These weeks, HARDI in Denmark is insourcing production of the big tanks for COMMANDER 6600. Previously, the Nr. Alslev factory produced tanks up to 4,400 litres.
“We have just started using a new machine for production of tanks. Our good old machine will continue to run, which means that we have increased capacity and flexibility. The new machine is bigger than the old one, and we are now able to produce the biggest of our tanks ourselves” says production director Preben Kristensen.
In principle, the new machine is called rotational moulding, and the process consists in making a mould in two halves that together form the shape of the tank. Before clamping the two halves together, the mould is loaded with plastic material in powder form, corresponding to the weight of the tank.
The mould is mounted in the machine and rotated around two axles, allowing the powder inside the mould to get into contact with the entire mould wall.
Hereafter the mould is placed inside a big hot oven, where the powder melts and adheres to the mould wall.
When all powder is melted, the mould is taken out of the oven and cooled while still rotating.
Once the mould is cold, the rotation is stopped, and the mould is opened. The tank can now be taken out and prepared for drilling of connections etc.
“Our new machine is very flexible, and in principle, we only make one tank of a certain type, and the next tank may be of another type. This means that we do not have a stock of tanks; they are manufactured directly for the onward assembly, ensuring an efficient production” ends Preben Kristensen.
The new machine will be the biggest of its kind in Denmark and support the ambition of an even more efficient and flexible production
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