TENABLE Screw has stayed with a
solvent-based process, but has replaced a noncompliant
Pero solvent degreasing machine
with a new Pero V1 universal solvent
degreaser. Facilities manager Norman
Runciman explains that the old machine
didn’t meet the emissions regulations set out
in the forthcoming SED, but goes on: ‘We
have a number of Pero machines already and
they perform really well, so it was a fairly
natural choice to acquire the Pero V1 from
Kumi Solutions as a replacement.’
The SED restricts emissions from organic
solvents to limit worker exposure and protect
health. Companies failing to comply with the
emission limits set under the SED will face
investigation and possible prosecution by the
Health and Safety Executive. Firms may also
face increasing compensation claims for
associated health problems from affected
employees, as well as hefty fines. Pero Solvent
systems reduce VOC emissions to below that of
the incoming regulations and are in fact built
to the tighter German laws 31 BImSchV and 2
BImSchV. All US and European emission
regulations are surpassed. V Series machines
from Pero work with the entire system under
november 2007
With the solvent emissions directive (SED) imminent,
turned parts specialist Tenable Screw took early
measures to avoid potential fines.
Degreaser turns
the screw on SED
negative pressure (V stands for vacuum).
What also attracted Tenable Screw is that
the machine can be used with all solvent
types, hence the word ‘universal’ as its model
suffix. In fact it is possible to swap from
chlorinated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons in a
single day. Although Tenable Screw’s current
focus is on the former, Runciman confirms
that with constantly amended legislation, the
move may prove fruitful in economic terms
in future years.
Established in 1940, Tenable Screw Co Ltd
has expanded from producing specialised
screws by the hundred to the manufacture of
high precision turned components by the
million. Through a programme of continuous
investment the company is today one of the
largest producers in the UK with a full range
of turning capacity available including 35
CNC machines, multi-spindle automatics,
coil-fed automatics and rotary transfer
machines based at three sites: London,
Wiltshire and Coventry. Current annual
turnover is in the region of £7.5 million.
Typical products range from tiny precision
pins and sockets up to 32mm diameter
components in all materials. The electronics
EMO saw the launch of a new electrolytic process for deburring and polishing
Cool and environmentally friendly
COOLPulse electrolytic technology from Extrude Hone deburrs, polishes, stress relieves, cleans and
passivates all in one finishing process. The workpiece, which is subjected to no mechanical or thermal
stresses, is immersed in an electrolyte solution - the ‘liquid tool’ - and a voltage applied. The proprietary
electrolyte used is a chilled, non-fuming, odourless and near neutral solution, rendering it very safe for
handling; it has high electrical resistance, enabling selectivity and discrimination for the removal of burrs
and peaks on surfaces. Outside surfaces can be processed without the need for complicated cathodes
matching the workpiece; and the liquid bath used in the process can treat many different types of metals
with a change only to the electrical settings on the machine.
While CoolPulse is optimised for edge effect (deburring), substantial surface and cleanliness
improvements are a natural by-product of the process. It can removing rough surfaces - Ra 2.5 to 5μm - and produce ultra-smooth surfaces down
to Ra 0.1μm; it produces bright, or mirror like, finishes on stainless steel and bright to matt finishes on aluminum.
The company claims that the CoolPulse process is significantly faster than typical electropolishing. Average cycle times range from 15 seconds
up to 3 minutes; smaller components typically take 10 to 15 seconds. It is formulated to tackle small- to medium-sized workpieces that may be
inherently delicate or intricate by design. Applications include medical components such as scissors, scalpels, stents or orthopedic implants and
sophisticated parts for aerospace, semi-conductor and the automobile industry. CoolPulse ECM technology is suitable for nearly all conventional
metals and metal alloys. www.extrudehone.com
cleaning & finishing
industry is a specialty of Tenable Screw,
machining shells and pins for a huge range of
electrical connectors. Terminals and screw
assemblies are also produced in their millions
to suit most electrical or electronic
applications. Batch sizes at this ISO 9002
accredited company range from 1000 up to
millions. Other prominent industries served
include automotive, aerospace and medical.
Installed in January this year, the Pero V1
works at full tilt across a single day shift at the
company’s Marlborough site, cleaning
components across Tenable’s size range. Each
basket can be loaded up to 80kg; the V1 is able
to process six to ten basket loads per hour
depending on selected cycle.
‘This is a significant investment for us,’
states Simon Schlaefli, managing director.
‘The V1 was the most practical and suitable
choice for our application available on the
market. Whilst we have bought the machine
in order to comply with the SED, ultimately
our customers will benefit. Providing
customers with good presentation of parts is
undoubtedly an increasingly important factor.
Today all customers expect components to be
super clean.’ www.kumi-solutions.com
MWP
85
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