It is common to find old, modified or undocumented machines. In such cases a blade can be accurately reproduced if the appropriate information is gathered before it is disassembled or sent as a sample.
Machine data
Indicate manufacturer, model, serial number and position of the part. A general photograph of the chamber helps to know if it is a rotor blade, stator, counterblade, separator or wear plate.
Essential measures
- Length, width and thickness.
- Number, diameter and position of the drills.
- Countersinks, threads, radii and chamfers.
- Angle, number and orientation of the edges.
- Distances between centers and critical tolerances.
Useful photographs
Take a view of each face, detail of the edge, holes and engraved marks. Include a ruler or caliper as a reference, but do not use the photograph alone to determine a critical dimension.
Working conditions
We need to know the material cut, the production, the hours of service, the failure mode and if there are contaminants. This information makes it possible to recommend steel and hardness, not just copy the geometry.
Physical sample and final control
When possible, a sample can be used to check flatness, hardness and difficult-to-measure details. The generated manufacturing drawing must be archived for future replacements.
Send information from Request quote. You can attach photographs and plans of the piece.
How to measure without introducing errors
The main dimensions must be taken with a caliper, micrometer or instruments appropriate to the size. For drill patterns it is preferable to measure between centers using the edges of two holes and offsetting their diameters. Long pieces also require a precision ruler to check straightness.
If the blade is badly worn, the current width and angle do not represent the original geometry. In that case, the seat, the counterblade and other pieces of the same set are analyzed.
Information that helps choose the material
A photograph does not allow a steel to be identified with certainty. A hardness test can be carried out and, when the project justifies it, a material analysis. Still, new quality should be selected based on the actual work and not simply reproduce material that may not have worked properly.
Frequent errors
- Indicate approximate measurements for drills and countersinks.
- Do not indicate which is the active edge.
- Send only a frontal photograph without scale.
- Skip the total amount of the game.
- Do not report previous cracks or breaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to ship the part?
Not always. A complete plan may be sufficient. The sample is useful when there are radii, profiles, serrations or details that are difficult to represent.
Is the sample returned?
The sample may be retained only during manufacturing and returned as agreed. It is convenient to identify it with company, machine and position.
Is a plan generated?
Dimensional documentation is prepared for manufacturing. Once validated, it simplifies subsequent orders and allows you to control revisions.
The more information provided initially, the lower the risk of delays and modifications.