Page 13 - MetalForming May 2012

The future is light.
With manufacturing technologies from Schuler.
When it comes to lightweight car construction, success depends on a strategic blend of a wide variety of materials, forming technologies and processes. Schuler is the world‘s only manufacturer of press systems to offer a broad spectrum of solutions for coldforming high-strength steels, hot stamping and hydroforming, as well as processing aluminum or carbon
Forming the Future
Schuler Incorporated | 7145 Commerce Blvd. | Canton, MI 48187 Tel. 734.207.7200 | Fax 734.207.7222
info@schulerinc.com | www.schulerinc.com
Overhead Fans: Employees Love ’em, Birds Don’t
Tech Update
tices and investments, with exemplary workforce development prac- tices resulting in skill/career advancement.
During each 1-hr. webinar, three award-winning companies will describe key features of their programs. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in dialogue with these companies, so that they may apply some of these proven, successful concepts within their own facilities.
Webinar 1—Thursday, May 10, 2012, 11:00 am EST
Presenting companies: McGregor Metalworking
Companies, Oberg Industries, Roll Forming Corporation Webinar 2—Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 11:00 am EST Presenting companies: E.J. Ajax & Sons, GR Spring
& Stamping, Pridgeon and Clay
Cost per site: $35 for PMA members, $50 for nonmembers. Learn more and register to attend at www.pma.org/meetings.
Metal service center Coilplus Ohio (Springfield) recently sought a solution to uncomfortable heat and unwelcome birds dur- ing the summer, as well as a way to avoid product loss from rust due to shifting spring and fall temperatures, and cold spots during win- ter. Its goal, according to slitter supervisor Toby Schofield: “To make the guys on the production line more comfortable. And because we’re a steel service center, it’s best to have some air movement during humid days or you get a lot of rust.”
Schofield tried using pedestal fans, but found the small, noisy units created a hazard on the shop floor. Ultimately, the solu- tion was installation of five 24-ft.-dia. Powerfoil X fans from Big Ass Fan Co., Lexington, KY. The key to the effectiveness of Pow- erfoil X (and other large-diameter low-speed fans) is the volume of air generated by the fans’ 10 hollow-core airfoils with winglets, which generates a perceived cooling effect of as much as 10 deg.
“The fans generate a nice, constant flow of air,” says Schofield, “which the employees seem to really appreciate. Also, beginning each spring, we used to have a lot of birds in the building, and tried all kinds of device to get rid of them. With the fans, we no longer have that issue.” Schofield also reports that rust has been completely eliminated since the fans were installed.
The benefits of Big Ass Fans aren’t limited to the spring, sum- mer and fall months. During colder weather, the fans help destratify the company’s warehouse. Stratification occurs due to a significant temperature difference (10 to 30 deg.) from floor to ceiling. The use of large-diameter low-speed ceiling fans solves the problem by moving large volumes of air without creating a draft.
At Coilplus, the fans work hand-in-hand with the warehouse’s radiant heaters to keep warm air at the employees’ level.
“Our radiant heaters are 25 ft. in the air,” says Schofield, “so you know it’s not really reaching the guys on the floor. The fans push the heat down.”
Big Ass Fans: 877/244-3267; www.bigassfans.com
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