ActOn Finishing has installed a vibratory finishing system at Rolls-Royce Bristol to improve its cleaning process and increase productivity – enabling the engine manufacturer to process three times more volume in a shorter timeframe.

The engineering firm was contacted by the manufacturer to look at improving cleaning during its shelling process, which leaves a build-up of ceramic slurry on the equipment used. ActOn carried out live trials at its facility and found that the vibratory finishing machine was the right solution to clean parts quickly and consistently.

The machine, designed and manufactured by ActOn Finishing, has now been installed, reducing the process time from 60 to 10 minutes and enabling the firm to clean three times more equipment at once. The finishing machine has also reduced the firm’s water consumption while achieving a cleaner finish.

Sid Gulati, operations director at ActOn Finishing, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Rolls-Royce having carried out subcontract polishing for the company for a number of years.

“They contacted us about a problem that they were having with their cleaning processes, and although this kind of application was new to us, we were able to conduct trials and find a solution, centred around a vibratory finishing machine, for the client. We installed the machine and provided full training to members of staff.

Henry Illsley, shell process engineer at Rolls-Royce Bristol, added: “ActOn were quick to develop a solution for the shell cleaning system. The machine has improved our throughput significantly and we look forward to working with ActOn on future collaborative projects.”

www.acton-finishing.co.uk