A global tissue manufacturer contacted Western Machine Works to inspect two bent loading arms on a Friday evening. The loading arms which are used to lower and raise the breast rolls into position were bent due to a loading system malfunction. Since manufacturing new replacements would take several weeks, our team of engineers, technicians, and project managers proposed an alternative solution. Within 4 days, the loading arms were repaired and delivered to the customer, minimizing downtime significantly.

Project:

• Part: Breast roll loading arms
• Details: 3″ thick stainless steel
• Customer: NW tissue manufacturer

Challenge:

• The loading system malfunctioned, bending the loading arms which lower and raise the rolls into position.
• New replacement arms would take weeks to manufacture, resulting in costly downtime.
• Required repair work to be performed on a critical path basis; very fast turnaround time.

Engineered Solutions:

• Engineering and project management teams evaluated the bent arms and proposed a repair process that was more time-efficient and cost-effective than manufacturing new ones.
• Pivot pin bores on both arms were re-bored perpendicular to critical mounting surfaces. New stainless steel bosses were welded around the pin holes and milled square to the bores.
• New bronze bushings were installed in the pivot pin bores with .006″ – .008″ clearance to the pivot pins.
• Stainless steel pivot pins were dimensionally inspected, machine verified for straightness and Non-Destructive Tested.

Result:

• Re-bored pivot pins and bushings were machined to required clearances and straightness.
• Loading arms were repaired, verified, and delivered in 4 days from start to completion, starting on a weekend.