Setting up a dust collector in your factory comprises the desire to keep workers, equipment, and the working areas safe from dust. This installation, however, often undergoes a grudge purchase scenario. The initial thought may be to choose the cheapest dust collector. But, you need to keep in mind that
Manufacturing businesses are always looking to increase efficiency and reduce waste. The modern manufacturing unit mostly comprises machinery, robotics, computers, and humans who all work in tandem to deliver the final product. The machines are primarily used to reduce the element of human involvement in the manufacturing process to increase
Living in the US, consider yourself extremely lucky if you have never been part of a car accident in your life. According to Statista, there are approximately 273 million registered vehicles along with over 225 million licensed drivers in the United States with an average of nearly 10 million car
Setting up a dust collector in your factory comprises the desire to keep workers, equipment, and the working areas safe from dust. This installation, however, often undergoes a grudge purchase scenario. The initial thought may be to choose the cheapest dust collector. But, you need to keep in mind that a dust collector’s key purpose is to keep the working environment safe, so corners should not be cut. According to Baghouse America, a leader in the environmental industry for developing, licensing, and deploying air filtration systems, the cost of the unit and accessories should not interfere with the safety dust collectors are intended to produce. That said, the following tips will help make your dust collector the safest out there, ensuring the job is done effectively. Even the best dust collector systems need to be well maintained so that they will last longer and serve their purpose better, Read on to know more on how to maintain your dust collector system and to make sure that everyone is safe around it. Equip With Deflagration Protection Does your dust collector handle combustible dust? If so, consider equipping it with proper deflagration protection. There are several different forms of passive deflagration/explosion protection out there. However, explosion vents tend to be the most common and cost-efficient method. Typically, an explosion vent opens once a specific amount of pressure builds up within the collector, allowing the flame front and excess pressure to exit to a secure area. Explosion vents are built to prevent your dust collector from blowing up during a deflagration, thereby diminishing the hazard. Also, they help minimize damage to the dust collector itself. The Protection for the Ductwork The National Association for Fire Protection (NFPA) overlooks ductwork protection and the dust collector’s upstream safety procedures. The ducting must be equipped with a valve comprising flow-activated isolation that preserves the downstream workspaces and operations from that of the spreading of pressure and flames via the inlet duct as deflagration occurs in the dust collector. After that, the pressure wave will close the valve through the deflagration of the dust collector, preventing the spread of smoke and flames to parts upstream of the valve. Note that the valve is closed and should be opened manually. Once enabled, the valve parts could be compromised and a comprehensive inspection is needed before it is returned back to regular service. Do Not Use the Hoppers to Collect Dust This is a common mistake people make, especially those new in manufacturing. You shouldn’t use hoppers to store dust. Keep in mind that the hopper’s key purpose is to funnel processed dust toward the storage bins. As it so happens, the dust that’s about to fill up the hopper will most likely create some potential deflagration or fire risks. Another important factor to note is that the dust in the hopper may further decrease the dust collector’s performance via blocking the system and pulse-cleaning from performing the task it was designed to. Self-dumping hoppers are an easy dust disposal system while still protecting against dust leaks among the hoppers and the collector. Prevent fire Some applications are able to generate a spark and can cause fires. This must be taken care of quickly and effectively. The market offers plenty of technologies and features to choose from. For example, there are flame-retardant filter media and spark arrestors in the form of drop-out boxes, cyclone devices mounted at the collectors’ inlets, perforated screens, etc. Even fire sprinkler installations require some implementations. You can also install cartridges vertically mounted to help limit fire and deflagration by reducing the heavier loads of dust on the attached filters. Inversely, particularly with mounted systems arranged horizontally, the dust may get trapped at the filters. In situations like these, the filter life may be shortened, thereby allowing for the dirty surface to spark/ignite and raise the working pressure drop of the filter elements. Create a Maintenance Program Industrial dust collectors have enabled businesses to efficiently capture airborne particles that help provide a clean and healthy work environment. To make sure an industrial dust collector is working as it should be, periodic inspections in conjunction with a maintenance program will come in handy in terms of keeping the dust collector functioning properly, at a higher level. Scheduled inspections on an annual, semi-annual, monthly, weekly or even daily level will keep your industrial dust collector working effectively and keep the maintenance expenses down. Remember, failing to regularly check and maintain your dust collector will hurt its performance. Continued neglect may lead to your dust collector not following EPA outlet emissions standards. Incorporate Safety Accessories Image source Major concerns like what type of dust collector you should use and how to maintain it must take precedence, but when you’ve actually addressed such concerns, there are several other ways to make your dust collector safer. Safety accessories can be an excellent way to do this. Turns out they are not simply a great idea— in some situations, safety accessories are an absolute must to ensure the workers’ safety.
Manufacturing businesses are always looking to increase efficiency and reduce waste. The modern manufacturing unit mostly comprises machinery, robotics, computers, and humans who all work in tandem to deliver the final product. The machines are primarily used to reduce the element of human involvement in the manufacturing process to increase its efficiency. But despite that, when it comes to making crucial decisions while operating these devices, the human mind is used, and that can lead to potential errors. This is where Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines come in. CNC machines eliminate the need for human intervention, are incredibly accurate, and help avoid accidents. CNC machines have a high demand in the manufacturing industry, and the market of CNC machining is expected to reach USD 100.86 billion by 2025. What are CNC machines and what is CNC milling CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, and as the name suggests, a CNC machine is controlled through a numerical computer program. A 3-D design of the desired product is created with the help of a Computer-aided design. This design is then converted into a manufactured physical product with the help of computer-aided manufacturing. These two processes complete the CNC machining. There are various types of CNC machines, including winding machines, lathe machines, welding machines, milling machines, grinding units, and lasers. The market shows an increasing trend of opting for CNC machines that are compact sized, come with automatic tool changers, and possess multi-axis machining technology. CNC milling falls into this multi-functional machine category, and right now is the second biggest segment, behind lathe machines. The division of CNC milling machine is further expected to grow, as it provides the benefit of reducing the operational costs. Applications of CNC parts CNC parts machining has gained popularity globally because of their higher tolerances and unmatched repeatability. This rise in popularity is because, unlike a human operator, the performance and precision of a CNC machine do not drop with time due to external factors, and more parts are produced in the same time frame. This makes rapid prototyping very easy and eliminates the need for breaks so that the plant can keep operating round the clock. CNC parts are used in many sectors ranging from prototypes to industrial products. Because of their ability to create extremely complex geometries, and their high precision, CNC parts are prevalent in industries like the aerospace industry. Advantages of CNC Automation, and how they are improving the manufacturing industry CNC milling presents a large number of benefits when compared to the traditional human operator reliant machines. Some of these advantages are listed below: Increased efficiency CNC machines can significantly reduce the wastage per piece due to their high precision. When the material wastage from production is reduced, the cost of production is also reduced. This reduction increases the efficiency of the manufacturing plant. CNC milling also increases efficiency because these machines significantly reduce human error. Since CNC milling does not require direct human intervention, it means that they can work at any time of the day, without stopping or taking breaks, especially round the clock. This way, CNC milling allows the manufacturing unit to remain open and function round the clock. Increased safety When the instructions for the production of parts are programmed into the machine, it then acts on its own without the need of an operator or individual intervention. This property of CNC milling makes these machines ideal for the manufacturing processes that involve substances that are toxic or corrosive, including incredibly high temperatures or any other factors that can pose potentially dangerous scenarios for the workers. In a way, CNC milling increases the safety of the workers in the manufacturing industry. Increased consistency and capacity CNC automation means that the machines will run 24/7 and 365 days if you want to with the end product that is the same, piece after piece. The only time the machine will stop is when it needs maintenance or repairs. This is possible because no human intervention is required, and the precision stays the same, so does the consistency. Since the machines run for more extended periods and can handle more parts, this increases the capacity of the manufacturing plant. Sustainability CNC milling reduces the carbon footprint of the manufacturing plant, thus playing their role in making the earth a more sustainable planet. This is achieved as a result of various factors. Firstly, CNC milling reduces the wastage in the manufacturing process. Secondly, since these machines are more efficient, and there are fewer chances of errors in production, fewer materials are thrown away. Thirdly, these machines do not require additional parts like sanders or drills, as the main body of the device includes everything. Prototype machining Prototyping in manufacturing can prove to be very expensive and time-consuming. Thus many businesses skip this part, although it is essential as it helps to minimize mistakes and help understand the product in a better way. CNC milling makes prototyping less expensive, more accessible and affordable to attain. To have a better idea of the steps to come in the process, the manufacturers can create mock-ups through CNC milling at an affordable price. CNC milling and the new technologies associated with it also allow the manufacturers to develop designs that are more complex and comprehensive. Reduced labor costs The actual hard and complicated work relating to the manufacturing is done solely by the machines that include drilling, cutting, or stamping. A single human operator that does not necessarily have to be high-skilled can operate several CNC machines. Thus labor costs are significantly reduced. Conclusion CNC milling provides high efficiency, excellent precision, tolerance, and quick processing. CNC parts can be made out of metal, wood, and various other materials, and this makes CNC milling the perfect option for sectors that require customized components. Therefore, regardless of whether you are currently using manual machines and looking to upgrade or looking to use the process of machining for the first time, CNC milling is the perfect tool that
Living in the US, consider yourself extremely lucky if you have never been part of a car accident in your life. According to Statista, there are approximately 273 million registered vehicles along with over 225 million licensed drivers in the United States with an average of nearly 10 million car accidents every year. With over 313,000 miles of public roads the most of any state, Texas alone, has more than 13 million licensed drivers. Further, the car insurance industry estimations say that the average driver will file a claim for a car collision about once every 17.9 years, suggesting that if you got your driving license at the age of 16, the odds are that you are going to experience some kind of car accident by the time you turn 34. The average person has a total of 3-4 accidents over the course of a lifetime. Photo from Pinterest Being involved in a car accident is a shocking and frustrating experience. Moments after a car crash, adrenaline is rushing and emotions are running high. In order to protect your health and your financial interest as well, it’s of the highest importance to remain calm and to know what further steps to take. After checking everybody involved for injuries, it’s time to take the necessary steps following every regular car crash such as filing an insurance claim. Such a claim is a request made to an insurance company for compensation regarding the traffic accident that happened to you. Car repairs can be quite expensive, so if you are involved in a crash, you’d want to know how to file an auto insurance claim. Therefore to know what to do about the claiming process, we’ve highlighted the key information you may need. What to do right after the accident? First things first, after an accident, move your vehicle to a safe spot out of traffic if possible; if not, turn off the engine and exit the car carefully. Even if no one is seriously injured, it’s important to call the police and report the incident. This step can help clarify what does fault mean in car insurance terms, as the police report often plays a key role in determining responsibility, which can impact claims and future premiums. Gather the proper set of information and details about the car accident, so when it’s time to file a claim you will have everything written down and pictures you can use as evidence. Don’t place blame on the other driver, you’ll figure everything out later with your insurance company. Take photos of the crash scene, photos of the vehicles involved, drivers involved, license plates and any damage done to the vehicles. Also, exchange information with the other driver including contact and insurance details. Call the police Call the police! As you will probably be shaken up after an accident, having an officer take down the details of the traffic jam in the police accident report is always the best option. Officially titled “CR3 Peace Officer Report”, such a report is used by law enforcement to record the details relating to your accident involving any type of vehicle. You can also claim your Texas crash report online, which is indeed a very important piece of paper to have in order to file the insurance claim. Whose insurance do I call after the accident? In general, in accidents where the at-fault driver accepts responsibility, you probably won’t need to call your insurance company unless you were at-fault. In simple clear liability accidents, the sooner you call your insurance provider – the sooner the provider can help you get things back to normal. What happens if the other driver doesn’t have an insurance policy? In general, if you get into a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for the damages and injuries. Yet, if the other driver is uninsured, things get a little bit more complicated and here’s what you should know. Driving a car without car insurance for any period of time is considered illegal and that’s why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is very important. If you get in an accident by a driver with no insurance, your uninsured or underinsured insurance will kick in and help you cover your medical expenses. Also, if you’re at fault, not only you will be paying out of your pocket for any medical expenses or damages to the vehicle, you’ll be responsible for paying the other driver’s injuries and damages. You might even get sued by the other party for the damages you caused them, could be issued a ticket, potentially lose your license and registration and face jail time. How do I file an insurance claim? Just give a call to your insurance company and they’ll walk you through the process and ask for all relevant information. As soon as your claim is filed, a claim representative will contact you to go over and claim the process to follow. The insurance company will review your claim and work with you to correctly evaluate it. After that, they will assess and try to complete it as quickly as possible. Photo from Pinterest What relevant documents do I need to have in order to file a claim? According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, when filing a claim you will need to submit the policy number which can be found on your insurance card; date, time and location of the accident; a detailed description of how the accident occurred; you will have to name the police department involved and the police crash report number and provide insurance and contact information of the other party involved. This is why it’s very important to collect all relevant information right after the accident and to write down as many details as you can. What happens with the car insurance claim after an accident? When your claim is filed, your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to examine your case. The adjuster will do a number of things such as reviewing
