7 Ultimate Ways to Get More Out of Your Current Machinery

Various tactics that can rapidly boost your throughput and optimize production do not require you to wait until you are ready to add a new machine, shift, or personnel to your manufacturing process.

With the help of Alternative Parts Inc., you can get the precise component for your equipment, and we can also offer guidance on how to manage your business better. It's possible that the timing isn't right. Even if now isn't the time to implement a new strategy, you can still get your company and its processes ready for when it is.

By adhering to these seven guidelines, you can increase output, identify areas for process improvement, and use existing tools better.

1. Evaluate How You're Currently Handling Tasks

Learn the ropes by observing how the sausage is made. Examine the minute, granular particulars of your output. Can you make the most of the available area with how things are put up? With what options does your team now have?

Is there work that they often perform that could be done automatically, or do they spend time or effort doing something that they could do once? To what extent might this be made easier? If you examine your present procedure carefully, you might find small changes that add to significant output improvements.

2. Identify The Roadblocks

Is there a particular obstacle that has been standing in the way of progress up to this point? How much longer will your team have to wait before the rest of the process catches up to where they are before moving forward? Is there a method to get around the bottleneck, or at least make better use of the time they have to kill while they do so?

3. Preventative Maintenance Reduces Machine Breakdowns

Downtime can be extremely expensive for enterprises, but it can be avoided by doing regular preventative maintenance and cleaning in accordance with a predetermined plan, along with having clear procedures and goals. Does your plan for preventative maintenance require some adjusting so that it works more effectively? Please get in touch with us if you require guidance in determining the next steps to take in the process, as we would be happy to assist you.

4. Reduce the Need for Rework

What is the nature of work that is never mentioned or brought to anyone's attention? How did you come to this point in the process where you're already this far along?

Is there a way to prevent working on a portion that gets rejected by spotting difficulties early on through project management or quality control so that the time spent on it doesn't go to waste? If yes, how?

5. Intensify The Instruction Process

It's vital to the success of your business that your personnel know how to operate the tools they have. Alternative Parts Inc.'s technicians with manufacturer training may train your personnel to get your machinery up and running faster.

Initially, students would learn in a classroom utilizing electronic simulators for realistic manufacturing and work arrangements. You may train an operator in days by starting with theory and going on to practice. On-site training can also be fruitful.

6. Maintain Efficient Management of Your Employees

Workers should be asked for input into the improvement of working conditions. Is there a reason you think they keep repeating the same actions? When do they usually need to leave their posts to restock?

Is there a way to make their life easier by eliminating the time spent on things that aren't crucial to their success? In many cases, significant production time reductions may happen by just inquiring into the needs of workers, considering their comments, and implementing a few modest improvements.

7. Automate

When it comes to manufacturing, the most important investment you can make is in your people. Automation has yet to match the human workforce in terms of its ability to detect and respond to the myriad of subtleties, nuances, and unknown variables that can affect a machine or process.

Identifying the repeatable, recognizable tasks that require a thorough analysis of present practices must be done and can be automated. Learning to automate your procedure can help you reduce costly human errors, speed up your output, and simplify tasks that don't need to be difficult.

Not always do you need new equipment to boost productivity and functionality. And when you do, Alternative Parts will be available to help. In the meantime, your efforts to enhance productivity and efficiency will improve the machinery, procedures, workers, and firm. Helping you become a trustworthy manufacturer is our primary goal.

Alternative Parts Inc. provides a wide selection of consumables and Amada parts for punch and press brakes, fiber and CO2 laser cutting machines, and other machinery. Alternative Parts Inc. provides a variety of Amada spare parts and consumables like nozzles, lenses, mirrors (laser optics), lubricants, and filters to keep your machinery running smoothly.

Many available accessories like Amada parts and Amada spare parts for machines can improve your productivity and make material handling less hazardous. Alternative Parts Inc.'s maintenance service is unrivaled because the company stocks tens of thousands of parts in facilities worldwide.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/7-ultimate-ways-to-get-more-out-of-your-current-machinery

Maintenance of a Laser Cutting Machine

Proper maintenance of laser cutting machine is essential and has many benefits like:

• It enhances the longevity of your laser machine
• It ensures that the laser can perform at an optimum level
• It saves your money with less need for replacements

Maintenance is important to keep the laser machine clean of fumes, debris, smoke, and other dirt. Because that accumulation will cause system failures someday, and maintenance is the key to preventing it. But investing in good quality laser parts like amada laser parts is equally important to prevent damage. So, in this article, we will have a look at some tips you can follow to maintain your laser machine regularly.

How to Maintain Your Laser Machine

General Maintenance

You need to carry out general maintenance tasks on your laser machine regularly. Dust with the debris is inevitably going to form in every laser machine. But you can minimize its effect on the machine's efficiency and final output by cleaning up your machine's cabinet, bed, and everywhere. This intense cleaning can only prevent the effect of debris on the final product. You need to ensure that you let the machine cool down completely before starting any cleaning process. You should also ensure that you have invested in all the necessary spare parts for each laser part. Here, choosing quality spare parts like amada spare parts is important to boost the performance of the machine.

Laser Cutter Cleaning

Some hard materials such as woods, acrylic, and MDF release more residue and flammable oils. This dirt can affect the machine's components and can potentially initiate fire if not taken care of. Cleaning the cutter is as important as the cleaning the whole machine. This dirt gets accumulated most on the cutter and the surface where the cutting is done.

So, ensure that you do regular cleaning of the laser cutter with suitable solutions to prevent the dirt from getting on the products and enhance the laser machine's efficiency. For laser cutter cleaning, you need some supplies like a suitable liquid solution, soft brushes, paint scraper, pipe cleaners, stiff bristle brushes, and napkins.

Air-assist Compressor

You need to check if the air-assist compressor is working correctly. For this, you need to check for any obstruction in elements of filtration that might be present in the delivery hose from the compressor. You need to ensure that there is no obstruction from the starting point to the nozzle. Reduced airflow towards the nozzle often increases the risk of the flame breaking out on materials of the laser cutting machine. So, you must check the airflow of the entire machine.

Maintaining Optics

Dirty optics has the potential to reduce the laser beam's strength. You can visually check if the optics need cleaning or not. You need to check the optics regularly, otherwise, you will notice poor results such as untidy cutting, blurry lines, etc. It is important to clean the optics because dirt can combust or burn into the optic's surface. This will permanently damage the optics. Cleaning them after every 10 hours is ideal, but it also depends on what type of material you are using. You can take an IPA solution or acetone solution on gentle cotton buds for cleaning the optics by yourself.

Winter Maintenance

Did you know that the drop-in temperature during the winter months in your area can change the results of your laser machine? In extra-cold weather or surrounding, your machine will require extra attention and proper regulations. You can ensure that the room where the laser machine is kept is between 0°C-5°C. You can even use a good antifreeze to maintain the temperature of your machine. Here, you will need to avoid using any colored automotive colane as it can rust the coils and damage the seals of your machine's chiller. Here, using quality parts like amada laser parts can prevent damage from weather.

Maintaining Chiller

The heat produced by laser machines needs regulation. You can choose water chillers as they are an effective method of keeping the temperature down. This will ensure that the tube does not overheat. It is important to keep a close eye on the chiller's temperature. You need to locate the filters in the chiller after every few weeks. You also need to check if the water has started contaminating, and if it has, then you need to change it. You can use distilled or deionized water. Avoid using regular water as it can encourage bacterial growth that can clog the piping area.

Sodium hypochlorite (also known as bleach) is corrosive to some metals like copper and stainless steel. Thus, this solution needs to be avoided while maintaining any laser machine accessories. There is a chloride ion present in the bleach, which is an oxidizing agent. It attacks the passive layer on the metal, which causes localized damage. Even the trace amounts of bleach can form rust as stainless steel gets corroded gradually. This disrupts the efficiency of the machine.

Conclusion

I would like to conclude this article by offering you a checklist to maintain your laser machine. This information may vary according to the material you use.

For weekly maintenance, you can:

• Check water level
• Clean lens with Acetone/Alcohol
• Oil runners with light oil
• Clean optics
• Remove debris from the machine base
• Clean machine bed

For monthly maintenance, you can:

• Clean mirrors
• Oil rise and fall of laser bed
• Clean impeller on the fan unit
• Change the water if contaminated
• Clean filter in chiller

You can get your machine to a service store for full machine/s service annually. Also, you must keep quality amada spare parts for each laser parts in case of any last minute requirements. Good quality parts ensure to give your output the same finishing as that of the original.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/maintenance-of-a-laser-cutting-machine

Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Laser Cutting Machines

The productivity and the longevity of any equipment depend on the maintenance and the way of its usage. The same is with laser cutting machines. Equipment maintenance must be done by the operators who regularly use the machine and who are trained to do so, keeping in mind the fragility of certain parts.

 

In case, any part or component needs replacement, it must be replaced immediately. If you have an amada laser cutting machine, then you can easily find amada machine replacement parts online. Below are some general maintenance tips that you can follow to extend the life of your laser machine and prevent production breakdowns. 

Daily Inspection and Cleaning

The simple thing to prolong the life of a laser cutting machine is to clean it regularly. The operators must clean the machine after every job. You should empty slag drawers and bins before starting a new cut. Operators can use lint-free cloths or microfiber towels to clean the parts of the machine. The area around the laser machine should also be kept clean.

 

Ceramic ring and nozzle must be replaced daily to have a precise and sharp cut. If the nozzle is damaged by the laser beam then it must be replaced promptly. You should always consider using parts that are of good quality. Amada machine replacement parts are of premium quality so that your machine works at its best. 

Cleaning Optics

Different methods are used for cleaning different types of lenses. For mirrors with flat surfaces use lens paper and for mirrors with curved surfaces use a cotton swab to clean. Firstly, use a blower to blow the dust on the surface of the lens. Then depending on the type of lens take lens paper or cotton swab, moist it with high purity alcohol or acetone, and rub gently on the lens. Repeat this process several times until the lens is fully cleaned. 

Assist Gas Checks

Laser cutting machines use gas to operate. This gas assists the laser in vaporizing through a material. If the gas is contaminated it can greatly impact the quality of the cut. So for smooth cuts, it is important to have clean gas. Also, check filters to make sure they are doing their job correctly. Leakage in the gas bottles may compromise the safety of operators and the surroundings. So to avoid accidents change the gas bottle as soon as the operators notice any leakage.  

Temperature Maintenance

Laser cutting machines vaporize metal using heat to cut materials. So, keeping the equipment cool is of utmost importance. Operators must check the system's cooler regularly. Coolant levels, filters, and fans need to be cleaned regularly so that they can function properly.

 

If the filters or fans are covered in dust, they won't be able to cool the machine. And it will lead to an increase in the temperature of the machine. Further, it can also damage the machine. So to prevent the machine from getting damaged, operators must check the cooling system regularly. In case of damage in any parts of the machine, it must be replaced with good quality spare parts like amada spare parts.  

Maintenance of Regulated Power Supply

After one month of regulated power supply, cut off the main power supply and tighten all the connections in the terminal and main circuit. Every three months, check the elasticity of the carbon sliding brush. Operators must use dry compressed air to blow the dust gathered on the regulator.  

Conclusion

You must have an effective maintenance policy for planning, controlling, and directing maintenance activities. The maintenance department must have well-trained operators who are well versed with the device. Any replacements required in the machine must be instantly changed for quality production. For spare parts of your amada laser machine, you can google “amada spare parts'' and find it easily online. 

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/top-5-tips-for-maintaining-laser-cutting-machines

Eight Unique Laser Engraving Gift Ideas For New Year

It's our favorite season of the year. Snowfall, the smell of baked cookies, and smiles everywhere. Everyone is in their blankets, sipping on hot coffee and spending some quality time with their families.

On top of that, everyone is discussing the presents they bought and are excited to exchange them.

There are chances that maybe you forgot to purchase gifts, have not yet decided what to gift. Or maybe you just wish to give something unique and personalized; not the mass-produced market gifts.

Due to the holiday season, the stores might have run out of quality gifts too because of which now you are facing difficulty in searching for a perfect holiday gift for your family members.

Don’t worry. You can also go for an innovative solution like gifting laser-engraved products.

Laser engraving is a booming industry and laser-engraved products provide that personalized touch to gifts.

And with the improved precision in laser-engraving machines having the right Amada spare parts, you can get as creative as you wish to be. So, if you are thinking of gifting a personalized laser-engraved gift to your loved ones, then here are some ideas for you.

1. Cutting Boards

You can pick the cutting board of your choice and engrave it with some design patterns or name of the person you want to gift. You can choose the cutting board of any size or shape, you can easily engrave them according to your choice.

2. Leather Dog Collar

Do you have someone in the family who just loves their dog? Then an engraved leather dog collar can be a special gift for them. You might be aware that for pet lovers their pet holds a special place in their life. Hence, this can be a gift for any of your cousins or aunt who is a pet lover.

Now, leather is not an easy material to engrave on, so make sure you are hiring a laser engraver with at least 2-3 years of experience and has a machine equipped with Amada spare parts.

3. Tea Coasters

If nothing, then the engraved tea coasters will definitely come to your rescue. You can gift some beautifully engraved tea coasters to your aunts. You can engrave words like “Merry Christmas”, “Happy New Year”, etc. on the coaster to add some festive feeling.

4. Phone Cases

A phone is something people always carry with them. You can gift a phone case to anyone in the family. Be it your siblings, cousins, or any of your distant relatives. These customized gifts will remind them about you every time they look at their phone with the phone cover you gave them. A memory of yours that they will cherish.

5. Customized Sports Items

We all have one extremely hyped sports enthusiast in our family. Don’t we? So, for that hyped-up family member, you can gift them with engraved sports equipment like an engraved football, volleyball, hockey stick, baseball bat, etc. depending on their favorite sports.

6. Laser Cut Earrings

If you have to pick a perfect gift for your girlfriend, wife, or even your grandmother, then a unique handmade laser-engraved earring is what you want. You can get them in any material you want; wood, oxidized metal, platinum, and such.

7. Music Instruments

Giving an engraved musical instrument to the music lover in your family can be the perfect gift. If they play an instrument, then your gift will be a special memory for them which they will cherish forever. We all know how musicians have a special bonding with their instruments.

8. Laser Engraved Keychain Holder

The keychain holder is one of the basic things we all use in our day-to-day lives. It is an ideal family gift. You can ask the store owner to engrave the initials of the family or a person you want to gift.

You can also get some other things engraved that they might like or things which remind them of you.

Laser Engraving Machines

It’d be foolish for you to invest in a laser engraving machine just so you could make some personalized laser-engraved gifts for the holiday season. Here, an economical choice would be to reach out to a laser engraver who is experienced in the field. They will get the quality work done at low costs.

Things to take care of before hiring a laser engraver:

• Make sure they have enough laser engraving machine as you don’t want to give a badly engraved gift to your loved ones.
• The laser engraver is using quality parts and spare parts like Amada press brake and Amada spare parts. If you have a friend who does the laser engraving, then you can suggest them to look for Amada press brake for sale online for great deals on quality parts.

Final words:

There’s still time left to get the best gift for your loved ones. It only requires you to get a little creative, find the right engraver, and that’s it! You’ll have the perfect gift in no time and will be everyone’s favorite gifter.

Why Laser Engraved Rubber Stamps Are the Best

For any type of business, identity is a mandatory thing. It makes a business unique and more visible to its users. Just like your logo, packaging, uniforms, you need a unique stamp for the manual work which represents your business. 

What’s wrong with regular stamps?

If you are using regular stamps, there is always a threat of other people replicating the stamps and your identity. So, having a unique stamp always goes a long way. When it comes to creating personalized stamps for your business, laser engraving machines can do wonders. The laser engraving machine creates a high-resolution stamp and makes it hard to replicate your identity. You can have a micro-sized inner signature to make copying even harder for others. Plus, it will look good and leaves a good impression on your colleagues.

Why Laser Technology for Stamps?

Stamps are for the public identity. Hence, they must be high resolution. With laser cutting technology, you can cut rubber with a precise resolution and finish. Even if you are okay with low-resolution stamps, it might take a long time and effort to finish the job. Plus the lasers containing Mitsubishi machine parts or Amada spare parts will last longer and save a lot of your money.

The Benefits You Get with Laser Cutting Machine

A Neat and Clean Impression

If you are pitching your business to potential partners, they always look for the details that make your business look like its one step ahead of you. When you use laser technology, it helps you leave a great impression. These small things would make a big difference. Having a laser which has Mitsubishi machine parts or Amada spare parts can give help you neater finish to the logo.

Increase Efficiency

When you have a laser cutting machine in place, it becomes easy to try different things. You can always revise your work in no time and manufacture more products according to your convenience & requirement. This way it helps you increase your efficiency.

Competitive Advantages

When it comes to laser cutting, it has set a benchmark in the industry for some time now. It is cost-effective as if you are producing products on your own time & have no other costs to bear. When you have other cutting methods, you will have to calculate every single millimeter offset in the large design stage for the better cutting stages. It might lead you to messy and frustrating situations. But laser technology is not only better in cutting, but it is cost-effective, easiest and adjustable.

Saves Time

With this machine in your ownership, it becomes easier for you to create art. The rubber-stamp process is as easy as printing a picture from your regular office printer. These machines save a lot of time in cutting and engraving rubber stamps.

Reduces Production Times

You can automate laser cutting technology for producing a large number of stamps. It helps you get your job done much faster. As with the laser machine, you will never need to work for an extra hour.

Steps to Create Your Own Stamp with Laser Engraving

Step 1: Gather the Materials

• Laser rubber sheet
• Wood for mounting
• Glue
• Laser engraver

Step 2: Design

Draw a rough idea for an idea about how your stamp would look. If you scan it, make sure that it is a high resolution; around 600DPI.

Step 3: Engraving Preparations

• Export your art into Corel draw.
• Once you have an image, draw a “hairline” box around the art.
• Choose your engraving type “stamp’ and enter dimensions.
• Select the engraving effects. Majorly there are two options: Mirror and Fence.
• Use a sharp blade with a straight edge.

Step 4: Start Engraving

• Position your rubber in the laser cutter.
• Focus the machine and turn on the fab.
• Wash your rubber with soap and water.

And ready!

Conclusion

Laser engraving technology is the fastest growing technology. If you are running a design company/agency, you will definitely need this technology as the world is changing and nobody would want to pay high rates for small productions to the production companies.