Whether your beveling operations are used as weld preparation steps for internal use or as a finishing step for final products, you want to keep your beveling process as smooth and cost-effective as possible. Your goal is to get the job done as quickly as possible, to the proper specifications, and with the minimum amount of tooling downtime.
Your first step is to only use high quality beveling tools in your shop, such as the Gerima line of tools available through Saar-Hartmetall. With these tools, you can keep your shop operating smoothly and economically by following these five keys to cost-effective beveling.
1. Use the Right Beveling Tool – It sounds simplistic, but if you are not using the optimum tool for your specific job you are wasting time at best…and at worst compromising quality and creating rework or scrap. Trying to cut corners usually causes more problems than it solves.
For example, if your job requires a precision bevel to multiple large area pieces with high repeatability, you probably need a stationary unit that can quickly process multiple parts the same way every time. If you try to use a hand-beveling tool, it will be difficult for you to maintain repeatability – and even if you do, it will take you a much longer time to complete the job.
2. Maintain Your Tools – If you are having difficulty starting the bevel cleanly or maintaining a smooth surface, it is likely that your beveling tool is either becoming dull or is in need of other maintenance.
It is important to perform regular maintenance on your beveling tools to keep them performing at their best. Skimping on maintenance and replacement of worn parts usually costs more in the long run through longer beveling times, inconsistently beveled surfaces, and potential scrap parts.
3. Train Your Personnel – Newer beveling tools are increasingly easy to use, but an inexperienced operator can still cause harm without proper training. Problems could range from excessive chattering from the incorrect use of pressure to improperly aligning workpieces with automated beveling tools.
A refresher training session on proper technique should be scheduled every so often to reinforce good technique and to eliminate any bad habits.
4. Minimize Setup Time – Whenever possible, organize your jobs to minimize the tooling setup time. For example, if you have multiple jobs for a pipe beveling machine with pipe of the same diameter and specifications, run them back-to-back to avoid extra setup time.
This may not always be practical – similar jobs may have different priorities, and the setup time may not be enough to matter if you have multiple pieces to run. Still, if your employees are thinking about minimizing the set-up time on beveling tools they are thinking about efficiency – and that can lap over into other areas of the shop.
5. Keep Your Workplace Organized and Clean – Keep your employees from wasting time trying to find tools and accessories that have been misplaced because you did not set up a regular place to store them, or establish that tools should be put back after use. You don’t have to go overboard, but if your employees have trouble finding things or items are getting lost regularly, it is time to organize the shop.
Armed with these tips and quality Gerima equipment, you can enjoy the benefits of a cost-effective beveling operation: quality parts produced economically and on time, with happy employees and customers…and more money in your pocket.
Contact Saar Hartmetall today at (859) 331-8770 or by e-mail at contact@saarusa.com to see how Gerima products can help you meet your goals.