We’ve been manufacturing Rocklinizers for decades, helping customers alleviate wear, extend the life of their equipment, and solve gripping problems. While Rocklinizers have technologically evolved with speed and deposit capabilities improving dramatically over time, our proven process of applying precise amounts of hard and wear resistent material has remained a hallmark of what we do.

We currently offer three models of Rocklinizers that use a rotary applicator (where the electrode rotates to apply carbide), but we still support older models that deliver smaller deposits using a vibratory applicator (where the caribde is applied through vibration). We've sold a lot of these older vibratory models over the years and continue to service them so that all of our customers continue to realize the cost savings and productivity benefits of Rocklinizing. 

For decades, we used an off-the-shelf shell for our vibratory applicator (part 9250-A), with our internal components engineered to fit the shell design. But what happens when this shell is discontinued without any warning? We were about to find out.

Our first step was creating a new design internally that meets our needs, much like we did for the rotary applicator (part 950-400). No longer would we rely upon an external source for the shell. Our lead engineer, who also designed the 950-400, was up to the task.

After he developed an optimal design for the 9250-A vibratory shell, the next question was how do we produce it? A mold would not allow us to keep our costs at the low level our customers expect and appreciate. The same is true for machining it due to the many intricacies of the new design. So our attention shifted to 3D printing, and a clear winner emerged on both quality and price. After rigorous testing, our choice was confirmed.

Here you can see the 3D printer in action:

And here is the finished product after laser marking with the LaserEvo Fiber Laser Marking Unit:

Thanks to 3D printing technology, our 9250-A vibratory applicator continues to offer the reliability our customers expect in a sustainable, cost effective shell.

Update: 3D Printer to the Rescue Again

Next, the red applicator trigger pictured above was phased out without warning. For decades, this trigger has been used by all of our Rocklinizer applicators - both rotary and vibratory - so it was necessary that we solve this, and fast. Fortunately, our team was once again up to the task. 

Our lead engineer moved quickly to design a 3D printed solution. After extensive testing and refining by our team of technicians, we had an option that performed even better than the off-the-shelf trigger we'd relied upon for decades. 

Meeting the Moment

As the economy snaps back and supply chain issues grow, we believe staying nimble and finding creative solutions has never been more essential. We'll continue looking for ways to solve supply chain issues internally through innovation. And we'll keep putting our 3D printer to work!

Tags: 3d printing , rocklinizer , gripping , 950 , 850 , rotary , vibratory

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