Replacing a Japanese lathe, a CNC slant bed lathe's rigidity, acceleration, rapid traverse and quick turret indexing has halved cycle times involving a lot of in-cycle threading.
Maintaining a 25% year on year growth since setting up in 1988, privately owned Northern Hydraulics based in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, Ireland, under managing director Seamus Morris has continually reinvested profits back into the business - which not only helped fund a new 45,000 ft2 modern machine shop but also recently added the latest large capacity Tornado T10 slant bed lathe to the company's plant list of 'blue chip' named machine tools. Since the installation, by Ireland's Colchester distributor Gillen Machine Tools of Balleymena to replace an existing Japanese lathe, influencing factors to halving precision cycle times are put down to the Colchester machine's rigidity, acceleration, rapid traverse and quick turret indexing. Used to complete a lot of in-cycle threading, the machine has reduced the average cutting cycle from four minutes to two on the production of rod ends up to 2000mm long with a bonus of high reliability running 60 uninterrupted hours a week.
The installation has also enabled capacity overflow involving subcontract machining to be brought back in-house, the machine is described as being much quicker and easier to set up and changeover even with batch sizes that vary between 30 and 300 parts.
But what is also important is that the Tornado supports Morris' lean manufacturing methods and has regularly contributed savings equal to two days on batches.
Morris originally had 30 possible machines to choose from in the first listing of contending lathes.
This was whittled down quickly to a short list that was headed by the newly launched Tornado T10 because of its 80mm through the spindle bore, the greater flexibility the Tornado gave for the type of work he needed to produce and what he regards as very competitive pricing for the machine specification available.
The 60 deg slant bed machine has a 26kW drive with a bar capacity of 82.5mm.
Swing over the bed is 600mm and chuck sizes can be either 305mm or 265mm.
However before making the final decision, Morris wanted Philip Gillen, managing director of Gillen Machine Tools, to take him to the Colchester build facility in Heckmondwike, a visit he previously made 15 years ago when buying his first centre lathe.
In fact, when he toured the Tornado assembly line he was extremely impressed with the changes to the factory and the new look Tornado, he maintained, has a 'presence'.
As a result of the visit, he ordered the T10 on a three-week delivery having it shipped to his works on a Friday afternoon.
The machine was installed and commissioned on the Saturday morning by the Gillen team and was in full production by Saturday afternoon! The Tornado was never the cheapest on the comparison spread sheet, he maintains, but the specification and support of the local distributor swung the decision and he insists this has been totally upheld with the performance and immediate acceptance by the multi-skilled workforce.
Northern Hydraulics produces hydraulic rams for the fork lift, excavator, personal height platforms, quarry, crane and recycling industry - all described by Morris as growing sectors.
Produced in imperial and metric sizes to accommodate pressures up to 340 bar, its cylinder bores range from 40mm to 200mm with rod sizes between 20mm and 70mm and cylinder strokes up to 4000mm.
Starting in business as self-employed in 1988, Morris was previously an apprentice at a subcontract company that also repaired hydraulic cylinders, which provided an ideal background.
In his early one-man days he would order material, cut the steel, machine the parts on a Harrison V50 lathe, weld, assemble, test and deliver the cylinder himself to local companies.
'I used to start invoicing late at night,' he reflected but his keenness and skill soon built a loyal customer base that preferred a local supplier to imported products.
His reputation and sharp pricing made it very difficult for competitors, especially in the recessionary market of the time when 19% interest rates hurt and quick delivery was always required because no one wanted to hold any stock.
He quickly grew from a lonely one-man operation to employ four people.
He now employs 45 people with a massive advantage of multiple skills.
Where the business used to be one man, one machine, the company has progressed where one operator now runs several machines giving greater flexibility, better job interest and awareness to everyone of what's happening around the company.
With the Tornado T10 fitted with Fanuc 21i control and Colchester's Manual Guide i conversational programming technology, the on-machine programming by the setters is made very simple with full graphics simulation and verification of the cutting cycle.
As well as machining, Northern Hydraulics assembles and tests cylinders for direct-to-line delivery working a double shift policy over a 4.1/2 day week with a further 1.1/2 days available when required.
Turnover is currently GBP 3.5 million and rising as a result of some GBP 1.5 million spent on the new premises and GBP 500,000 on new equipment in the last two years.
Facing threats of lower pricing from the likes of China, India, Italy and Eastern Europe, Morris changed the core operating criteria of the company bringing it ever closer to customers.
He said: 'Business is not so much about making things anymore, it has become a black art based on service and support.
We have to constantly look for ways to make a customer feel totally comfortable with what we are doing so he is not tempted to seemingly greener pastures.' A prime example is how the company initially provided a design for manufacture input and this progressively led to prototype production.
'We found that customers were delighted to work with us accepting our knowledge of hydraulics, pistons and production, and have readily accepted our input to provide 'cost-down' recommendations they could never even dream of getting from the Far East.' This scenario has expanded further making Northern Hydraulics an integral part of some customers own business operations.
He said: 'We have been integrated into certain customers' supply chain networks and have even linked directly to their sales/order programmes.' Morris warned: 'This requires trust on both sides.' He outlines how certain customers have given passwords enabling them to go direct into the sales and delivery schedules eliminating any contact with purchase management or buyers.
'We pick up the serial number of any cylinder order as it comes in and break it into the relevant component parts for production and assembly.
This enables us to machine the parts to our most cost-effective method, assemble and test.
All that matters to the customer is that we meet the quality, delivery and pricing structure which is already agreed.' Parts produced on the Tornado T10 are mainly tubes and rod ends - a reason for the 80mm spindle bore requirement.
However, piston ends, gland bushes, forgings and castings are also produced.
Such is the capability of the Tornado that tolerances down to 0.02mm are maintained regularly and grinding has been eliminated by using ground bar.
As part of the process development, changeovers have been reduced by working in families of parts, helped by the working relationship with customers and to save resetting chuck jaws for different rod sizes, the setters have developed a range of split brass bushes with a common outside diameter and bored out to suit the different rod sizes.
The bush slides over the rod to protect the ground surface and is held in the chuck while diameters, undercuts, threads etc are machined.
Rods machined on the Tornado can be up to 80mm diameter and 2000mm long.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Advanced machine tools meet many budgets
To be shown at MACH 2006 is an entry-level lathe alongside a recently launched vertical turning centre and other high production models - including multi-axis mill/turn centres with linear drives.
Advanced machine tools meet many budgets To be shown at MACH 2006 is an entry-level lathe alongside a recently launched vertical turning centre and other high production models - including multi-axis mill/turn centres with linear drives. Whilst DMG is the acknowledged UK market leader for 5-axis CNC milling and high-spec turning, this popular perception belies the true extent of the company's expertise. No other company in the world offers its breadth of range that also includes multi axis mill turn, multi axis turn mill machines for both low and high volume production.
Significantly, it also offers the most extensive range of lower cost entry-level turning and milling machines that compete exceptionally well on price without compromising quality.
The main emphasis of DMG's stand at MACH will therefore be on choice.
Whatever the production need DMG has the model to suit both budget and application and there will be a broad range of machines on show to demonstrate that point, several of them never before seen in the UK.
A new entry-level lathe, the NEF 600 Fanuc, will take centre stage alongside the CTV400, a newly launched vertical turning centre and other high production models with linear drives.
A brand new model of vertical machining centre, the DMC635V will also be launched at MACH.
It appears with established high production favourites such as the upgraded DMU50ev linear for 5-axis simultaneous machining and the twin-pallet DMC80FD mill turn machine.
DMG's ability to provide high quality at the lower end of the market is largely thanks to component rationalisation.
Many of the parts used in DMG's higher specification machines also feature in the less advanced models and as both low and high specification machines are made in the same factories, build quality is also uniform.
'DMG can offer a range of machines and control systems to satisfy almost any manufacturing need from the production of a simple turned part to complex structures for aircraft and aero engines,' explained new managing director Tim Hately.
'We have an extremely strong applications team and work with our customers to find the optimum production solution.
We do not just supply and service, we build partnerships for the long term.' Indeed the long term is particularly important to DMG as in many cases it is still supporting machines that were manufactured before their operators were born! Since his appointment last year Tim Hately has placed considerable emphasis on improving after sales and service support.
'DMG develops more products using new technology such as linear drives than any other manufacturer,' Hately concluded.
'And with the exceptionally high standards we are now setting on the service side of our business, we have so much to offer every sector of the manufacturing community and this will be evident at MACH.' * Principal exhibits new at MACH - NEF 600 Fanuc entry-level lathe - the latest NEF universal lathes from DMG provide top performance from a wealth of high-tech features at an unbeatable price.
Successive generations of the NEF brand have brought users excellent value for money and with the new 400 and 600 range, whose prices start at just £31,000, this tradition continues.
No other entry-level lathe in this price bracket can match these new models for their quality, reliability and profit potential.
This price includes Fanuc 210i CNC control with Manual Guide, manual 3-jaw chuck (200mm), eight station turret and tailstock with life centre.
* CTV 400 linear, vertical turning technology at an exceptional price - exceptional performance and flexibility have already earned the CTV linear Series a high reputation in the automotive industry and similar high productivity sectors.
With specific tooling these high-speed vertical turning machines from DMG can also perform auxiliary operations such as milling, drilling and tapping.
This versatility has already enabled manufacturers to reduce unit cost significantly making them much more competitive.
With the addition of the new CTV400 linear to the range DMG has opened up this potential to larger diameters.
With a chuck capacity of up to 400mm this top-of-the-range machine has dual-track loading and unloading that can reduce handling time by up to 40%.
The high performance of the machine is complemented by a wear-free linear drive on the 1620mm X-axis that accelerates at 1G for rapid traverses up to 100m/min.
* DMC 635V - vertical machining centre - the latest generation of DMC V vertical machining centres from DMG has a terrific pedigree.
Its forerunners, the DMC 63 and 103V, were worldwide best sellers and now with a bundle of high-tech features three new models are set to uphold the trend.
With bigger tables and smaller footprints, these new verticals - the DMC 635/835/1035V - have been designed to provide a rapid return on investment.
The machines are characterised by long axis travel, a compact design, excellent performance and highly attractive starting price of GBP 39,950 (UK price) for the DMC635V machine.
They shave 20% off the production time of a typical job providing excellent value for money especially as an alternative for flexible single part machining and small to medium batch production.
The models only differ in the size of their working area; the largest machine in the range allows a work piece up to 1,000kg to be accommodated.
* DMU 50eVolution linear universal machining centre - with 5 NC axes, the newly upgraded DMU 50eV linear is ideal for highly efficient five-sided machining and 5-axis simultaneous contouring.
The NC swivel rotary table pivots the work piece around its centre of gravity and allows undercuts of up to 18 deg.
This new model now has linear drive in the X-axis for more power and precision.
* Other exhibits - Sprint 42 linear CNC auto - this machine allows complete machining of short workpieces with diameters up to 42mm in small to medium batches (65mm for the SPRINT 65).
This machine series replace conventional single spindle cam machines with higher flexibility and greater efficiency.
Integrated spindle drives and linear tool mounts allow simultaneous machining with several tools in up to 10 axes.
DMC 80FD mill turn 5-axis machine The NC-rotary table with direct-drive technology, a torque of 1,600Nm, a holding torque of 5,000Nm and speeds of up to 500 rev/min permit a wide range of milling- and turning applications for large work pieces weighing up to 800kg.
Advanced machine tools meet many budgets To be shown at MACH 2006 is an entry-level lathe alongside a recently launched vertical turning centre and other high production models - including multi-axis mill/turn centres with linear drives. Whilst DMG is the acknowledged UK market leader for 5-axis CNC milling and high-spec turning, this popular perception belies the true extent of the company's expertise. No other company in the world offers its breadth of range that also includes multi axis mill turn, multi axis turn mill machines for both low and high volume production.
Significantly, it also offers the most extensive range of lower cost entry-level turning and milling machines that compete exceptionally well on price without compromising quality.
The main emphasis of DMG's stand at MACH will therefore be on choice.
Whatever the production need DMG has the model to suit both budget and application and there will be a broad range of machines on show to demonstrate that point, several of them never before seen in the UK.
A new entry-level lathe, the NEF 600 Fanuc, will take centre stage alongside the CTV400, a newly launched vertical turning centre and other high production models with linear drives.
A brand new model of vertical machining centre, the DMC635V will also be launched at MACH.
It appears with established high production favourites such as the upgraded DMU50ev linear for 5-axis simultaneous machining and the twin-pallet DMC80FD mill turn machine.
DMG's ability to provide high quality at the lower end of the market is largely thanks to component rationalisation.
Many of the parts used in DMG's higher specification machines also feature in the less advanced models and as both low and high specification machines are made in the same factories, build quality is also uniform.
'DMG can offer a range of machines and control systems to satisfy almost any manufacturing need from the production of a simple turned part to complex structures for aircraft and aero engines,' explained new managing director Tim Hately.
'We have an extremely strong applications team and work with our customers to find the optimum production solution.
We do not just supply and service, we build partnerships for the long term.' Indeed the long term is particularly important to DMG as in many cases it is still supporting machines that were manufactured before their operators were born! Since his appointment last year Tim Hately has placed considerable emphasis on improving after sales and service support.
'DMG develops more products using new technology such as linear drives than any other manufacturer,' Hately concluded.
'And with the exceptionally high standards we are now setting on the service side of our business, we have so much to offer every sector of the manufacturing community and this will be evident at MACH.' * Principal exhibits new at MACH - NEF 600 Fanuc entry-level lathe - the latest NEF universal lathes from DMG provide top performance from a wealth of high-tech features at an unbeatable price.
Successive generations of the NEF brand have brought users excellent value for money and with the new 400 and 600 range, whose prices start at just £31,000, this tradition continues.
No other entry-level lathe in this price bracket can match these new models for their quality, reliability and profit potential.
This price includes Fanuc 210i CNC control with Manual Guide, manual 3-jaw chuck (200mm), eight station turret and tailstock with life centre.
* CTV 400 linear, vertical turning technology at an exceptional price - exceptional performance and flexibility have already earned the CTV linear Series a high reputation in the automotive industry and similar high productivity sectors.
With specific tooling these high-speed vertical turning machines from DMG can also perform auxiliary operations such as milling, drilling and tapping.
This versatility has already enabled manufacturers to reduce unit cost significantly making them much more competitive.
With the addition of the new CTV400 linear to the range DMG has opened up this potential to larger diameters.
With a chuck capacity of up to 400mm this top-of-the-range machine has dual-track loading and unloading that can reduce handling time by up to 40%.
The high performance of the machine is complemented by a wear-free linear drive on the 1620mm X-axis that accelerates at 1G for rapid traverses up to 100m/min.
* DMC 635V - vertical machining centre - the latest generation of DMC V vertical machining centres from DMG has a terrific pedigree.
Its forerunners, the DMC 63 and 103V, were worldwide best sellers and now with a bundle of high-tech features three new models are set to uphold the trend.
With bigger tables and smaller footprints, these new verticals - the DMC 635/835/1035V - have been designed to provide a rapid return on investment.
The machines are characterised by long axis travel, a compact design, excellent performance and highly attractive starting price of GBP 39,950 (UK price) for the DMC635V machine.
They shave 20% off the production time of a typical job providing excellent value for money especially as an alternative for flexible single part machining and small to medium batch production.
The models only differ in the size of their working area; the largest machine in the range allows a work piece up to 1,000kg to be accommodated.
* DMU 50eVolution linear universal machining centre - with 5 NC axes, the newly upgraded DMU 50eV linear is ideal for highly efficient five-sided machining and 5-axis simultaneous contouring.
The NC swivel rotary table pivots the work piece around its centre of gravity and allows undercuts of up to 18 deg.
This new model now has linear drive in the X-axis for more power and precision.
* Other exhibits - Sprint 42 linear CNC auto - this machine allows complete machining of short workpieces with diameters up to 42mm in small to medium batches (65mm for the SPRINT 65).
This machine series replace conventional single spindle cam machines with higher flexibility and greater efficiency.
Integrated spindle drives and linear tool mounts allow simultaneous machining with several tools in up to 10 axes.
DMC 80FD mill turn 5-axis machine The NC-rotary table with direct-drive technology, a torque of 1,600Nm, a holding torque of 5,000Nm and speeds of up to 500 rev/min permit a wide range of milling- and turning applications for large work pieces weighing up to 800kg.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Toggle clamps can be released quickly
Leaders in standard parts and workholding equipment, Wixroyd International are well known for their comprehensive, unrivalled range of quality Toggle Clamps.
Leaders in standard parts and workholding equipment, Wixroyd International are well known for their comprehensive, unrivalled range of quality Toggle Clamps. Used in a wide range of industries such as automobile or furniture production, they are particularly useful where quick release clamping or heavy-duty fastening is required. The minimum of effort gives maximum clamping force.
When opened the clamps clear the workpiece allowing easy handling and positioning of parts, when in a clamped position they remain locked.
A small sample of Wixroyd's range includes, Vertical Acting Toggle Clamps, Horizontal Acting Toggle Clamps, Adjustable Height Toggle Clamps, Toggle Clamps with Safety Handles, Push-Pull Toggle Clamps, Latch Type Toggle Clamps and many more.
All have oil resistant, ergonomic handles, rust-free hardened steel bushes to ensure durability and all parts are galvanised.
Wixroyd Toggle Clamps are available in a wide range of sizes and different finishes, including stainless steel.
Leaders in standard parts and workholding equipment, Wixroyd International are well known for their comprehensive, unrivalled range of quality Toggle Clamps. Used in a wide range of industries such as automobile or furniture production, they are particularly useful where quick release clamping or heavy-duty fastening is required. The minimum of effort gives maximum clamping force.
When opened the clamps clear the workpiece allowing easy handling and positioning of parts, when in a clamped position they remain locked.
A small sample of Wixroyd's range includes, Vertical Acting Toggle Clamps, Horizontal Acting Toggle Clamps, Adjustable Height Toggle Clamps, Toggle Clamps with Safety Handles, Push-Pull Toggle Clamps, Latch Type Toggle Clamps and many more.
All have oil resistant, ergonomic handles, rust-free hardened steel bushes to ensure durability and all parts are galvanised.
Wixroyd Toggle Clamps are available in a wide range of sizes and different finishes, including stainless steel.
Emulsion suits high speed turning and grinding
The latest TRIM high oil semi-synthetic emulsion concentrate from Master Chemical Europe has been formulated to run effectively for long periods without the need for costly additives.
The latest TRIM high oil semi-synthetic emulsion concentrate from Master Chemical Europe has been formulated to run effectively for long periods without the need for costly additives. Compatible with all ferrous and non-ferrous materials, SC9030 has a very wide application range including high speed turning and grinding. This general purpose, multi-metal coolant is extremely stable and hard water-resistant.
It therefore promises a long sump life.
The fine particle size of SC9030 reduces carry-off and facilitates its delivery to the point of cut; any residue is easily removed with water, working solution or aqueous cleaners.
By leaving a very light oil on slideways, chucks, tool holders and fixtures, the SC9030 also effectively prevents the accumulation of residue.
TRIM SC9030 contains a non-chlorinated, non-sulphurised extreme pressure additive to control edge build-up.
In applications where friction reduction and prevention of built-up edge are critical, a higher concentration of emulsion to water is recommended; lower concentrations meet the needs of high speed operations where heat removal is the key issue.
TRIM SC9030 is available in 20 litre plastic pails, 204 litre steel drums or 1000 litre IBC containers.
The latest TRIM high oil semi-synthetic emulsion concentrate from Master Chemical Europe has been formulated to run effectively for long periods without the need for costly additives. Compatible with all ferrous and non-ferrous materials, SC9030 has a very wide application range including high speed turning and grinding. This general purpose, multi-metal coolant is extremely stable and hard water-resistant.
It therefore promises a long sump life.
The fine particle size of SC9030 reduces carry-off and facilitates its delivery to the point of cut; any residue is easily removed with water, working solution or aqueous cleaners.
By leaving a very light oil on slideways, chucks, tool holders and fixtures, the SC9030 also effectively prevents the accumulation of residue.
TRIM SC9030 contains a non-chlorinated, non-sulphurised extreme pressure additive to control edge build-up.
In applications where friction reduction and prevention of built-up edge are critical, a higher concentration of emulsion to water is recommended; lower concentrations meet the needs of high speed operations where heat removal is the key issue.
TRIM SC9030 is available in 20 litre plastic pails, 204 litre steel drums or 1000 litre IBC containers.
Cutting Costs on Your Part Feeding System
If you're an end user or an automated machine builder you really need to know...how can I save on my next part feeding system? The answer is simple. Do your homework.
Today's global market demands flat or regressive pricing on every purchase component. Aggressive companies on the cutting edge are seeking and finding ways to meet this challenge. If you're an end user or an automated machine builder you really need to know...how can I save on my next part feeding system?
The answer is simple.
Do your homework.
This is lesson one.
To begin with you need to know what is involved in the quote for your feeding system.
These components, however your supplier chooses to label them, must be included: 1) Labor 2) Purchase Components 3) Materials 4) Markup for overhead and profit Knowledge of these factors is power in your favor.
Let's examine how.
Labour: in the normal situation, your feed system is quoted based on the number of hours estimated to be required to design, fabricate and test your part feeding system.
Your supplier may have a set hourly fee per hour.
For example a '40 hour' vibratory bowl may be billed at $45-75 (US) per hour, for a total labor cost ranging from $1800-3000.
That is quite a degree of variation.
A small to medium sized supplier who will generally have lower hourly fees.
Either way, the hourly fee should be somewhat negotiable, especially if you know what degree of difficulty is involved in your feeding application.
If feeding your parts presents an exceptional challenge (tangles, high feed rate or exacting FDA standards), acknowledge that and be willing to pay for the expertise to get it fed right.
Keep in mind that an honest supplier who recognizes a problem part, will most likely tell you when your dealing with a 'duck'.
Those parts should definitely be noticeably less expensive to feed.
Purchase components: not every supplier advertises set costs for items like vibratory or inline drives (power units) and basic (untooled) bowls, but those who do should be quoting your project! If these prices are not out front, they're usually a costly markup hidden within your system quote.
If you know exactly what these items cost, you can dissect your quote and see more clearly where every dollar is going.
Some feed component suppliers may even be willing to quote your system with no markup on these purchases, especially if you purchase them separate from the actual design and fabrication of the system.
Do you homework and find a few different suppliers of components used in part feeding.
Being willing to put your capital to work buying your own components can help keep your project within budget.
Materials: do you know what materials (and services) are used in your feed system?
Probably stainless steel sheets and circles (304 standard and 316 FDA).
Possibly tool steels and machining for selectors and vibratory inlines.
What about materials for coatings (urethane or Devcon Flexane for example)?
Anything that you are willing and able to supply presents another opportunity to cut out a potential markup.
And the more educated you are, the better chance you have for reducing or eliminating some questionable expense.
Overhead and Profit: knowing when and how to purchase is key to hedging here.
Are you a new customer?
Why not become one! Everyone loves a new customer and is usually willing to make substantial adjustments to prove their capabilities.
Of course, check for references.
Look for repeat business.
That tells you that your supplier is willing to work through difficulties to satisfy everyone (problems?
You bet they come up).
If you have a quote that you're just not happy with, make a counter offer.
The worst they can do is say no.
Keep in mind that in the automation world there are slower times and busier times.
If you have the luxury to order from late November to early February, you may be pleasantly surprised with both the bottom line and lead time.
Worth the effort: doing the homework is definitely worth the effort when it comes to choosing a feeding system supplier.
Today's global market demands flat or regressive pricing on every purchase component. Aggressive companies on the cutting edge are seeking and finding ways to meet this challenge. If you're an end user or an automated machine builder you really need to know...how can I save on my next part feeding system?
The answer is simple.
Do your homework.
This is lesson one.
To begin with you need to know what is involved in the quote for your feeding system.
These components, however your supplier chooses to label them, must be included: 1) Labor 2) Purchase Components 3) Materials 4) Markup for overhead and profit Knowledge of these factors is power in your favor.
Let's examine how.
Labour: in the normal situation, your feed system is quoted based on the number of hours estimated to be required to design, fabricate and test your part feeding system.
Your supplier may have a set hourly fee per hour.
For example a '40 hour' vibratory bowl may be billed at $45-75 (US) per hour, for a total labor cost ranging from $1800-3000.
That is quite a degree of variation.
A small to medium sized supplier who will generally have lower hourly fees.
Either way, the hourly fee should be somewhat negotiable, especially if you know what degree of difficulty is involved in your feeding application.
If feeding your parts presents an exceptional challenge (tangles, high feed rate or exacting FDA standards), acknowledge that and be willing to pay for the expertise to get it fed right.
Keep in mind that an honest supplier who recognizes a problem part, will most likely tell you when your dealing with a 'duck'.
Those parts should definitely be noticeably less expensive to feed.
Purchase components: not every supplier advertises set costs for items like vibratory or inline drives (power units) and basic (untooled) bowls, but those who do should be quoting your project! If these prices are not out front, they're usually a costly markup hidden within your system quote.
If you know exactly what these items cost, you can dissect your quote and see more clearly where every dollar is going.
Some feed component suppliers may even be willing to quote your system with no markup on these purchases, especially if you purchase them separate from the actual design and fabrication of the system.
Do you homework and find a few different suppliers of components used in part feeding.
Being willing to put your capital to work buying your own components can help keep your project within budget.
Materials: do you know what materials (and services) are used in your feed system?
Probably stainless steel sheets and circles (304 standard and 316 FDA).
Possibly tool steels and machining for selectors and vibratory inlines.
What about materials for coatings (urethane or Devcon Flexane for example)?
Anything that you are willing and able to supply presents another opportunity to cut out a potential markup.
And the more educated you are, the better chance you have for reducing or eliminating some questionable expense.
Overhead and Profit: knowing when and how to purchase is key to hedging here.
Are you a new customer?
Why not become one! Everyone loves a new customer and is usually willing to make substantial adjustments to prove their capabilities.
Of course, check for references.
Look for repeat business.
That tells you that your supplier is willing to work through difficulties to satisfy everyone (problems?
You bet they come up).
If you have a quote that you're just not happy with, make a counter offer.
The worst they can do is say no.
Keep in mind that in the automation world there are slower times and busier times.
If you have the luxury to order from late November to early February, you may be pleasantly surprised with both the bottom line and lead time.
Worth the effort: doing the homework is definitely worth the effort when it comes to choosing a feeding system supplier.
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