Automatic sieve analyzers polish abrasive-grit manufacturer's SPC capabilities
To improve its in-process particle sizing abilities, an abrasive-grit manufacturer adds three automatic sieve analyzers to its test program.
Exolon-ESK plants in Hennepin, Ill., and Thorold, Ontario, manufacture crude abrasive grit and ship it in 3/4-inch and finer sizes to the company's plant in Tonawanda, N. Y. A bucket elevator hauls the crude to the plant's roof and feeders move the crude to crushers. In a continuous process, the crude is crushed, magnetically separated, graded by size with proprietary screeners, treated when necessary, and then packaged to customer specifications. The finished abrasive grit ranges from extra coarse to powder [mesh sizes from 8 to 1,200] and is used for grinding applications, industrial polishing, lapping pressure blasting, and tumbling.