Thorne teams with Ellesco in metal finishing package for Osborne
17th September 1997

Osborne Precision Sheet Metal of Hungerford recently installed a Grindingmaster from Ellesco Ltd, to handle deburring and graining of metal components for the electrical and computer industries. And in partnership with Ellesco, J.B.Thorne of Leicester supplied a Nonflam W120 wet extraction unit, with all ancillary ducting, to handle the metal dust created in the process.

"Our aim is to meet the highest possible standards in all areas," says Osborne's managing director Mike Shearing, "banking on quality and flexibility to create lasting partnerships." The company purchased the installation as a complete package to extend its metal finishing capabilities and to improve throughput, says Mr Shearing. These aims were rapidly achieved, and conditions in the workshop have also improved as a result of the new package, he comments.

Thorne has long experience in providing such solutions to many metal dust extraction problems, by linking its Nonflam wet collectors to Grindingmaster and similar finishing machines. Following extensive trials and customer feedback, Thorne now offers its Nonflam units with a range of fans precisely rated for individual applications -- up to 7.5 Kw in cases where it is necessary to remove sticky or oily dust from the metal being treated.

Whether in deburring or fine finishing, Nonflam collectors are a highly effective dust removal system, using a water-filled tank through which dust and residues are drawn by an impellor fan. Particles sink to the base of the collection tank, where they may be easily removed by raking into a container. Automatic sludge removal systems are also available.

Water level in the unit, from a simple connection to the mains supply, is automatically controlled. Equipment such as Nonflam dust extractors are mandatory where explosive dusts from materials like aluminium, titanium and magnesium are involved. Thorne also supplies all ducting necessary and provides a full installation service, with relevant advice on the latest COSHH requirements.

Nonflam units, available in a variety of sizes, may be sited at any distance from the grinding equipment, both inside and outside. They are virtually maintenance-free, sound-silenced to 81-83dba, or 78dba if required, and equipped with an explosion- relief facility as required under current regulations.

Normally available in mild steel with hammer enamel finish, Nonflam units may also be specified in GRP or stainless steel when operating in conditions of high water acidity.