Digitalisation, realised by a specialist parts manufacturer such as Sulzer, is the key to rapid and precise repairs
Repairing critical equipment can be a time-consuming task, especially if it has been in service for a long time and original parts are difficult to source. Sulzer has so-called Parts Manufacturing Centres around the world with one being in Johannesburg, South Africa where Sulzer re-engineers and produces new parts for a wide range of rotating equipment using additive manufacturing technologies.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will always do their best to provide a comprehensive array of spare parts for their products. However, after equipment has been in service for decades, the OEM may not be able to deliver this level of support. The manufacturer may have been acquired by another entity or ceased producing parts for this machine and have no further reserves in stock.
Replacing and repairing parts is important to maintain the equipment and to keep efficiency at the required levels. When larger pieces of equipment are involved, their role is often more critical. Making a timely repair is very important in terms of downtime.
Laser scanning for precise manufacturing
As a provider of turnkey solutions, Sulzer is equipped with the latest technology and facilities to reverse engineer exact replica parts or create upgraded parts using design revisions, modern materials and advanced machining techniques. From three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning to computer-controlled machining equipment, the parts manufacturing centres can deliver precision parts with minimal lead times.
Creating a set of 3D engineering drawings is now much less time-consuming, thanks to hand-held laser scanners that can measure items quickly and very accurately. Sulzer has invested in both FARO systems and the HandySCAN 700. The latter is a very compact device that is accurate to 30 µm.
When creating replacement parts for crucial pieces of equipment, speed is of the essence. Using the latest generation of laser scanners enables Sulzer’s engineers to gather 480’000 points of data every second. Seven intersecting laser lines ensure that even the most complex geometry is captured accurately.
On-site engineering
For equipment that cannot be easily moved, on-site engineers can visit customers’ premises to offer specialist advice and take essential measurements to create new engineering drawings. Sulzer uses multiple portable coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and laser scanners for on-site data acquisition. These allow dimensions to be repeatable within 0.025 mm (0.001 in.).
Once the basic dimensional data has been acquired, design engineers can then fine-tune the design of the new component. For example, the geometry of an impeller can be adjusted to make sure clearances are optimised. The designers can also make alterations to the original design to account for changes in the application or performance needs.
Additive manufacturing for molds
Traditionally, casting a new component involved creating a wooden pattern of the original and putting it into a sand-casting box. This is a very time-consuming process and it can take weeks to finalise it. It is also subject to considerable inaccuracies, especially if the wooden patterns are stored for any length of time and become distorted.
Now, designers can export the engineering drawings in several file formats, which can be utilised by a wide variety of machine tools and robots. One method is to utilise a 3D sand printer that uses the data to rapidly build a mold of the new component. Using layers of sand and adhesive, the 3D printer can create a mold that can withstand the high temperatures of molten metal that will form the new component.
Saving time with pattern-less casting
During the mold creation process, Sulzer’s design engineers use computational fluid dynamics to predict the flow of gases within the mold as the molten metal is poured. It is essential that the gases have effective escape routes, or vents, since trapped gases would lead to weaknesses in the new component. The vents can be incorporated into the 3D computer-aided design (CAD) drawing and included easily in the sand printing process.
The 3D sand printer is one of Sulzer’s latest investments in state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technology that provides complete precision molds and cores. The process takes about 48 hours to complete, but depending on the size of the components, multiple molds can be printed at the same time, making it more efficient.
Another method of creating a mold, which is often used for making casings, involves two halves, known as the cope and the drag, which are brought together to create the finished shape. Today, the process starts with a solid block of sand that is machined using a multi-axis CNC robot milling tool to create a precision mold as laid out in the 3D CAD drawings.
To produce a wooden pattern for the sand-casting box the traditional way takes two–six weeks, depending on the complexity of the pattern form. Using a 3D sand printer removes the need for a pattern – the mold is printed directly and finished in 48–60 hours. Machining a precision mold from a sand block takes two–four hours.
Improved precision from CNC machining
Once the basic building blocks for a new component have been created, the machine shop takes over to establish the final dimensions. Sulzer has recently invested more than US$2mn in machine upgrades and modernisation, which enables the facilities to deliver parts to precise, high tolerances.
Some machine shops are equipped with CNC vertical turning lathes for impellers and bowls, horizontal shaft lathes, milling equipment and grinders, enabling Sulzer to deliver complex components. Sulzer also provides extensive quality control procedures and equipment to ensure that every part is manufactured to the highest standards.
Quality control improves reliability
Some facilities can provide heat treatment, certified material reports, chemical analysis, and a range of material tests and non-destructive testing (NDT). This ensures the reliability of the parts and compliance with customer specifications.
As a leading integrated maintenance provider, Sulzer offers a comprehensive range of services for electrical and mechanical equipment that can minimise downtime and improve reliability. Our facility in Johannesburg is fully equipped to create new parts for any repair and retrofitting project where speed and precision are essential.
Talk to Sulzer experts at POWERGEN Africa in Cape Town (booth E8) or visit www.sulzer.com for more information.
