Know Your Supplier - Rubber & Tyre Machinery World May 2016 Special

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| TIPS |
Rebuilding an internal mixer can be less
expensive than purchasing a new
machinery. Your production downtime
can also be reduced by proper planning
because of faster turnaround times on
rebuilds.
Depending on the condition of the internal
mixer; they could be rebuilt, remanufactured
or upgraded.
Rebuilding a mixer requires expertise in
mechanical aspects and knowledge of its
functioning. Rebuilders’ knowledge of
hydraulic, lubrication, pneumatic, electrical,
control, and cooling systems are equally
important if you plan to upgrade. The
rebuilding process will require your mixer
(and its components) to be disassembled,
cleaned, inspected, and repaired (or
replaced as is required).
Hence, an expert rebuilder follows these
steps:
▪ Disassembly, cleaning, and inspection.
▪ Estimation on the scope of rebuild and
guidance to upgrade the mixer
components (in case of old designs and
brands) to improve performance.
▪ Rebuilding or re-manufacturing mixer
components to original dimensions,
clearances and tolerances.
▪ Ordering of the required electrical,
control, hydraulic, lubrication, pneumatic,
and cooling system parts.
▪ Reassembly of the mixer and painting.
▪ Documentation and manuals for
installation, spares, maintenance (and
operations in case of upgrading the mixer)
Rebuilding a mixer requires
expertise in mechanical
aspects and knowledge of its
functioning.
▪ Inspection, testing and mechanical
re-certification.
▪ Installation and Startup support at site.
▪ After-market service and spares support.
There are a significant number of details
within each of the steps outlined above, that
needs extensive expertise. Hence, I suggest
that you ask yourself the following 17
questions (that needs a “yes” answer) to
decide on your choice of a mixer rebuilder.
(Reputed companies recognize the
importance of these questions and will
provide you full details. Most would even
display documentary evidence during your
discussions)
1. Is the company well-established in the
industry?
2. Does the company have drawings to
rebuild and re-manufacture your mixer
to specifications?
3. Does the company have design
capabilities to upgrade, modify or
custom-design your mixer components to
new/improved specifications?
4. Can the company service your mixer?
5. Does the company have competent
personnel for field service?
6. Can the company provide installation
support?
7. Does the company have the required
engineering infrastructure to remanufacture
your mixer components?
What are its manufacturing capabilities?
Know Your Supplier | MAY 2016