Sandvik invests in environment-friendly anti-corrosion solution

Sandvik SRP AB (Sandvik Rock Processing) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of stone crushers. About 500 people are employed at Sandvik’s facility in Svedala, Skåne, from where machines and spare parts are sent to destinations all over the world. But metal components that are transported or stored are often exposed to corrosion. And what rusts, costs – in many ways. Sandvik SRP is therefore carrying out an initiative that is unique in Swedish industry, saving costs, hours of labour and the environment.

Crushers all over the world

Sandvik has been working with Tribotec for about ten years. At Sandvik’s facility in Svedala, Skåne, machines and spare parts are sent to destinations all over the world. As standard, Sandvik has chosen anti-corrosion packaging solutions that meet the toughest demands. This means that all pre-packed products can be delivered anywhere at all. No one needs to worry about whether the anti-corrosion solution will withstand a given journey, it has to cope with extremely arduous trips.

Important training

Jörgen Mikkelsen, process expert in the field of surface treatment, is running the anti-corrosion project at Sandvik SRP:
“The first steps towards an alternative anti-corrosion solution were taken way back in 2001 here in Svedala by Kenneth Haraldsson, manager of the central warehouse. In 2009 wet anti-corrosion solutions were almost entirely phased out of our production process. We’re also building a new factory that’s due for completion in 2013, where we’re using Tribotec in full, for both machines and spare parts.
“As an element of our initiative, we’re sending everyone who comes into contact with the products on a course, an anti-corrosion school, which shows them how to best use the system. The knowledge of those doing the packing is crucial for the outcome. It’s also easier to see when something needs rectifying – and what has to be done. This course is an investment against corrosion.”
Åsa Möller, responsible for production in Process Assembly, where all surface treatment takes place, has supported this work and driven the issue of improved anti-corrosion solutions.
“We’re constantly striving to achieve World Class Solutions. Processes are being updated, efficiency and productivity are of course important, but topping the agenda are safety and the fact that the changes we make must be driven by customer value and must be implemented in the LEAN spirit.
“We chose Tribotec because they have a good product that works on all metals.
And we’ve also had a good response: they listen, give suggestions, conduct tests and are very helpful. They also have global representation, which is important for us as our market covers the whole world. With Tribotec we save on assembly time, cleaning time, protective equipment and do away with chemicals. And once you’ve tested this system, you don’t want to go back to the old methods.”

Greater awareness
of intelligent anti-corrosion solutions

Dry metal is sensitive, and is often protected against corrosion using oil or other chemicals – which can be very messy. The method may well be tried and tested, but it is also labour-intensive, unhealthy, dirty and expensive. Greater awareness of the environment, health, quality and efficiency has increased the demands for functional anti-corrosion solutions. The time is therefore just right for Tribotec’s method, which is based on Cortec’s patented VpCI technology. It also has 25 years under its belt, and the results speak for themselves.

Protection against corrosion with VpCI
– this is how it works

Immediately after being manufactured, the product or part is packed using a specially treated packaging material. Using the heat in the room, the sealed packaging secretes invisible inhibitors that prevent the process of degradation that naturally affects metals – corrosion. So as long as the packaging remains intact, time stands still, and when the product is opened it is as good as new. There are many benefits: the product can be checked/assembled/used immediately, no environmentally hazardous liquids are needed for protection or cleaning after transport/storage, and the complaints department can expect fewer assignments. All stages after packaging are simplified. The packaging is also largely recyclable.

Customised solutions

Lars Hellberg is Sales Manager at Tribotec, who currently market around 400 different items in the anti-corrosion field:
“We customise solutions for a vast range of products, from the smallest spare part to bulky machines. This is a fascinating protective system, the most environment-friendly and user-friendly one on the market. It’s extremely cost-efficient, and Sandvik has really understood how great the benefits are when you do the right thing from beginning to end. They have a unique holistic approach to quality.”
“We intend to lead the way in all areas of our business, and this also means environment-friendly anti-corrosion solutions,” concludes Jörgen Mikkelsen. “Our partnership with Tribotec gives us the best possible solutions to deliver perfect products, without any corrosion, to our customers.”