As good as new
17 February 2017 /The latest developments and trends in autoclave servicing
Ian Simpson of VFE Autoclaves & Ovens (formerly AIC Service) explores the latest developments and trends in autoclave servicing, from preventative maintenance and calibration to complete rebuilds.
The recent acquisition of AIC Service by leading vacuum furnace manufacturer, VFE, has created one of the largest and most experienced providers of maintenance servicing, calibration and repairs to the vacuum furnace, pump and autoclave industries. AIC Service, now operating as VFE Autoclaves & Ovens, brings a wealth of skills and experience into VFE’s expanding family at a time of significant growth in autoclave refurbishments and upgrades.
Saving time and money
Reconditioning an existing autoclave not only saves a considerable amount of money, compared with purchasing a new autoclave, it also saves time. The long lead-time between specifying, ordering and taking delivery of a brand new machine is something that most busy production plants can ill afford. It’s not surprising, therefore, that more and more companies are looking to specialists like VFE Autoclaves & Ovens to turn their old, unreliable autoclaves into efficient, modern systems featuring the latest technology – and at a fraction of the cost of a new machine minimising production downtime.
Extending machine life
Autoclave refurbishment offers a cost-effective solution that will extend a machine’s life and improve productivity. This is achieved by replacing ageing components such as cooling units, heating elements and fans with new, more efficient systems which help reduce customers energy consumption. Optimising heating and cooling performance brings many benefits, including shorter curing cycles which, in turn, mean higher throughput and reduced running costs. Other aspects of refurbishment include machine cleaning, re-insulating and cladding, coded welding and external painting. The scale of refurbishment depends on the age and condition of the individual machine, and the customer’s current and future production requirements. The process can, therefore, be a matter of replacing outdated components or completely stripping the machine and rebuilding as new.
Meeting new standards
Whilst refurbishment typically refers to returning equipment to its original condition and performance, there is also the potential to ‘upgrade’ an existing machine. In our experience, one of the main drivers for upgrading an autoclave is to meet new and increasingly stringent quality, safety and environmental regulations. Energy saving upgrades, such as replacing old, inefficient gas burners, will enhance the overall performance of the autoclave and help companies meet their ISO 14001 environmental targets. Also, the majority of older autoclave control systems simply cannot satisfy the high standards now required in terms of production quality and historical data. This is a particular issue in aerospace production where public safety is a primary concern. Developed with the specific needs of this industry in mind, our AMCS (Autoclave Management and Control System) offers a proven solution, providing reliable, accurate and fast processing together with full traceability and a user-friendly interface.
Developing new markets
As part of VFE, our highly trained engineers and technicians will continue to offer fast, efficient 24/7 service and UKAS accredited calibrations to the aerospace and defence industry as well as FI racing teams and many sub-contractors to the motor sport industry. Our Planned Preventative Maintenance and Calibration services are proven to deliver cost savings by preventing costly mechanical and electrical failures and ensuring that equipment is operating correctly, efficiently and accurately. VFE’s plans to expand this expertise going forward will ensure continuity for current customers and the development of exciting new markets for autoclave refurbishment, both in the UK and globally.
Contact us for more information.