Redesign of fabrications in an industrial grinder have the added benefit of providing a substantial reduction in noise

Clansman Dynamics have designed their next generation of industrial grinders for use in foundries.

As part of the development, traditional steel welded fabrications were redesigned as spheroidal / ductile iron castings and to meet engineering requirements three of the major load bearing components, the Lower Wrist, Upper Wrist and Spindle Housing were designed in Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI); specifically, ADI EN1564 900-8. Additionally, the drive belt system was changed.

 

Product testing revealed a further secondary benefit when compared to the original steel design and it was observed that the operational noise level reduced from 110 dBA to 85 dBA. This represents a significant reduction in noise within a foundry environment and is testament to the noise dampening effect of ADI and Spheroidal Ductile Irons.

To put this in context, noise levels of 110 dBA is the average human pain threshold and has a maximum exposure time (without hearing protection) of 1 minute and 29 seconds before permanent hearing damage occurs, whereas 85 dBA has a maximum exposure time of 8 hours under the same conditions. Clearly, this does not remove the requirement for hearing protection, as foundries in general are noisy. It does, however, contribute to a more comfortable working environment for operators.