Samco Roll Forming Blog

Why Buy New When You Can Refurbish?

Samco Machinery — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:27:35 +0000

In these tough times, not everyone has the budget to invest in new capital equipment. Some companies are looking right under their noses to revive their dated machinery and equipment while getting the most out of their existing investments. If your company fits into this category, consider refurbishment services. Our design engineers, in-house tooling and assembly centre can work with you to come up with new designs or tooling to better integrate with your existing system while using cost-effective methodologies. All refurbishments are done in-house. We can fast forward your old line to the present bringing you the latest in roll forming technology.

Benefits:

Extended life on machine
Better ROI
Minimal downtime
In-house tooling, design and engineering

Refurbishment projects include:

Bridge deck tooling and equipment refurbishing
Roll former refurbishment and upgrade
Size tonnage upgrades
Addition/upgrade of new roll former components eg. welder, un-coiler, stacker and more
Tooling re-work and upgrade

Purlin, structural steel the backbone for amazing bridges, platforms and walkways

Samco Machinery — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:20:56 +0000

In last month’s e-blast, I was taken back by the awe inspiring platform views of the world – breathtaking back drops for any world traveler’s dream. As you step onto that steel podium and marvel at the sweeping views, it’s amazing to know that all around you and under you all come from natural resources. The resiliency and durability of how steel returns to its natural element and simultaneously converts into a stage for the world to enjoy, is something only mother nature herself can provide. Producing quality steel products stems from innovative roll tooling and design. So it’s only fitting to talk about the natural abilities and qualities of roll forming technology.

By its very nature, theroll forming process yields high quality products permitting tight tolerances from both heavy and light gauge material to consistently provide uniform shapes and dimensions. Finished shapes have optimal surface finishes and display fine detail that can out last a lifetime.

How is this achieved? Here are key points that make this possible:

Lead edge tooling and design software
Quality Material for Tool Production
In-house design and in-house tooling capabilities coupled with over 35 years of engineering expertise

That’s how!

For more on Samco’s roll tooling and roll forming capabilities visit www.samco-machinery.com

Getting Staff And Management On Board With Lean Strategy Thinking: Part 2

Samco Machinery — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:25:32 +0000

Successful communication makes for a successful organization. Keeping everyone involved with changes in the organization encourages a positive and stable work environment. Here are a few more points to keep in mind when incorporating lean principles in the work place:

Establishing a Functional Team Work Environment

Every team member should value themselves as a key player within the group. In turn, they should also feel accountable for their own actions if things go wrong. Establishing trust among co-workers is critical to the success of the department or team. If one person drops the ball, team players need to ‘fess up and make things right again or quickly identify what went wrong in the process and move on.

On-Going Staff Training

Knowledge is everything. Empowering employees with knowledge and keeping them in the loop will help them to visualize the end result. Employee training encourages loyalty between management and staff which ultimately results in reduction employee turnovers, layoffs etc.

The success of lean manufacturing emanates from all of the critical components listed above. Lean manufacturing implementations takes time. It is an evolutionary process that is never finished and will always have room for improvement. Communications is an integral part of implementing your company’s visions and goals and will help to influence the idea that change is good for everyone. Tell us your thoughts on lean manufacturing and learn more about Samco’s Lean Enterprise at www.samco-machinery.com

Getting Staff And Management On Board With Lean Strategy Thinking: Part 1

Samco Machinery — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:12:46 +0000

This down economy has everyone thinking about tightening up procedures and implementing or reinforcing their lean business practices. But how is this communicated? Is everyone on board with the changes made and do they understand it? While this may be the case for many manufacturing environments, this issue is a critical component especially for us in the roll forming business. Often processes break down due to the lack of follow-up and knowledge given to employees resulting in productivity decline adding unnecessary impact to the bottom line.

So we’ve implemented the lean principles and now what? Survival of the fittest as they say… However, let’s not put the horse before the cart and realize this does not happen overnight. Strategic communication methods need to take place to ensure viability of this process.

Here are a few principles to consider when implementing lean strategies with your team that every roll former should know about it:

Change to Employee Culture

This by far, is the most challenging component, especially with tenured, long-time staff who are used to doing things the way they have been for years. Everyone should understand the bigger picture and what steps are necessary to get there. Organizing information employee sessions like town hall meetings encourages positive change amongst staff and shows how change is good and necessary for the company to move forward. Establishing Relationships And Trust Between Management and Employees

Company leaders should look to their employees for ideas on efficiency, productivity and profitability. Management should encourage staff to be key contributors within their team and foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to shine and be recognized. By showing employees how they can positively impact the bottom line, this will help create employee understanding and ownership. By engaging team members to attend regular workshops or specialty training ie Purlin course, this helps to invest in your employee and help them shine and instill the sense of self-worth and value for everyone on the team.

Stay tuned for Part II…

We’d like to hear from you. For more information visit www.samco-machinery.com.

Shelving and Racking – Get organized and keep things tip-top shape just in time for Spring clean-up

Samco Machinery — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:00:25 +0000

Living in a consumer world, it’s all about space. Every one wants more, buys more and we always need “just a little bit more of this”. Keeping all of our treasures/belongings organized, can be mind boggling and can get out of hand. Metal shelving and racks are so multifaceted they are used everywhere in residential and business settings. We all need to organize and maximize space in our everyday lives. Whether you are organizing your pantry or keeping things neat and functional on the production floor, shelving units can be a time savings product allowing you to keep your stuff in place and visible at the ready whenever you need it.

Visit Samco to learn more about our metal shelving and rack roll forming capabilities today.

Long-term Cost Saving Benefits with Quality in Mind: Flying Cut off Panel Lines Are The Way To Go

Christine — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:21:32 +0000

Looking to minimize waste, increase production, improve accuracy and extend equipment life? Let’s review the benefits of flying cut off units for panel lines and learn how you can save in the long run and help maximize on your profits.

In manufacturing, the proof is in the pudding. Investing in quality machinery provides your customer with quality output. Building a solid foundation brings true value to strengthening your reputation and establishes how you rank in the industry. If this matters to you, then investing in quality and reliable capital equipment from day one can dramatically affect your bottom line.

There are many benefits to a flying cut off unit for panels. Generally, panel lines are designed to run, stop and go. But with flying cut offs, continuous movement throughout the entire process flow ensures significant reduction in downtime. To produce optimal results, speed and accuracy are key factors. One of the challenges is to fly press while having the unit cut wide panel products in simultaneous motion. Not to mention, the weight of the press can also have an affect on the acceleration.

Let’s use the following scenario as an example:

A flying cut off with a line speed of 230ft/min that can cut the work piece in milliseconds and return to the home position, will enable you to run an efficient line with high thruput. By using hydraulic double ended rods and a combination of linkage type presses, this will help minimize the press cutting time (see Samco’s flying panel line). As a result, the entire cycle repeats itself about 28 times per minute. With careful consideration to areas in cycle time and accelerating a large mass to the high speed, you can still accomplish a cut accuracy of about +/- 0.8mm. Note that this is a closed loop system with a servo motor drive. It receives constant feedback from a roll former encoder and corrects the cut accuracy. It is also important to note that regardless of the experience or skill level of the machine operator, flying cut offs repeatedly produce optimum results.

Investing in quality capital equipment will help you to increase production, improve accuracy, minimize downtime and cut down maintenance and service costs for a streamlined operation. Although flying cut offs are considered to be more expensive, many roll forming units are being converted to this type of technology constantly and is a growing trend. The cost of equipment is justified and far outweighs the endless possibilities for your company to succeed. Need we mention all the green advantages of reducing waste and power consumption? Yes, these are all nice-to-have benefits also.

Learn more about Samco’s flying cut off panel line products at www.samco-machinery.com

Mexico Ranked as Top 10 Automotive Suppliers

Samco Machinery — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:42:39 +0000

In spite of the dismal 2009 figures, Mexico remains the tenth automotive supplier in the World. Mexico has remained in the top 10 list for a second year in a row. With manufacturing outputs of 1.45 million units annually, the Mexican auto market is holding up well even in a slow economy. Joining Mexico, the top ten A-list of automotive producers also include China, Japan, United States, Germany, South Korea, Brazil, India, France, Spain and Mexico. These automakers make up 75% of the worlds total vehicle output.

Mexico’s automotive sector is comprised of plants from seven manufacturers and fell 28.1% in 2009. The gap between Mexico and NAFTA partner Canada has narrowed down to a difference of 63,000 vehicles. With Canada following closely behind, it will however, be a tight race in this sector for 2010.

Samco’s office located in Monterrey, Mexico provides roll forming solutions to the construction, automotive, HVAC and appliance industries. Visit our Spanish site at http://www.samco-machinery.com/esp/

Cost Saving Benefits When Applying Best Practices on Roll Forming Lubricants

Samco Machinery — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:00:34 +0000

It has been said that there is a fine balance between art and science when it comes to metal forming lubrication. Subtle variations can occur during the forming process, die design and work piece metallurgy. All of these factors are critical and can greatly affect product performance. We are all aware of the benefits that come with selecting the right lubricant: it increases product life and ensures successful product output. However, it is also essential to understand that by practicing proper lube methods and applications for your business, you can optimize benefits in parts storage, cleaning, general housekeeping and even waste disposal costs and procedures. Lubrication provides an essential barrier between the roll dies and the product surface. It helps to preserve the life of the machine and reduce tool wear while allowing the work piece to move along faster and efficiently.

Whether you are using straight, water-soluble, synthetic and/or dry film oils, it is important to remember to only apply the lube where it is needed, when it is needed and solely in the amount it is required for. There are a number of application methods used but generally speaking, many manufacturers use more lube than is actually necessary. It is recommended that you should always decide first on what the optimum lube level for the job should be. From there, you can determine the best application system to maintain the desired lubricant levels. By applying precise lubricant levels to your process, you not only save in fluid costs but reduce clean-up on the factory floors, simplify part cleaning procedures, reduce paint blisters and lower environmental costs. Ideally, a system that incorporates low-volume and low-pressure technology aims to achieve optimum and efficient lubricant levels.

Always ensure that lube waste disposal meets all regulatory requirements especially if it enhances the roll forming process and reduces overall disposal costs. Remember, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that proper waste removal guidelines are adhered to. Always remember the safety of your employees and the social responsibility of your organization. If your lube supplier says it is okay for lube to be dumped down the drain, remember the manufacturer bears the liability – buyer beware. ISO 14001 in your facility will also want to get involved with your company’s lube use, storage and disposal. Keep track of your lube procedures and avoid over application – proper monitoring will ensure all safety and quality requirements are being met. By understanding the environmental effects of your current lubricant and compatibility, you can audit your baseline environmental status and look to the many ways of outlining an improvement strategy when needed.

Managing your lubrication procedures, overall housekeeping, and keeping a regular log of lubricant levels are significant ways of cost reduction and overall savings for your organization. By doing so, you are helping to protect the environment for people, products and machinery. What are your company’s best practices regarding lube methodologies?

Share your story with us by visiting www.samco-machinery.com.

Benefits of steel in today’s buildings: How roll forming brings the cost down.

Samco Machinery — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:30:11 +0000

The future of building and residential development is growing favorably for metal. Thinking outside of the conventional wood and lumber box allows consumers to see the beauty, not to mention the long term durability and greening capabilities that metal has to offer. Whether replacing an old roof or adding an extension to your home, metal paneling and roofing complements any building project. You can install corrugated panels vertically or horizontally to adapt to the exterior/interior design of your home. It even comes in a variety of finishes and colours to suit your individual taste. Equipped with weather protecting benefits and long term durability, metal can survive high winds and seals out water. Metal keeps homes cool during the summer months and keeps warmth in during the winter. Resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot enables metal dwellings to outlast a life time. Cost-effective, green and good looks makes metal a premium home building material of choice.

Samco provides quality roll forming systems for applications such as steel studs, steel roofing and steel purlins in the construction industry – all done with quality and durability in mind.

Trends in Residential Designs: Construction Suppliers See New Growth In Steel Products

Samco Machinery — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:57:12 +0000

We are seeing more of a trend in building and residential designs utilizing metal. Widely used in many commercial and industrial properties, steel homes are also becoming increasingly popular. Roof and wall panel roll formers allow construction manufacturers to successfully meet market demands in this expanding market. Quick tooling change over’s enable building and construction suppliers to feature a range of profiles and designs. This provides the end customer with endless options to complement any building project. With this kind of versatility, architects and builders know that metal is logical, cost-effective and relates to many benefits allowing customers to think outside of the “conventional” wood and lumber box. Whether you are considering to replace your old roof or perhaps adding an extension to your home, metal paneling and/or roofing is a comprehensive option from start to finish. What makes metal more attractive, is its price point from a long term perspective and its green capabilities. Because of its durability and recyclability, metal can be green as well as aesthetic. There are a variety of finishes available even though finish is not often necessary. These qualities are what draw design architects and builders to metal.

When properly installed, the life expectancy of a metal roof or dwelling can last a lifetime, completely sealing out water, surviving high winds, and with weather protecting benefits like easily shedding snow during the winter. Metal is resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot. The corrugated panels can be installed vertically and horizontally to add a varied texture adapting to the exterior or interior of the home. Metal roofing is great for cold and warm climates making homes more efficient, low maintenance and overall environmentally friendly.

Let us know your thoughts on ways to increase building efficiencies and green ideas by contacting Samco today. You can also visit our roof and wall roll former product line for further information.