Why did the customer contact us?
The customer contacted us regarding a malfunction in a food industry tablet press, requesting a refurbishment-type repair. The machine operates with a heavy-duty, eccentric shaft-disc drive system, where the system is continuously subjected to high forces (approximately 10 metric tons of pressing force).
The cause of the failure was wear and galling at the mating surface between the shaft and the disc. The two components were made of materials with different grades and hardnesses, and the mating surfaces were damaged due to operational loads and wear that developed over time. Lubrication was adequate; however, the failure occurred nonetheless due to continuous stress and natural wear processes.
What did we do?
After completely disassembling the machine, we assessed the condition of the affected parts. We resized the disc by overgrinding it, while we rebuilt the worn surface of the shaft using laser welding.
We then ground both the shaft and the disc to precise dimensions, ensuring the original fit tolerances and proper operating clearances. During the refurbishment, we paid special attention to ensuring that the components were once again properly suited for the heavy-duty operating environment.
Following reassembly and adjustment, the machine was restored to a reliable operating condition.
Summary
Even with proper lubrication, natural wear can occur in machines subjected to heavy use, especially when components of different hardnesses come into contact with one another.
Targeted repairs and refurbishment (such as laser cladding and subsequent precision machining) can significantly extend the service life of such equipment, avoiding the cost of a complete replacement.
Experience shows that periodic refurbishment of these machines is often a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire machine.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
When should the eccentric shaft and disc of a tablet press be refurbished?
If wear, galling, or misalignment occurs on the mating surfaces of the shaft and the disc, the machine’s performance may deteriorate or it may malfunction. In such cases, refurbishment is often a more cost-effective and faster solution than completely replacing the parts. GyörökGép’s team of professionals has extensive experience performing this type of refurbishment, allowing them to restore the original operating parameters of worn parts with a high degree of precision.
What technology is used to recondition an eccentric shaft?
We rebuild the worn shaft surface using laser welding, then restore it to its original dimensions and tolerances through precision grinding. If necessary, the mating disc is reconditioned by overgrinding, ensuring that the parts fit together precisely once again.
What are the benefits of refurbishing tablet press components?
A professional refurbishment significantly extends the machine’s service life, reduces downtime, and may require a substantially lower investment than purchasing a new shaft, pulley, or even an entire machine. With proper machining, the equipment can once again operate reliably even under heavy loads.
Contact:
📞 +36 30 682 6443
📧 info@gyorokgep.hu
