1860GEL

Corrosion Inhibitor

The Client

1860 GEL is an engineering company – they manufacture items to the specification of their customers.  Usually a customer will send drawings and 1860 GEL then quote and, if they win the work, produce the items.

They also have a longstanding side to the business in producing Point of Weave components for Axminster carpet looms.  They supply the three major OEMs still manufacturing looms, and also produce replacement parts for carpet manufacturers across the world, some of whom are still using machines built over 60 years ago.  Components include grippers which are a part specific to the unique production method of Axminster carpets – they nip the cotton or wool, which is cut with a knife, then the gripper rotates and places the tuft in position.

Corrosion Inhibitor

The Challenge 

The manufacturing process for grippers involves pressing the product from sheet metal, assembling the pieces together with a rivet and machining them to add teeth and any complex shaping.  Following this the parts need de-burring to remove any sharp bits before they are ready to package up for the customer.

The de-burring machine tumbles the metal grippers in a fluid with ceramic blocks – these polish off any protruding spikes and burrs.  The engineers found that after grippers had been through the deburring machine they would start to show rust marks on inspection.

The majority of buyers are in hot, humid parts of the world including Portugal, India and Thailand.  They will buy a full set of 1,100 grippers to refurbish a machine but may only replace a few at a time, leaving the rest in storage for up to 3 or 4 months.  During this time, without protection, corrosion is likely to set in and rusty grippers would be of no use in the production of luxury carpets.

The Solution

Treating the grippers with Steelgard TD30 immediately after they are removed from the deburring machine prevents the rust marks from happening – grippers can be safely tumbled to remove sharp edges and burrs.

Once the grippers are taken out of the de-burring machine they are put into a basket and dipped into Steelgard TD30 fluid then left to drain for a short while. They are then taken to final inspection, any excess Steelgard TD30 is wiped off leaving them ready to be packaged up for shipping to customers

This thin coating of Steelgard ensures the grippers stay in pristine condition during shipping, and while in storage at their final destination, meaning these vital components are protected for as long as they are left on the shelf.  Choosing Steelgard TD30 means the ultra-thin protective film left on the grippers has a touch dry finish, making them easy and pleasant to handle.

The Benefits

Using a Steelgard contact corrosion inhibitor in this way ensures that the grippers arrive rust free and protected indefinitely from corrosion while they are in storage.  Dipping ensures that every surface of the gripper is protected and the touch dry finish means they should not need cleaning by the customer before putting into use. If the products were found to have any rust on arrival then this would be extremely problematic and may result in loss of trust and eventually loss of business.  Having a good rust inhibitor which they can rely on is extremely important in maintaining 1860 GEL’s relationship with their customers, both in the UK and overseas.

The Steelgard range is extremely versatile.  Formulated primarily as a corrosion preventative, its other qualities are as effective as products designed solely for that purpose.

  • Contact corrosion inhibitor – Steelgard protects everything it touches
  • Quick and easy to apply – brush, dip, swab, decant into spray bottles or buy Steelgard 5in1 as a 400ml aerosol can
  • Lubricates – leaves an ultra-thin, soft lubricating film with the option of Touch Dry products TD30 and TD60.
  • Powerful water displacer – can be applied directly onto wet parts after cleaning, de-greasing etc.
  • Penetrates
  • Economical – high coverage rate
  • Fast-drying
  • Protects all ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys
  • Generally safe to use on paints, rubbers, plastics and other non-metallic materials

Alternative products are often thick, greasy and difficult to apply.  Traditional oils can attract dirt and dust, which doesn’t just look unpleasant, but can reduce performance and, in this application, would need to be completely removed with a solvent wash before the grippers could be put into service.

 

About Vapor-Tek

Vapor-Tek produces a range of high-performance corrosion preventatives from its premises in Bolton.

Steelgard is a contact corrosion inhibitor.  The formulation is solvent-deposited, dewatering and leaves a thin, lubricating film which protects against corrosion.  Manufactured to meet MoD and NATO standards and used by customers worldwide, including Rolls Royce and JCB, on diverse products from metal component parts to the nuclear submarine fleet.

Vaporol is an extremely effective Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) which protects the inside of things.  We also offer a water-based version, Aquavap, which has all the benefits of Vaporol in an aqueous formulation, which can be rinsed away if required.

Whatever your corrosion problem, we have a clean, simple and cost-effective product to prevent it.

For friendly advice, further information or to place an order call Vapor-Tek today on 01204 521795 or e-mail colin@vapor-tek.co.uk

Skills

Posted on

May 18, 2021

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