Repairing Gears
Deadlines and budgets do not always allow for “first class” gearbox rebuilds. The challenge for rebuild shops is to find the fastest and most economical […]
Necessity as the Mother of Invention
When you offer rebuilding services to heavy industry, you have to get creative sometimes. Breakdowns are never fun and when irreplaceable machines that are a […]
Acceptable Fixes
You do not always have to say “no” when confronted with non-conforming parts. Here are a few “fixes” I have been comfortable authorizing: Custom keys […]
Reworking Questions
The most important consideration in deciding whether to rework or scrap and re-make a nonconforming part is functionality. Can the part be made to safely […]
Frequently Asked Questions
Backlash “adjustment” is just one of the many “frequently” encountered problems in custom manufacturing shops. Over time, most organizations develop an extensive “playbook” on what […]
Adjust Tolerances or Expectations?
There is a great deal of science involved in measuring things, but considerably less on what the baseline dimensions and clearances should be. This situation […]
The Usual Suspects
Once you accept that “stuff” happens in even the best of machine shops, you can begin to assess where the problems are likely to occur […]
Custom Work: Nonconforming Realities
In the world of custom manufacturing you have to deal with less-than-perfect parts. There is just not enough time or pieces to dial in the […]
Something is not Right Here
Another benefit of walking the shop floor regularly is an early warning of problems that will require your attention. Most of my work has been […]
Hainbuch Taps Hänel for Mandrel Prototype Test
Hard work and first-class teamwork between the gear factory Hänel and Hainbuch has paid off. The new mandrel Mando G211 for gear manufacturers, suitable for […]