Vahanyan,
Thanks for the reply.
1.)How many percent is allowable waste of material?
>10% maximum. We have one process that creates about 2% but size limitations prevent its use on this product. The allowable stretch is at its max on this process and attempting to go larger will only create orders of magnitude increases on scrap. Scrap rates on these rings for the turret or plasma cutter exceed 70%.
2.)Can it be welded out of strip?
The concept is to roll the strip on edge and weld the ends to complete the ring. Ends may need to be trimmed before welding and this is permissible.
3.)Are you planning to do this in house or you are looking for somebody to build it for you?
Depends. At this point, the volume will not support a large investment. If it can be done on a modified angle bending roll, we would buy the machine and pay for the modifications. If it needs specialized machinery, then we may stay with present methods.
4.)There are ways to do this in high volume.
One of the techniques we have been somewhat successful in applying is adapting portions of high volume processes to our low volume products. Due to the lot sizes, we will never compete with industries like most automotive suppliers do. I asked about auger flighting because they ARE high volume in this type process but our products in no way compete with them. If someone using this technology wished to supply us with parts, I would talk with them gladly while keeping in mind that the end product is still in the concept stage.
