Sandvik SRP AB (Sandvik Rock Processing) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of rock crushers. Around 500 people are employed at Sandvik's plant in Svedala, Skåne, from where machines and spare parts are shipped to destinations all over the world. But metal components that are transported or stored are often subject to rust. And what rusts costs - in several ways. Sandvik SRP is therefore making a unique investment for Swedish industry that saves costs, labour hours and the environment.
Crushes all over the world
Sandvik has worked with Tribotec for over ten years. At Sandvik's plant in Svedala, Skåne, machines and spare parts are sent to destinations all over the world. Sandvik has chosen as standard the vci anti-corrosion packaging that meets the toughest requirements. This means that all products that are pre-packed can be delivered to any location. There is no need to worry about whether the corrosion protection is suitable for the specific journey, it must be able to withstand even arduous journeys.
Jörgen Mikkelsen discusses with Lars Hellberg and Christian Dahlstedt from Tribotec during the training days in Svedala.
Important training
Jörgen Mikkelsen, a process expert in surface treatment, runs the vci corrosion protection project at Sandvik SRP:
- The first steps towards alternative corrosion protection here in Svedala were taken as early as 2001 by Kenneth Haraldsson, head of the central warehouse. In 2009, wet corrosion protection was almost completely phased out of our production. We are also building a new factory, to be completed in 2013, where we will use Tribotec in full, both for machines and spare parts.
As part of our efforts, we have everyone who comes into contact with the products undergo training, a corrosion protection school, which shows how the system works optimally. The knowledge of the packers is crucial to the outcome. It is also easier to recognise when something needs to be fixed - and how to do it. Training is an investment against rust.
Åsa Möller, production manager for Process Assembly, which includes all surface treatment, has supported the work and driven the issue of improved corrosion protection.
- We are constantly striving for World Class Solutions. Processes are updated, efficiency and productivity are of course important, but above all, safety and that the changes we make should be driven by a customer benefit and be implemented in a lean spirit.
We chose Tribotec because they have a good product that works on all metals. We've also had good feedback: they listen, make suggestions, do tests and are very helpful. They are also represented globally, which is important to us because our market is all over the world. With Tribotec, we save assembly time, cleaning time, protective equipment and get rid of chemicals. And once you've tried this system, you don't want to go back to the old ways.
Raising awareness for intelligent CVI corrosion protection
Dry metal is sensitive and often rust protection is applied with oil or other chemicals - i.e. smears and smears. Although this method is tried and tested, it is also labour-intensive, unhealthy, dirty and expensive. Greater awareness of the environment, health, quality and efficiency has increased the demand for functional corrosion protection. That is why Tribotec's method, which is based on Cortec's patented VpCI technology, is right on time. It is also 25 years old and the results speak for themselves.
Rustproofing with VpCI (VCI) - Here's how it works
Immediately after production, the product or part is wrapped in a specially treated packaging. The sealed packaging uses ambient heat to release invisible inhibitors that prevent the natural degradation process of metals - rust. Thus, as long as the packaging is intact, time stands still and when the product is unpacked it is as good as new. The benefits are many: the product can be checked/assembled/used immediately, no environmentally hazardous liquids are needed for protection or cleaning after transport/storage, and the complaints department can expect fewer jobs. All post-packaging stages are simplified. Moreover, the packaging is largely recyclable.
Customised solutions
- We customise solutions for the most diverse products, from the smallest spare part to bulky machines. This is a fascinating protection system, the most environmentally friendly and user-friendly on the market. It's extremely cost-effective and Sandvik really understands the benefits of getting it right from start to finish. They have a unique holistic approach to quality.
- We intend to be at the forefront in all areas of our business, and that includes environmentally friendly corrosion protection," concludes Jörgen Mikkelsen. "Our co-operation with Tribotec gives us the best possible solutions to deliver perfect, rust-free products to our customers.
