In an ever-evolving industrial landscape, selecting the right finishing process for your organization’s specific application can be a daunting task. That’s why ALMCO has been committed to helping customers achieve their project goals for over 75 years.
If you have ever wondered how ALMCO’s industrial finishing processes could benefit your organization, we have exciting news to share! We offer free sample part processing with no fee or commitment, providing you with an opportunity to explore our cutting-edge solutions and see how we can tailor our equipment to your unique needs.
In an article published in 2021, we shared information about this free service. As a refresher, or as a guide for those who weren’t aware, we wanted to highlight it again today. You can read our original article here: ALMCO Article: Free Parts Processing with Guaranteed Results!
An Interview with Our Lab Manager:
To gain further insight into ALMCO’s free parts processing service and its benefits, we sat down with our Lab Manager, Doug Brown and Lab Technician, Ken Viktora. Here are a few questions we discussed:
Could you provide an overview of ALMCO’s process lab and the technologies it utilizes to ensure top-quality results?
We have a variety of finishing and washing machines in our lab to perform sample part testing. We currently have around 5-6 vibratory bowls and 5-6 vibratory tubs to choose from, as well as 5 different washing systems, including: Immersion, Ultrasonic, Agitation, Cabinet, and Inline Washers.
We also have specialized equipment to check the product finish, cleanliness, and the smoothness of the part after it’s been processed. We utilize Millipore testing, contact surface profile measuring, as well as a Hirox Digital microscope, just to name a few technologies.
How does ALMCO determine the correct process for a customer’s specific application once the parts are received in-house?
In order to determine the right process for a customer’s parts, we draw on our years of experience and expertise in industrial finishing. Ken and I take a close look at the parts’ shape and any specific concerns, then we narrow down the best machines, techniques, media, and compounds.
We run tests, tag the parts at different time cycles, create a lab report, and as the final step, we send the parts back to the customer for them to examine and test for confirmation of our results. After that, the sales rep takes the lead, making sure the customer is happy with the samples before we move forward with a quote and the next steps. It’s all about getting the best results for our customers!
Could you walk us through the lab report that ALMCO provides to customers after their sample parts are processed?
The lab report includes before/after pictures, general process details, and the time taken to achieve the finish. After receiving the report, the sales team follows up with the customer to discuss whether they’d like us to put together a quote.
What happens after the recommended finishing formula is developed? How does ALMCO ensure consistent results when implemented in the customer’s manufacturing facility?
We perform a machine run off in-house to ensure the process works effectively. In some cases, a PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) processing run is done with a small sample of finished parts to test and verify that the finishing process meets the required quality and specifications before implementing it in full-scale production.
In addition, a member of our sales team may be present at the customer’s facility if they opted for [name of service to help with the process?] when they purchased their equipment to provide training to the machine operators and to ensure the machine performs as it did in our ALMCO facility.
Can you share any success stories or examples where ALMCO’s free sample part processing has made a significant impact on a customer’s finishing operation?
One recent example involved a customer who was doing hand finishing for all their parts. After processing sample parts in our lab with our Sutton Finishing Machine, we were able to demonstrate that they could completely eliminate handwork. They purchased a machine, which resulted in more uniform finishing on their parts and significant time and cost savings.
Unlock the Power of ALMCO’s Solutions:
By taking advantage of ALMCO’s free sample part processing, you open the doors to a world of possibilities. Our team of experts will work closely with you, using the lab’s findings, to create a tailored finishing solution that meets your specific requirements. Additionally, we guarantee that the same results achieved in our process lab will be replicated in your manufacturing facility when utilizing ALMCO’s recommended finishing formula of media, compound, and ALMCO equipment.