Tag : tag team manufacturing

OEM concept blurred background 3d render illustration

Benefits of Working with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

Original equipment manufacturers (OEM) parts make a difference and that variation is amplified in precision machining. The benefits of OEM parts are important and will make a difference in any industry, some are just more pronounced than others. To make this case obvious, we should begin by looking at the difference OEM parts make in general.

The OEM Difference

From quality, fit, and time, there are many benefits to working with an OEM, regardless of what industry you work in. The difference is evident right from the start, from the moment you order your first part…

The Right Parts Faster

When ordering from an OEM, the time it takes to find a part is generally quicker because so many other variables have been eliminated and part identification is that much easier for the clerk. This also means it takes less time for the warehouse or stockroom to locate and pull the part. On the shipping end, an OEM will generally always be able to have the part packaged, labeled and shipped faster than a broker or distributor. That is in large part due to the aforementioned factors and the elimination of needing to order a part from a supplier because the OEM is the supplier. 

The Right Fit

Nobody should knock the concept or use of “universal” parts, they can and do serve a very important purpose in many different sectors. It isn’t that universal parts don’t work, they do. The question is, do they work best? This isn’t an issue of aesthetics and function. This is a matter of performance, efficiency, durability, and money. The right parts are the parts that were made to fit, specifically designed for a machine, motor, component or part. We don’t have to look far to find out why OEM parts are the best option, the reason is quality. OEM manufacturing affords customers parts that perform better because of the advantages of having the original part design. That performance is often recognized in efficiency as the right parts promote the best possible operation of the tool or machine the part is for and the better the part works the more durable it will be. This all eventually results in savings, from lower production costs to increased profitability because of parts that help motors and systems run precisely as they were designed and built to.

OEM Quality

Original equipment manufacturers are putting their name on every part. They work directly with their customers and they have the original design, plan, and blueprint for their parts. All of that adds up to simply being able to produce the highest quality parts possible and more than a few reasons to do so. OEMs depend on keeping their customers satisfied and their parts working properly because that is their business and the business relationship depends on being able to deliver. The robotics, medical, electrical and aerospace industries are just a few of the fields that rely on quality parts that do more than work but work exactly how they were designed to work. That is the quality difference and this is where quality and precision machining go hand in hand.

OEM in Precision Machining

The best technology and software, the most advanced CNC, Lathe or machining tools and even the highest quality materials aren’t enough to deliver the finest in precision machining. It doesn’t matter how smart your system is or if you are working with plastic, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum or brass. Getting the best results won’t happen without the most talented machinists who know how to utilize today’s technology. It is this mix of talent, that kind of technology and the best machining equipment that set OEM parts apart.

The Little Things Matter

It could be the precision used in billiards, the precision required in the medical arena or demanded of space exploration, the little things in precision machining matter. Reaching out to an OEM will mean getting that kind of precision for your parts, the parts that make you tools accurate, your motors run perfectly or that enhance your efficiency and production. A little part on an assembly line can stop everything. Small parts in a motor that aren’t perfectly calibrated will reduce efficiency and increase cost by creating wear or causing the engine to work harder than it should. Businesses and organizations everywhere and from every industry rely on parts to fix, replace, upgrade or improve their tools, their motors, their operations and in the end, their business. It’s the little things.

From ball racks to perfectly measured calipers, small factors like calibration and tolerance range measurements determine if a part works and how well it works. Working with an original equipment manufacturer helps companies to not only get parts that work but parts that work properly and well. When companies can operate, run and work at optimal levels, how big do those little things become?

The OEM Advantage for Tomorrow

Keeping your business and your operations running smoothly today also means being prepared for tomorrow and the future. With upgrades to equipment and tools and the need for companies to continually upgrade and keep up with competition, the benefits of working with an OEM go far beyond the here and now. An OEM will always have an advantage when changes or improvements are made or needed to existing parts because they have the original plans, molds, designs, and measurement. This simply results in being able to more accurately adjust or update parts to meet whatever changes are needed. This benefits those who are using OEMs by getting faster updates to parts, by having more accurate adjustments or changes made and by receiving those parts sooner.

People choose to work with an OEM because of their quality, expertise and the relationship they forge. Having a partner who understands what your business does, what it needs, and with the tools to help is an advantage of working with an original equipment manufacturer – not just today but for the future too. There is a place for aftermarket parts but the front of the pack is reserved for OEM parts. 

Where is your company at in the race and how can the OEM difference make a difference for you?

automation

What is Powering the New Manufacturing Plants?

CNC manufacturing is evolving at a rate that is faster than anticipated. Today, regardless of whether the source of power is wind, water, gas, solar, or steam, automation procedures and the latest technologies in CNC machining are essential in manufacturing industries. Here is a detailed view of what powers new manufacturing plants:

Water Power

This kind of power sources requires different turbines which as designed to produce efficient power in water power plants. When it comes to machining in these facilities, speed and accuracy are essential. Water can only generate productive electricity if it is made to flow at high speed, meaning that turbines with have not been appropriately reinforced can crack under pressure.

Wind Power

Whenever wind energy is used, the plant needs to have superior performance capabilities. Wind power, when used for mechanical engineering processes, for instance, requires gears and systems that are not only precise but also very efficient. The equipment needs to be highly flexible, and it also needs to react to the slightest changes in wind pressure without compromising the performance of the power plant.

Across all the states in the US, there are more than 500 manufacturing plants that manufacture equipment used to generate wind power. There is a lot of demand in the sector by manufacturing facilities.

Steam and Gas

Geothermal power stations use these forms of forms of energy to generate power. Steam and gas power comes with a lot of pressure, so the manufacturing processes using these resources for energy need to have turbines and equipment that can remain functional even when subjected to high stress and tension.

Gas, being a non-renewable source of power, is not as popular as the renewable sources. Manufacturing companies, however, still use gas because of its speed and efficiency in producing electricity.

Solar

Solar energy is the most efficient source of power currently in use in USA manufacturing. All countries around the world, and even in manufacturing schools, solar power is perfecting processes that have been in existence for years.

Manufacturing in the USA and the rest of the world is quickly embracing CNC automation procedures. To power these plants and these processes, companies are moving towards better power sources. Wind, water, solar, and steam are just some of them, but these four are the best and most efficient sources of power for new manufacturing plants.

The most manufacturing in the world today is done in China eve through for a time, the United States held the number one position. The US, however, still holds the number position when it comes to providing quality manufacturing processes.

Monitoring the Environment

Power generation needs to be by the laws of the environment. Power plants, in sourcing for ways of energy generation, need to be wary of the effects that they have on nature and the well-being of the people around them. Using natural sources of power like wind, water, and solar is best as they have minimum effects on the environment.

These energy sources are also renewable, meaning that manufacturing plants can reduce wasted during their processes. Although some plants still use non-renewable sources that are harmful to the environment, manufacturing processes, technologies and automation are making it much easier for these companies to switch to sources of power that do more good than harm to the surrounding areas.

original equipment manufacturer

What Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) Stand to Benefit from Tag Team Manufacturing

Are you an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in search of a state of the art technology in machine CNC precision? Tag Team manufacturing is your genuinely supportive manufacturing partner. The company is a modern machine shop that is continuously advancing in technology to provide the best solution to the needs of the current manufacturing industry. Their products are not only of high quality, but made to yield high outputs. Tag Team understands the challenges facing today’s production industry and strives towards providing long-term solutions. Solutions that not only reduces the cost of production, but also maintains the high quality of products manufactured promptly.

Introducing Two DMG Mori NHX5000 Generation 2 Machines
Recently, they added two DMG Mori NHX5000 Generation 2 machines in their manufacturing facility. One of the machines has 2 pallets while the other has 21 pallets. If you are in need of a speedy turn around, the new DMG Mori Machines will help increase the rate of production. Developed with the latest spindle, the machines guarantee more products being produced than before with un-compromised production precision. The machine parts are perfectly manufactured to required specifications eliminating the need for programming adjustments. Loaded with 21 pallets, one of the NHX5000’s can operate throughout the weekend lights out. Its structure is not only optimized for improved static performance, but also for dynamic rigidity.

Celebrating Sawyer
It’s been over a year since Sawyer joined Tag Team and has been a pillar of strength in the production facility. Various things make him stand out. He can carry out multiple tasks with seven degrees of freedom. His sensors are top notch giving him precise movements and positioning. Moreover, the high degree of accuracy coupled with his 8lb lifting ability makes Sawyer safe to work with fellow human coworkers. Sawyer uses less space compared to other robots; his arm can fit through any of their CNC equipment, allowing him to help with the machining of smaller parts. Finally, his integrated visual interface with robotic hands makes him collaborative and a team player. What original equipment manufacturer would not want to meet Sawyer?

Aluminum Billiard Line
In the manufacturing business, quality control and marketing are paramount. After several years of research, Tag Team developed an aluminum billiard rack line named Delta-13 to address the industries challenges. The billiard accessories are made from high-quality aluminum. The billiard racks guarantee durability and maintaining high aesthetic qualities. With over 10 years of experience in the billiard market, the company continues to create high quality, custom and visually pleasing USA billiard equipment.

Undoubted Experience
The Colorado based company has an indisputable team bringing a combined 140 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. It takes pride in having 6 employees who have worked with them for more than 10 years since its founding in 1987. Because of high repute in the industry, the company has managed to work with the same companies for more than the 30 years.

Customer Relations
Tag Team takes pride in offering quality products and services to their clients. It takes two to tango, customers speak, Tag Team listens then strives to provide quality services promptly. Products are not only delivered promptly, but guaranteed high outputs without compromising on quality. With proven skills and ability to work with engineers from all over the US, customer’s interests are secured and guaranteed. The company can produce on a large scale with competitive pricing. If you are an original equipment manufacturer, you should contact Tag Team Manufacturing today for all of your CNC manufacturing solutions.

CNC machinist

How long does it take to become a CNC Machinist?

Anyone who uses machine tools to modify or make parts as a profession is a machinist. However, a person who has been properly trained to become a CNC machinist can do much more. A qualified machinist should be able to use CNC (Computer Numerical Control) to execute his/her duties. CNC refers to the process of using computers to control machines. It’s the automation of machine tools via machine control commands to execute pre-programmed sequences.

What Does a Machinist Do?

The terms CNC manufacturing, CNC automation, and CNC machining all allude to the use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) via programming to increase quality and consistency of the product. A CNC machinist can operate a wide range of machinery in the creation of parts and products that are usually very specific. Machinists operate specialized tools to create precision metal parts. They repair, modify, and fabricate mechanical equipment.

A normal day in the life of a machinist includes:

– The use of manual and computer controlled machinery i.e. operate, set up, and program the CNC Machinery

– Making sure that the machinery is properly maintained.

– Operating tools such as grinders, milling machines, etc.

– Calculating where to bore or cut using the right tools for each job.

To become a CNC machinist, it’s good to complete a training program in one of the US manufacturing schools, or better still, one of the most reputable mechanical engineering schools in the land. Keep in mind that formal training is not a must – there a lot of self-taught machinists out there, but it’s strongly suggested that you acquire some form of formal training to effectively and safely discharge your duties. Courses like mechanical engineering include a pretty comprehensive machining training program. Many businesses with interests in manufacturing in the US do hire machinists.

Types of Machinists

Primarily, there are three types of CNC machinists. They are operating machinists, set up machinists, and programming machinists. An operation machinist is responsible for the day to day functioning of the machines – they are the operators. Set up machinists are tasked with the job of making sure that everything is in working order. They are in charge of monitoring the equipment, adjusting offsets, and performing other tasks needed to maintain smooth operations. Some machinists specialize in writing CNC programs and modify existing programs in response to glitches encountered during test runs. These machinists are known as programming machinists.

Becoming a Machinist

As stated earlier in the article, to become a professional CNC machinist, it’s prudent to acquire proper training and certification. If it’s possible, its best to start preparations to become a machinist early. In their training, machinists get several years of technical instruction and on-site training. Training can be acquired via community or technical colleges, vocational schools, and apprenticeship programs. Often, you will be required to have a high school diploma.

Typically, becoming a machinist takes between 1 to 2 years for entry level roles including a minimum of 8 weeks of technical training and over 1,500 hours of on the job training each year. Here’s what you need to do to become a machinist in the United States:

– Enrol for preparatory classes. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement to becoming a machinist. You can get the necessary training — in this case, a degree, usually taking up to two years — from a technical college

– Complete a formal apprenticeship. You can work with a local manufacturer, local union, or your school to look for available opportunities. An apprenticeship is an entry level position where you can stay for a year or two — depending on your training and tenacity — before moving up to an operator position.

– Get NIMS certification. A National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification isn’t a requirement, but its recommended for aspiring machinists. After completing your apprenticeship, get one of those. You will be required to sit for a performance-based written and practical exam to get certification.

The last and final step to becoming a machinist is putting your skills to work. You can do that by getting a job at a manufacturer specializing in making parts for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Alternatively, you can choose to work for yourself if you have the business skills. Depending on your financial ability, you can either buy an existing Machine Shop or purchase a machine to handle some small jobs from your home or garage.

NAFTA agreement

Is there hope for the manufacturing sector if the NAFTA agreement is not signed?

Recently, there have been debates on the issue of NAFTA. It is a very interesting issue given that people have different views about it. Some people have the idea that the NAFTA agreement has only brought negative effects into the US while there are those that support it. The president of the United States, Donald Trump talks of renegotiating the agreement on the basis that it is hurting the US economy. Well is that true and if it is, how does his not signing the agreement affect the manufacturing sector?

Let us first understand what NAFTA means.

What is NAFTA?

NAFTA is the acronym for North American Free Trade Agreements. It is a pact between the US, Canada, and Mexico, to remove any trade barriers and tariffs for any imports and exports. It was effected on the first of January 1994. Since then, it has been 24 years with the agreement still intact.

However, recently on May 18th, the U.S president Donald Trump gave formal notice to renegotiate the terms and if not, alienate the US from the trade agreement.

In the 24 years, the country has experienced trade volumes and economic growth. The state can export, and import goods without worrying about tariffs and that improved the economy at least for a while. However, the manufacturing sector mainly the CNC automation and machining among more manufacturing companies have been seen to be affected by the agreement negatively.

However, now that the agreement may not be signed is there hope for the manufacturing sector? Let us look at the benefits that may arise for the manufacturing industry if the NAFTA agreement is not approved.

Rise in Employment

With the trade agreement in place, US manufacturing industries have been able to import cheap labor or relocate their production to other countries such as Mexico. In so doing people who are specialized in mechanical engineering or those that are in the US, manufacturing schools are discouraged from pursuing this career since there is no hope for employment. However, if the agreement is not signed, those that are specializing in manufacturing will have jobs.

Stabilize trade

The NAFTA agreement allows Mexico and Canada to export their products to the US without tariffs. For example, the CNC automation industries are faced with so much competition from other countries since people are attracted to the cheaper automotive. In the long run, so many products are imported while very less is exported which causes a trade deficit.

On the other hand, if NAFTA agreement is not signed there will be hope for manufacturing companies in the USA such as Tag Team Manufacturing since imports will be monitored. Mechanical engineering schools will have more students enrolling to study since there will be hope to produce US automotive and sell both internally and externally without fear of competition.

Wages

According to statistics, US wages reduced as a result of the NAFTA agreement. Most people in the manufacturing sector lost their jobs, and in 2012, two out of three people were rehired but at a lower wage rate. That forced people to move out of the manufacturing sector and search for jobs in the hospitality and hotel industry and apparently, they got even lesser pay.

If NAFTA agreement is not signed, there will be less importing of cheaper labor, and also, there will be less competition from other manufacturing companies in Mexico and Canada. So, wages will begin to rise back up which will increase the economic growth.

Therefore, as much as NAFTA has brought positive effects into the US economy, there is a great room for improvement in the economy, especially in the manufacturing sector. So, is there hope for the manufacturing industry if it is not signed?

manufacturing innovations

A Look at the Latest: The Best Manufacturing Shows

Trade shows for U.S. manufacturers offer key insights into the future of our sector. Here are the leading events on U.S. manufacturers’ radar.

Where and When to Get a Look at Manufacturing Innovations

Automation and Robotics will be featured in sessions at WESTTEC, an event showcasing west coast innovations. It will happen September 12-15, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“What’s hot and what’s not in manufacturing” will be one of the presentations at the AMT D17 Distribution Summit, September 13 – 14, 2017, at the Ritz Carlton of St. Louis, Missouri.

September offers a lot more too. The Design-2-Part Series of shows happens in venues throughout the country. Check here to see what’s coming to your region. In fact, the listing on D2P shows continues well into 2018.

Also, check out the full listings for the AmCon Shows. These regional expos feature manufacturing suppliers as well as job shop services by the hundreds.

From October 31 through November 3, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, known as SEMA, will host its Official Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. This will be open to the trade only, and it will mainly focus on thousands of vehicle and transportation innovations. At the SEMA Show, 2,400 exhibitors, from established manufacturing companies to up-and-coming brands, will be displaying their newest products.

Then, on November 6 – 9, North America’s largest metal working, welding, fabricating, and finishing exhibition will be in full swing at Cormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. FABTECH, an event which will extend over 750,000 square feet, displaying the latest from 1,700 companies, is expected to draw 50,000 visitors. Become familiar with leading suppliers, and observe hundreds of innovations representing the future of our sector. It’s a phenomenal venue to explore the many productivity-enhancing tools coming out, and new solutions to metal working challenges.

The Outlook for the Trade

Trade shows offer important insights to the health of the manufacturing industry and the latest manufacturing innovations. We welcome the signs for the future growth of the sector, and a very good prognosis for our role in a rallying economy.

The progress of automation in the area of machine tools, called numerical control or NC, has become standard in manufacturing generally, and attendees of the big trade shows will find that computerized numerical control, or CNC, plays a leading role in U.S. and global industry.

Thus, even while the outlook for the U.S. manufacturing sector has often been questioned, we’re pleased and confident that the vital signs in CNC automation remain strong. We have remained optimistic regardless of political and economic events, yet want our customers to know the great value of their investments in U.S. manufacturing.

Because of your confidence, job openings for skilled CNC machining technicians are on the rise. Projections for the future show CNC manufacturing as a significant indicator for the strength of manufacturing in the USA-based industry. Our readers will also be interested in knowing that AmCon found the Denver area’s manufacturing sector outperforming the country as a whole in 2017.

Call our Denver-based Tag Team Manufacturing representative today, and get started planning to see the upcoming manufacturing innovations: 303.841.5697.

coolant

Coolants: Evolving to Support a More Healthful Machining Environment?

In CNC automation, knowledge of machine tool coolant is ever-evolving. At Tag Team Manufacturing, we have a stake in quality, including the environmental and health aspects of the materials used throughout U.S. manufacturing. Today we offer a rundown of the safety and performance improvements in coolants. 

Coolant is Essential

Metal cutting would be impossible without coolants of some type. Coolant is essential for moderating the temperature of tools, chips, and workpieces.

Yet a big concern surrounding coolants is whether they are safe for workers and the environment. Can coolant work well—without compromising health and safety? The answer is complicated, but progress is being made.

Mineral or Vegetable?

Innovations in cutting fluids are solving workplace hygiene problems related to tramp oils, by improving filtration performance. Traditional, petroleum-based cooling fluids would attract bacteria, as tramp oil mixed with debris tended to form a film on them. Managers would apply antiseptics, but those chemicals introduced further environmental health and safety issues, and could compromise metalworking performance.

Today’s coolant makers put an emphasis on vegetable emulsions in place of the traditional petroleum-derived fluids. Companies sell these newer products based on the fluids’ growing reputation for improved outcomes on the shop floors. It turns out the benefits of the innovations are environmental as well.

Beyond the Cheap Chlorine Mixes

Product developers once brought chlorinated paraffin into cooling fluids meant for application in nickel-based metals and stainless steel. The additive’s purpose was to bond under pressure, and create a lubricating film capable of withstanding high heat.

Chlorine alternatives, such as sulfur and phosphorous, tend to cost more. Today’s manufacturers avoid chlorine ingredients, and offset extra costs by recycling the fluids. Recycling systems are available from Eriez, PRAB, and Canada’s Custom Coolant Equipment corporation.

Additionally, we’re seeing innovative, ester-based coolants that take U.S. manufacturing workers’ safety and well-being to higher levels. These products significantly cut down on fume release, or misting. This is the way of the future, as Canadian suppliers recommend chlorine-free solutions, and in light of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent moves to restrict chlorinated paraffins in fluids marketed for manufacturing in USA workplaces.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Ester

The early, natural vegetable ester fluids lacked staying power. And, like petroleum-based fluids, they had an undesirable smell. Bio-stability was a key issue for the emerging products, because bacteria were attracted to the oils. But as Condat and others today develop synthetic esters, the chemical makeup makes these fluids practically bio-resistant.

Products based on vegetable esters, including Vasco, cost more up front, but pay off in performance. There is also Condat’s innovative MECAGREEN line. It uses a high-performance mix of synthetic, vegetable-based esters. Tool life is lengthened up to 20%, and the amount of product used can involve savings as much as 40% relative to petroleum-based fluids. Bonus improvements include smaller amounts of residue on parts, ease of cleanup—and a measurable difference in workplace skin issues.

Catch Up With Tag Team Today

Tag Team Manufacturing is an innovative CNC manufacturing company, dedicated to continuous improvement in the process of CNC machining.  Call us at 303-841-5697, or toll free at 866-915-2058.

manufacturing jobs

What geographical areas in the US have the biggest increase in manufacturing?

In the US, the auto industry is currently experiencing a resurgence with the introduction of CNC manufacturing and under the backing of rising consumer confidence, low-interest rates, and the need to replace older cars.
As CNC automation leads the way in spurring industrialization in the U.S., several regions are seen as major players in manufacturing, in this huge economy.

Michigan

During the recession, this area lost most of its manufacturing jobs, but it has since been able to recover 40% of these. It is currently leading in the generation of new manufacturing jobs. America has 70 metropolitan areas for manufacturing employment growth with Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia metropolitan area taking the top spot.
So far, this territory has created more than 89,300 jobs, and this has reversed the overall decline in employment, which is partly attributed to the advent of CNC machining. Detroit is in second place after Silicon Valley in the concentration of engineers, and there are many skilled workers here. The implication is that manufacturing in the USA is well endowed with a knowledgeable workforce. Warren-Troy-Farmington and Grand Rapids-Wyoming are other areas within Detroit playing a significant role in the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Toledo, Ohio

Among the mid-sized cities in the U.S. Toledo is leading in industrial employment and is located 60 miles from Detroit.

Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro, Tennessee

The Southeastern region is another US manufacturing hotspot, as a result of several establishments by major investors from Japan and Germany among others. Within Central Tennessee, small domestic parts companies continue to thrive thanks to the presence of Bridgestone and Nissan manufacturing plants. This is where you find Nissan’s U.S. headquarters since its relocation from Southern California.

Louisville, Kentucky

The region is supporting major domestic auto makers such as Ford which employs more than 14,000 workers, making it one of the largest MSAs. The area leads the park as one with the highest number of employees in “advanced industries,” which are technically oriented parts of the factory economy and tend to pay workers better.

Savannah, Georgia, Colombia, South Carolina., and Charleston, South Carolina

In second position among mid-sized industrial hubs is Savannah, Ga., which acts as a major center for German car companies. On the other hand, expansion of aerospace suppliers and Boeing in Charleston, S.C., places the area among leaders in manufacturing in the United States. The revolution of industrialization in each of these locations did not happen until recently when the growth of workforces is being experienced.

Cape Coral-Ft Meyers, Florida, Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, and Sebastian-Vero-Beach, Florida

Are also viewed as southern stars and out-performers in the mid-size industrial regions category.

Oklahoma City and Houston

These areas are home to the country’s oil exploration and drilling companies. What makes them top the list of MSAs is that petrochemical and refining industries in these regions have realized an enormous boon. Falling oil prices have caused organizations engaging in exploration activities to rein in their budgets, but that has not stopped Houston from ranking third, among those with the largest concentration of manufacturing jobs.

More companies are shifting to smaller cities within America, and though manufacturing jobs may not be the central force of the economy, their impact is being felt by both small and huge economies.

industrial lighting

What is the best lighting for the manufacturing environment?

Industries need high quality light to improve productivity and keep the workers safe. Industrial lighting needs to be durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of industries, such as vibrations, high temperature, corrosive materials, dirt, and high humidity. In addition, industrial lighting should comply with the fire and manufacturing lighting safety requirements and be fit for the purpose for which the lighting is used.

Types of Industrial Lighting

1. High-Intensity Discharge

HID bulbs produce light when an arc passes between cathodes, making metallic additives contained in the pressurized tubes to vaporize. HID lamps are efficient and long lasting. However, they do not produce high quality light. Due to this, they are mostly used for outdoor security and area lighting.

2. High Output Fluorescent

These produce light when electricity passes between cathodes and excites mercury and other gases that produce radiant energy. This energy is then converted to visible light by a phosphor coating. They consume about 20% less energy than incandescent lights and last up to 20 times longer. The main disadvantage is that they contain mercury, and therefore should be disposed properly.

3. LED Lamps

LED lamps are an efficient, but an expensive lighting solution. LED produce very little heat. This means that they are able to convert most of the energy into light.

LED are about 1.5 times more expensive than high output fluorescent. However, studies show that businesses can recover the cost of replacing their lighting with LED in less than 3 years. The other benefit of LED industrial lighting is that they do not contain any mercury, meaning that the company will not have to worry about disposing the lamp.

Since LED is non corrosive, bright, and does not produce a lot of heat, it can be used for many industrial applications like CNC machining and industrial inspection areas that require adequate lighting.

Why LED Is the Best Lighting for the Manufacturing Environment

LED lamps are better than HID lamps, such as high-pressure sodium lamps and metal halide, due to a number of reasons.

These benefits are:

  1. LED lamps are a more efficient industrial lighting option. LED use half the energy that HID bulbs use to deliver the same amount of light. Replacing existing HID lamps with LED can reduce your lighting energy cost by half. This means that the investment in high quality LED bulbs will have a short payback time.
  2. HID have a high maintenance and replacement cost. While LED lights have an average life of 150,000 light hours, HID have a lifespan of only 20,000 hours. This means that your business will incur more costs because HID lights require more frequent replacement.
  3. Metal halides take about 15 minutes to reach full brightness when turned on and need about 20 minutes before they are turned on again once they have been switched off. However, LED get to full brightness as soon as they are turned on, and can be switched on and off at any time.
  4. HID produce a lot of heat. For instance, metal halides produce up to 350F of heat, compared LED that only produces 100 F.
  5. HID are more likely to explode during use. This makes it necessary to invest in bulb enclosure fixtures. They also increase the risk of fires in the factory.
  6. Metal halides contain mercury gas, which is harmful to the environment.