Casting and Machining Services invests in new Belec In-Spect spark OES

“After using the same instrument for 26 years we were due for a new machine especially as our instrument was not going to be repairable in the near future. The machine had served us well but there comes a time when you know you have to invest in a new instrument. Obviously today’s machines will have many more features and will allow you to make full use of the Internet of Things but basically they are performing the same function of analysing your metal samples,” said Justin Stevens of Casting and Machining Services.

“Choosing the right metal analyser for your application is a daunting challenge for the first time buyer as well as the seasoned quality professional. The trick is to match the proper instrument for your applications. Laboratory and benchtop units are popular for foundries because they are stationary instruments that incorporate an argon purging and a vacuum pump to remove atmospheric air from the optic. The benefit of laboratory/benchtop units are their low levels of detection especially for carbon, phosphorous, sulphur and boron as well as the ability to certify results. The drawback is these units can’t be moved from area to area and the test samples must be taken to the instrument,” explained Stevens.

Justin Stevens of Casting and Machining Services in front of his new Belec In-Spect

“Arc-spark Optical Emission Spectrometers (OES) are critical quality tools for all metal industries offering highly accurate and precise analysis of a plethora of elements within just seconds. This has made them staples in the testing laboratories of all firms that require metal analysis, from manufacturers and refiners to foundries, forging operations, extruders, traders and of course, end-use industries. Requirements from an OES however vary widely, with individual users having their own combinations of analytical needs and budgetary constraints.”

“Quite simply, every application that requires high accuracy and precision in metal analysis should be serviced by a stationary benchtop OES. Spectrometer laboratories provide users with highly accurate and precise results for any and all manner of metals and alloys. This drives a myriad of benefits for users, helping them improve efficiencies, productivity, quality and ultimately profits.”

“The only prerequisites for using a stationary OES are that they are housed in an air-conditioned laboratory, high-quality sample preparation equipment is used and you have the ability to take the suitable solid, metallic samples for analysis.”

“I am not against hand-held instruments as they have their use with the situation and environment dictating. Stationary benchtop OES units are popular with foundries because of its ease of use and accuracy. OES is helpful when analysing both pure metals and alloys and can be used to inspect, identify and quality-check samples, processed metals and finished castings. Spectrometers allow metal to be analysed at any stage throughout the life-cycle of the metal from initial production, through processing and on to the end of its service life at recycling plants.”

Belec In-Spect table-top OES
“We decided to invest in the Belec In-Spect, which is a compact stationary spectrometer that has recently been completely redesigned. The table-top instrument combines most of the features of a complex laboratory instrument in a compact format. It is typically used in the classic laboratory situation in foundries.”

“The integrated spectrometer, contains the latest state-of-the-art 5GSO (5th Generation Spectrometer Optic System) system and is almost unlimited in the number of measuring programmes you can use.”

“The Belec In-Spect instrument was supplied by Innov-X-Africa and the same guy that sold us our first instrument and has serviced it all these years – Cyril Mustard of Innov-X-Africa – is giving us sales and service back-up.”

“The instrument was installed in December 2020 and we have had over 540 heats since then so it has been used extensively to sample the low alloy, carbon, manganese, cast iron and stainless steel metal that we melt.”

“On average we will use the instrument 25 to 30 times a day.”

“The instrument was supplied by Innov-X-Africa and the same guy that sold us our first instrument and has serviced it all these years – Cyril Mustard of Innov-X-Africa – is giving us sales and service back-up.”

History
Casting and Machining Services was established in 1988 but began operating as a foundry in the same factory that the company occupies today in 1992. The company was started by Alan Stevens and two years later his twin sons – Justin and Warren – joined the company and they have run the company together ever since. Clients are mainly in the mining and general engineering industries and approximately 90% of turnover is from repeat business. The company melts all types of ferrous metals and has a capacity of 70 tons net a month.

For further details contact Casting and Machining Services on TEL: 011 828 5520