Hydro-SAPA a global leader in aluminium extruded products needed a solution to reduce the cycle times and the energy required to blast clean the extrusion dies at their plant in Tibshelf, Derbyshire. After discussions with local manufacturer of shot blasting and shot peening equipment Straaltechniek UK, Hydro-SAPA decided to invest in a new Straaltechniek DA1250 Blast Table
Alan Vardy, Die Shop Manager at Hydro said ‘our existing 1m diameter machine with a single door was purchased in 1989 and was proving unreliable and loading of the dies was difficult. After viewing several options and space being a premium to us we decided on the Straaltechniek 1250mm Table Machine with double clam shell doors for easier loading. We also needed to reduce cycle times of 30 minutes to clean both sides of the dies and reduce our energy consumption and shot usage at the same time’
Jay Dorling Sales Director at Straaltechniek added ‘loading and unloading of the heavy dies was the main driver for Hydro to purchase our technology but the added bonus of the Straaltechniek High-Performance Long-Life Tungsten Carbide Blast Wheel with Inverter Control took the process to another level. 30-minute cycle times went down to 6 minutes a reduction of 80% utilising 30% less energy and 10-20% less abrasive media. All this contributes to a lower carbon footprint for this vital process and a more profitable machine going forward which is a win-win all round for Hydro SAPA’
