A Sutton Coldfield based plastic fabrication and vacuum forming company is reaping great rewards for replacing its old vacuum pumps with more technologically advanced models. Strong’s Plastics Products has bought three Mink MM 1102 AV vacuum pumps from Telford based Busch (UK) Ltd and is witnessing big reductions in maintenance and running costs.
When Strong’s old carbon bladed vacuum pumps became worn the replacement costs and down time was very expensive and they decided to find a new solution.
Barry Strong, Strong’s managing director, said: “One Mink has the capacity of two old vacuum pumps and we’ve really benefited from the noise reduction, energy efficiencies and cost savings.
“The three Minks have been so impressive that we’ve decided to buy another, which is no mean feat for a relatively small manufacturer in the Midlands.”
The Minks have provided Strong’s with increased vacuum quality and reduced levels of scrap which will help improve the service it offers key clients such as battery and car manufacturers in the UK, Europe and the USA.
Ian Graves, managing director at Busch, said: “We were so confident the Mink would outperform Strong’s old vacuum pumps we offered them a three month free trial and we were proved right.”
Designed for use in applications such as plastics manufacturing, wood working, water treatment and printing, Mink is described by Busch as offering high efficiency, non-contacting operation with low maintenance.
Mink is driven by three phase motors, which, when used for frequency controlled operation, are equipped with PTC thermistors. The Mink is also air cooled via a separate additional electric fan and has the ability to adapt to the process by speed control which can result in an energy saving or increase of conveying power by up to 20 per cent.
Mink's pressure conveying features include an inlet silencer combined with a suction air filter, pressure relief valve to protect against overload and a discharge side anti pulsation device. A non-return valve is also included as standard.