleaning, and serves a variety of sectors, including the aerospace and automotive industries. Further information can be found at http://www.wheelabratorgroup.com

For product enquiries or to arrange a visit to Wheelabrator Group’s Surface Technology Centre, please contact: Corinna Teale, Sales Co-ordinator, Wheelabrator Group, on 0121 326 6481 or uk-info@wheelabratorgroup.co.uk.

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