|
The following case study with the methodology applied and results achieved has been recurrent over and over in industry after industry.
Background:
A large, century old company based in the Midwest specializing in a variety of aggregate processing equipment. Multi-generational management and worker composition who take great pride in being independent and self-reliant in an industry that is characterized by consolidation and tight competition. They are committed to producing products that are driven by customer satisfaction and believe their independent structure allows for production of the highest quality products. High employee involvement throughout the design and production process is a valued input.
Analysis:
- Traditionally used pin-lock type locknuts ranging in size from 3/8" to 2" on crushing/pulverizing products.
- Began experiencing numerous customer field complaints regarding costly product downtime due to loosening fastener joints.
- In addition, the pin-lock nuts were causing thread damage upon engagement with the mating bolts which made re-tightening and repair/replacement more difficult or impossible.
- SLN met with customer’s personnel (plant, engineering, & materials) to determine exact cause of joint loosening.
Problem ID:
- Discovered pin-lock nuts, like other distorting nuts, require excess torque resulting in thread damage for their locking condition and thus are not optimizing input torque which prevents the creation of an ideal fastening joint.
- Inferior locking condition cannot hold up under severe impact and vibration resulting in costly downtime and dangerous situations.
Recommend Solution(s):
- Based on applications and equipment type, recommended Heavy Hex Security Locknuts for testing.
Field Test:
- Selected most critical components and most difficult applications to performance test in the field with key customers who had experienced problems.
Implementation:
- Security Locknuts solved the problems and were well received by the customers in the field.
- Began using SLN locknuts across the board on product line.
- Customer standardized on SLN product throughout their entire line.
- Upon utilization, customer became convinced SLN is the "best in the industry!"
|
