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Our CMM inspection machine guarantees perfectly dimensioned mechanical parts

To ensure that we produce mechanical components of impeccable quality, we’re proud to rely on equipment that takes us to the “big leagues” when it comes to parts inspection: a Mitutoyo CMM digital inspection machine.

Read on to find out how this tool enables our team to achieve the highest levels of precision.

What a CMM machine does

CMM inspection machines analyze the smallest geometric details of metal or plastic parts obtained from various machining operations.

To do this, a spherical probe at the end of a moving arm scans all the surfaces of the machined parts, collecting the coordinates essential for analyzing their dimensions. Hence the acronym CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine).

CMM machines such as ours can therefore quickly obtain extremely accurate three-dimensional measurement data, which is useful in a variety of contexts.

Quality control

While analyzing a part, our CMM generates a detailed inspection report of its critical dimensions in real time. It can also highlight differences between the analyzed part and its manufacturing drawings when they are uploaded to the system.

This makes it possible to identify problems that are difficult to detect with manual instruments, especially when machining spherical surface elements.

This report also enables our customers to see how well the industrial components and machines we manufacture meet the most demanding requirements.

Reverse Engineering

Our inspection machine also allows us to faithfully reproduce a mechanical part from a copy.

All you have to do is analyze the geometry of the part to be replicated to obtain the data needed to manufacture it. This can be very useful when a part has been out of production for a long time and its drawings are not accessible.

For example, we can reproduce components such as gears or shafts, allowing you to extend the life of your industrial machinery instead of replacing it. We can also reproduce parts in a hurry to avoid the long delays associated with importing parts from original manufacturers.

At Omnifab, our parts go through a fine-tooth comb

Now that you know some of the advantages of using a Mitutoyo CMM inspection machine, why not entrust your industrial mechanical manufacturing projects to a company that masters this equipment like no other?

At Omnifab, our CMM is always perfectly calibrated and expertly operated by a quality assurance specialist.

So don’t hesitate to contact us for all your mechanical parts and components needs. We’ll exceed your expectations.

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The different types of industrial maintenance

Industrial companies, large and small, know that the health of their business depends on the smooth operation of their production equipment, and that maintenance of that equipment is a major contributor.

However, many companies find it difficult to differentiate between the different types of maintenance strategies or to determine the ideal maintenance program for them.

In this text, we’ll look at the different types of industrial maintenance services, but first let’s take a look at the definition of industrial maintenance.

Definition of Industrial Maintenance

Industrial maintenance refers to all activities, procedures and practices aimed at maintaining, repairing, overhauling and optimizing equipment, machinery, plant and systems used in industrial production or other industrial processes.

The primary goal of industrial maintenance is to ensure that equipment operates reliably, efficiently and safely while minimizing unplanned downtime.

The 3 main types of industrial maintenance

1 – Corrective and Curative Maintenance Services

We have decided to group corrective and curative maintenance services in the same category because they share a very important characteristic: their aim is to eliminate a malfunction, anomaly or non-conformity in order to ensure the optimal operation of the equipment concerned. They are therefore carried out after an equipment inspection or in response to a breakdown.

That said, corrective maintenance involves the repair of machinery, while curative maintenance (also called remedial maintenance) involves the complete or partial replacement of mechanical components. This is the difference between the two terms.

Which companies should choose corrective or curative maintenance?

As you may have noticed, companies usually resort to both types of industrial machine maintenance in response to a breakdown or failure. As a result, this strategy is generally applied to non-priority equipment rather than critical equipment whose failure could affect the entire production line.

Companies that choose this type of maintenance should have a highly responsive industrial mechanics partner! After all, a late repair can have serious consequences for business operations and the life of the equipment involved.

In general, corrective and curative maintenance services will be an advantageous option for companies using less sophisticated equipment for which periodic maintenance would be too expensive in relation to the original value.

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2 – Preventive maintenance service (systematic and conditional)

As the name suggests, preventive maintenance aims to prevent equipment problems through periodic inspections, regular servicing and the correction of minor problems before they affect production activities.

Preventive maintenance services apply to parts, components, machines and production equipment to reduce the risk of failure or breakdown.

Typically, a preventive maintenance service is based on a maintenance program that takes into account the age and wear of the equipment.

Machine manufacturers’ recommendations (e.g., for parts replacement, alignment, lubrication, etc.) should also be considered when developing a preventive maintenance plan.

Difference between systematic and condition-based preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance can be divided into two categories: systematic preventive maintenance and condition-based preventive maintenance.

Systematic preventive maintenance is performed at regular intervals. It can be performed annually, monthly, weekly or at other intervals, depending on the equipment. With this type of preventive maintenance, it is possible to coordinate interventions during less busy or “shutdown” periods in order to limit the impact on production.

Conditional preventive maintenance, on the other hand, is not based on a predetermined schedule. Instead, it is based on the continuous monitoring of various equipment parameters (vibration, speed, power, etc.) using instruments or sensors linked to a monitoring system. In this way, maintenance is only carried out when it is really necessary, i.e. when an anomaly is detected, indicating that a problem is imminent.

Which companies should choose preventive maintenance?

Companies whose production goals depend on the smooth operation of their industrial machinery should follow a preventive maintenance program.

With the support of a skilled preventive maintenance partner, machines operate at their full potential, the risk of mechanical problems leading to unplanned downtime is greatly reduced, and maintenance costs are much easier to predict.

3 – Predictive Maintenance Service

Like condition-based preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance relies on advanced data collection and processing solutions to anticipate problems before they occur.

The difference is that in the case of predictive maintenance, the collected data streams are analyzed by advanced software that interprets data and detects trends. In other words, even when indicators appear normal, artificial intelligence can still detect signs that an incident is about to occur. In short, it’s the automation of detection!

Which Companies Should Consider Predictive Maintenance?

Predictive maintenance is increasingly relevant for companies with a high level of computerization and process automation.

Companies that are in the process of modernizing their equipment should also investigate the possibility of implementing a predictive maintenance plan

In both cases, companies must ensure that industrial maintenance technicians are sufficiently trained to manage IT systems.

Omnifab, a reference for many types of industrial maintenance in Quebec

As more and more companies depend on the smooth operation of their production equipment, a simple mechanical breakdown can have far-reaching consequences. Fortunately, thanks to industrial maintenance services, incidents can often be avoided or quickly resolved.

At Omnifab, we can offer you maintenance plans that are 100% tailored to your needs, including different types of industrial maintenance. In fact, we’re already doing it for many industries, including food, pulp and paper, mining and more!

Our technicians are specially trained and can travel anywhere in Quebec to service your equipment. Not to mention, we are a Cognibox and ISN accredited industrial maintenance management company.

How to conduct a risk analysis for machine safety?

Whether your company is involved in mining, metallurgy, petrochemicals or any other industry, carrying out a risk analysis should be at the top of your priority list.

In fact, a rigorous OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) risk analysis is one of the essential components for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for your employees and operating in full compliance with current regulations.

But how do you carry out a proper risk analysis?

In this text, our risk analysis specialists will guide you through the process, highlighting a number of points to be aware of and consider.

Important concepts to know before conducting a risk analysis

Before you start a full risk analysis, there are a few things you should be aware of.

What is the AROHS?

Adopted by the Quebec government in 1979, the Act respecting occupational health and safety (AROHS) is a preventive law whose main objective is to eliminate at source dangers to the health, safety and physical integrity of workers.

It establishes mechanisms for the participation of workers, employers and their respective associations. It also sets out various prevention mechanisms, such as risk analysis.

Responsibility of the employer

According to the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), employers are responsible for taking concrete measures to prevent accidents at work and occupational diseases.

Who should carry out the risk analysis?

The risk analysis must be carried out by a competent team that remains objective throughout the process.

The risk assessment must therefore be carried out by suitably trained people, whether from within the organisation or by an external team.

However, regardless of who inherits the responsibility for performing the risk analysis, employees who work with machines daily should be involved in the process. Because of their experience, they are in the best position to provide key information on work habits, tasks to be carried out, and so on.

The difference between a hazard and a risk

Risk management revolves around two main phenomena: hazards and risks.

Although they are often used synonymously in everyday life, these two terms designate different concepts in the context of risk analysis.

Thus, a situation or element that can cause damage or harm (e.g. a slippery floor) is considered a hazard, while risk is determined by the combination of the probability of that damage occurring and its severity.

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Steps in a risk analysis

A step-by-step approach can facilitate the implementation of a strategy. The following sections present typical steps in the risk analysis process as applied to machinery safety.

1 – Identifying hazards and risks

In general, the very first task in a risk analysis is to make a list of all the hazards and risks to which workers are exposed.

In its guide, the CNESST provides a checklist of hazardous phenomena associated with parts or tools.

To make sure you don’t forget any of them, you can also consider these points:

Periodic inspections;
The plant’s accident and incident log;
Comments, complaints and suggestions from workers, supervisors or the health and safety committee;
The experience of other companies in the same sector.

2 – Risk prioritisation and ranking

The second step is to prioritise the risks identified in the first step. This ensures that the most important risks are addressed first. To prioritise risks, the CNESST recommends the use of defined parameters:

Risks that can lead to serious and immediate consequences (or the most dangerous situations);
Risks considered most important by both the employer and the workers;
The probability of an accident or incident occurring, and its possible consequences.

When the last two parameters are used, the severity of the harm corresponds to the damage. This is often expressed on a scale ranging from “minor” (damage to health requiring medical treatment) to “fatal” (damage that may result in death).

The probability of a hazardous event occurring is based on the level of exposure of employees to the risks, and on the possibility of avoiding the harm if a hazardous event occurs.

3 – Selection of corrective and preventive actions to be implemented

Once the risks have been identified and prioritized, it’s time to select the corrective and preventive actions to be taken.

The goal is to eliminate risks at their source. If this is not possible, other measures must be taken. The CNESST proposes different types of corrective measures to be applied according to the following hierarchy:

Elimination at source: the hazard is eliminated from the workplace altogether;
Replacement: the replacement of materials, processes or equipment with lower-risk equivalents;
Engineering control: reducing the likelihood of a hazardous event occurring is reduced by preventing or limiting access to or exposure to the risk, reducing the energy available, or changing the way in which the risk is encountered (e.g. industrial guardrails);
Awareness: the implementation of measures that improve workers’ ability to recognize risks and be vigilant;
Administrative measures: methods that improve the ability of personnel to work safely (e.g. training, work methods, etc.);
Personal protective equipment: this may include safety glasses, helmets, respirators, harnesses, etc. The use of personal protective equipment cannot be the only control measure implemented.

4 – Evaluate and monitor results

This final step determines the effectiveness of the corrective actions taken to reduce workplace risks.

You should take the time to ask yourself whether the various means used are providing the expected level of risk reduction.

Caution: even if your industrial safety measures seem to be bearing fruit, it will still be important to put in place means to ensure that the preventive measures remain in place and continue to be effective.

Omnifab: your best ally in risk analysis

In short, conducting a risk analysis is essential if you want to provide a healthy workplace for your employees and ensure that your company complies with the laws designed to protect workers. It’s a subject that needs to be approached with the utmost seriousness.

For the best possible risk analysis support, you can rely on our team. In addition to providing you with a complete analysis report, we can help you identify and implement the actions you need to ensure compliance. This turnkey approach is our signature!

Omnifab Details the Execution of an Urgent Task: Repairing a Rotary Valve

Design and Manufacturing of a Pallet Conveyor

Omnifab introduces you to the basics of laser cutting

A laser is a highly concentrated, amplified light. The term “laser” stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”, a technology developed in the 1960s.

Thanks to numerous technological advances, lasers are now used in a multitude of processes.

One of these uses is laser cutting, a process used in our factory and about which you will learn a great deal as you read this text. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find information about how it works, its applications, its benefits and much more! But why not start with its definition?

A brief definition of laser cutting

Laser cutting is a subtractive manufacturing technique in which materials are cut or engraved using a powerful, high-precision laser focused on a small area. Focusing the laser beam on the reduced area raises the temperature of the material until it melts or vaporizes.

Most of the time, a computer is used to direct the laser and plot the cutting path according to a plan downloaded into a software program.

This process is mainly used on industrial production lines and in mechanical engineering and machining workshops, but as it becomes more and more accessible, it can now be found in many other sectors.

Laser cutting should not be confused with oxy-fuel or plasma cutting.

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How does a laser cutter work?

Laser cutting is generally performed using a computer-controlled machine (CNC).

Inside the machine, the laser beam is created by stimulating lasing material with electrical discharges or lamps within an enclosed space. The lasing material is then amplified by internal reflection until it has sufficient energy to escape as a stream of monochromatic light.

This intense light is then focused on the work area by mirrors or optical fibers, which direct the beam through a lens to intensify it. The laser beam then burns, melts or vaporizes the material locally to achieve the desired result. The type of material a laser can cut depends on the type of laser and the power of the machine.

Despite what the name might suggest, it’s not uncommon for a laser cutting machine to perform several different operations: cutting, engraving and marking.

Cutting

When the laser beam passes completely through the material, it creates a cut.

A laser cut is generally very precise and clean, but the appearance of the cut edges depends on the material and its thickness.

The engraving process

Engraving is when the laser beam removes parts of the material, but does not cut the entire material.

Marking

Marking is when the laser does not remove the material, but changes its color, for example.

Examples of laser cutting applications

Laser cutting is often used for prototyping and manufacturing large metal parts, especially flattened shapes, whose dimensions need to be very precise.

It is particularly effective in sectors where the pace of production must remain high:

Architectural metalwork;
Cutting of metal signs;
Manufacture of a wide range of industrial equipment;
Machinery manufacturing;
And many others.

In short, where traditional manufacturing processes impose constraints, laser cutting offers greater design freedom and facilitates large-scale production.

The advantages of laser cutting

Overall, laser cutting offers several advantages when compared to traditional cutting techniques:

A very high level of precision;
Material savings;
Higher production speed;
Extremely clean edges;
Minimal material deformation;
High levels of process reliability.

Materials that can be laser cut

Most materials can be cut with a laser beam: metal, wood, textiles, paper, cardboard, ceramics, acrylics, composites, leather, glass and more. Specific wavelengths have been developed for optimized rendering on each type of material.

It’s safe to assume, however, that cutting metal sheets is the most widespread application. For example, sheets of steel or stainless steel up to 1 1/4″ thick can be laser cut.

However, some materials have reflective properties that complicate their response to laser cutting. This is the case, for example, with silver and copper.

Omnifab: growing expertise in laser cutting

In short, laser cutting is a manufacturing process that is increasingly used by industrial mechanical manufacturing companies.

At Omnifab, we don’t hesitate to use this technique to create all kinds of parts and components for the machines we custom-design. We even offer a laser-cutting service designed to meet corporate needs.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more!

Refurbishment and improvement of an industrial extraction fan

Omnifab presents the different types of industrial welding

Welding is a process used to join metal parts by heating and melting the parts in contact and, in some cases, a filler metal. It has the advantage of creating an extremely strong joint when done properly.

At Omnifab, our expert welders can perform different types of welding, enabling us to tailor our welding service to the mandate and requirements of our industrial customers.

In this article, we present some of the welding techniques frequently used by our certified welders.

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is a manual welding process involving the use of rods (electrodes) that are coated with a flux to deposit molten metal on metal parts.

To weld using this technique, you need a welding unit capable of creating a current (AC or DC) to form an electric arc between the electrode and the metal to be welded. Under the effect of the heat generated by the arc (approximately 3900 to 5500 degrees Celsius), the rod and metal melt. The force of the arc directs the molten filler metal into the molten pool to form the weld bead.

At the same time, the heat of the arc also melts the rod’s coating (flux), forming a layer of gas that protects the weld from certain atmospheric gases that can contaminate it and adversely affect the quality of the result.

Examples of applications for arc welding with coated electrodes

SMAW is one of the most popular welding processes in the world today, mainly because it can be used to weld and repair steel, stainless steel and cast-iron assemblies, as well as a wide range of alloys.

A good example of its use is for welding pipeline and piping systems for the petrochemical industry.

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW, MIG, MAG)

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a semi-automatic welding process. In this process, the metals are melted by the heat generated by an electric arc between the parts to be joined and the electrode, which consists of a fusible metal wire.

This process is referred to as “under-gas”, as gas is continuously injected into the arc during welding to completely isolate the molten metal from the ambient air and its contaminants.

The acronyms MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and MAG (Metal Active Gas) are associated with this type of welding. The MIG process involves the injection of a neutral gas that does not react with the molten metal, while the MAG process involves the injection of a gas mixture capable of modifying the properties of the weld.

Examples of gas-arc welding applications

Gas metal arc welding is a logical choice when the aim is to achieve high output and/or thick beads.

It is therefore an ideal technique for structural steelwork and mechanically welded assemblies of all kinds.

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Gas metal arc welding with tungsten electrode (GTA-W (TIG), GTAW-P)

Gas metal arc welding uses a non-consumable tungsten (or tungsten alloy) electrode protected by an inert gas, hence the acronym TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) sometimes used.

This process also involves the use of a welding machine capable of creating an electric arc between the metal to be welded and the electrode. However, as the electrode does not melt under the effect of heat, it enables joints to be made without filler metal, which can be useful in certain circumstances. In such cases, the resulting welds have the same chemical integrity as the original base metal.

In this type of industrial welding, the molten metal, the tungsten electrode and the welding zone are protected from the ambient air by a stream of inert gas passing through the welding torch.

soudure tig aluminium — TIG aluminium welding

Examples of gas metal arc welding applications with tungsten electrode

Since TIG welding uses an infusible electrode, it is particularly effective for joining metal parts just a few millimeters thick.

It is also widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, since it leaves no residue and does not contaminate the base metal.

Fluxcore arc welding (FCA-W)

During the fluxcore welding process, an electric arc is used to provide the heat needed to join a filler metal electrode to the base material.

However, it’s essential to mention that this electrode is a flux-filled tube, hence the widespread name “fluxcore” welding. During soldering, the flux melts and forms a slag (molten waste) that covers and protects the solder joint from the ambient air, even in windy conditions.

The metals best suited to flux-cored arc welding are carbon steel, stainless steel and low-alloy steels, while most non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum) cannot be welded using this method.

Examples of fluxcore welding applications

Because of its high welding speed and outdoor suitability, fluxcore welding is frequently used in the construction industry.

It is also ideal for mobile welding assignments in all kinds of weather conditions.

Looking for a partner in industrial welding?

Reading this text, you may have realized just how complex a field industrial welding is. Before entrusting a welding mandate to a company, make sure that its personnel are trained and equipped to offer you the service you really need.

At Omnifab, our welders can guarantee solid, resistant and aesthetically pleasing welds, whether performed in our factory or at the location of your choice thanks to our mobile welding unit.

Omnifab offers Black Oxide treatment

In order to exceed our customers’ ever-increasing expectations and requirements, we decided to offer the black oxide treatment service: a surface treatment that has the power to advantageously modify the properties of metal parts.

Example of a part subjected to “Black Oxide” treatment

What is black oxidation?

Sometimes referred to as chemical burnishing, blackening or “black oxide”, black oxidation is a chemical treatment that leads to the formation of a black iron oxide on the surface of metal parts subjected to it.

This treatment is mainly applied to ferrous materials, low alloy steel, copper and copper-based alloys.

Generally speaking, it is carried out in several stages, which may vary slightly :

Cleaning;
Rinsing
Surface conditioning;
Second rinse;
Blackening;
Third rinse;
Sealing.

black oxide 1 — The “Black Oxide” treatment plant

The positive effects of black oxidation

The popularity of the “black oxide” treatment for metal parts is due in part to its various effects:

It gives parts a pleasing appearance, covering them in a deep black that can have a glossy or matte finish;
It increases corrosion resistance, especially when the black oxide is subsequently impregnated with oil or wax;
In some cases, the treatment will contribute to better lubrication of the part.

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The benefits of black oxide coating

Black oxidation treatment offers a number of advantages over other coating processes:

Its build-up is minimal, meaning that it does not alter the dimensions of the parts treated;
It has no effect on the hardness level of the parts;
Treated parts can be welded without fear of generating noxious fumes;
It can improve electrical conductivity.

A few examples of applications

Here are a few examples of components for which a black oxide coating is often beneficial:

Machined or mechanically welded parts;
Hydraulic parts;
Gears;
Springs;
Hand tools;
Screws, bolts, nuts, etc.

black oxide 2 — Parts subjected to black oxidation treatment

Omnifab: for the best “black oxide” service

In conclusion, the “black oxide” treatment not only has an aesthetic impact, it also has the potential to improve the durability of parts. So don’t hesitate to ask us to submit your custom-made parts.

Just contact our team to find out more about our fast service!