Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Oven Pin Chains

What exactly is an oven pin chain? And why is it so important? It is critical for two-piece metal decorating operations that transfer and cure literally thousands of cans per minute. To do this effectively however the oven pin chain needs to be long lasting, true running and be made to a high quality. You need the best performing chains for the important and demanding applications that these oven pin chains undertake.

Depending on your needs there are two styles of these chains that you are able to gain and that can help you be the most productive and cost effective within whatever industry you are operating in. These two types are as follows:

• Standard oven pin chain – this chain has the ability to perform in the harshest of environments by providing components that have the same superior qualities as industrial drive chains such as raw material selection and closely controlled heat treatment. These standard ones generally start at a ¾” pitch but the chain can then be improved to perform in the harshest environments.

• O-ring pin oven chains – aspects such as high temperatures, contaminants and higher line speeds place ever increasing demands on the chains. This can unfortunately cause costly problems such as replacement parts, downtime in the industry and lost production. In order to stop this from happening O-ring pin oven chains are designed to handle these aspects a lot better.

These types of chains should always be designed to reduce downtime and stand up to harsh conditions as well as maximise operating capabilities. But what exactly is a pin oven used for? Their main purpose is for drying any decorative coatings on two-piece beverage cans. You are able to get them for this purpose with the capacity of drying up to 2400 cans per minute.

In order for these ovens to operate to the best of there ability they need to be fitted with the correct chain, which is why it is so important that you ensure you look into the oven pin chains that are available. It’s amazing how much of a difference a chain can make to the operating of machinery and applications. By ensuring that your line of business is using the correct chains within whatever industry you are operating in, you will be making sure that your productivity is kept at the highest level possible and your machinery will effectively last longer.

You can’t just buy any old chain for a piece of machinery; you need to make sure that the chain you do end up getting is suited to the job in hand and the machinery that is being used to do the job. So with a pin oven you need the correct chain and as I have previously mentioned, two prime examples of which ones you should be using are standard or O-ring. Just make sure that if you are on the look out for a new oven pin chain you keep the points that I have mentioned in mind to ensure that you end up with the correct chain for the job.

If you are in need of Oven Pin Chains look no further than Howcroft Industrial Supplies, home to all of your construction and industrial needs.

Attachment Chains

A roller chain with the appropriate attachment plays an essential role when it comes to moving objects, transporting items or lifting and positioning different things. You could be in need of attachments for double pin chains, hollow pin chains or even for plated and coated chains. So what do these attachments actually do?

These attachment chains are parts that are fitted to a base chain in order to adapt it for a particular purpose as a conveying medium. They can either be incorporated to form an integral part of a link plate or they could be built into the chain; forming a replacement of the normal link. This is just one example of how an attachment chain could be fixed to the chain plate; other attachment chains can be fixed to the chain plates by projection or fillet welding, to either one or both sides of the chain.

It should be noted however that when it comes to these type of chains there are two main types, which are single pitch and double pitch attachment chains. Let me start by explaining a little bit more about single pitch attachment chains. Basically these are based on roller chains that feature attachments added to them in order to make them suitable for conveyor use. Single pitch attachment chains are ideal for short distances. They are best for conveying small light goods; this is due to a smaller chain pitch. With these single pitch attachment chains you are getting a smooth transfer and low noise. Also with these it should be noted that standard roller chain sprockets can be used in most cases.

Moving onto double pitch; this attachment chain is the most commonly used one. This fact can easily be seen through the actuality that it is utilised widely within automotive parts as well as electronic and precision machinery industries. With the double pitch attachment chain there is the same basic construction as with single pitch but it has twice the length, hence the name. This form of attachment chain also has the benefit of suffering less wear to components. The reason for this is due to the fact larger conveyor lengths are possible due to it being double pitch but it uses only half the components when compared to a single pitch.

In many cases roller chains are often adapted for conveying duties; this is done through the addition of attachments. Standard types of attachments include bent or straight ones on one or both sides of the roller chain in order to enhance usability. These attachments however are not just suited to roller chains; they are available for a wide selection, including; RS chain, conveyor chain, hollow pin chain and curved chain.

These chains are vital to a lot of industries and help to keep the construction industry moving. So if you are in the line of work that requires such a chain you are in luck as there are a number of stockists of such item and even if you can’t find what you are looking for, never fear as a lot of attachments can be made to order.

For all of your Attachment Chain needs look no further than the Industrial Supplies from Howcroft.

Corrosion and Moisture Resistant Roller Chains

Roller chains are an aspect of manufacturing and construction that are commonly used for the transmission of mechanical power. They are often found in an array of industries such as architecture, agriculture and mining and they are what keep conveyor belts moving. They are an important feature to get a number of jobs done and as the majority of these jobs are take place within corrosive and moist conditions it is essential that you have a roller chain that can withstand such conditions.

Corrosion is basically the breaking down of essential properties in a material due to a chemical reaction from the materials surroundings. In this case the material is a roller chain and the surroundings are the conditions that the chain is being used in.

Within corrosion there is a loss of electrons due to a react with water or oxygen. Due to the fact that most roller chains are exposed to moisture that could cause corrosion you need to be careful when choosing what chain to opt for as some may not be up to the job. So just how do you know which ones are best at preventing corrosion and other damage that can be caused by an exposure to moisture?

There are two main types of roller chains that you should be looking at to prevent such things; these two are stainless steel and nickel plated. Both of these have their advantages and disadvantages, the way you decide which to use comes down to the environment that you will be using them in. For example stainless steel offers the greatest resistance to corrosion and exposure to extreme temperatures. The corrosion resistance that stainless steel chains offer is superior to nickel-plated or coated chains. This type of roller chain is also available in a variety of grades depending on specific application requirements. However, while nickel plated are excellent against moisture damage they aren’t quite as good against corrosion for the pure fact that they don’t protect against corrosion caused by chemicals or acid.

Both of these roller chains are sufficient when it comes to protecting against corrosion and moisture and they are commonly used where there is a high exposure to weather, high humidity and machines that are frequently washed down with water.

As well as these two types of roller chain you are also able to get ones that have been treated with a mechanical zinc plating process with additional coatings applied for extra corrosion protection. This coating has been proved to be effective when used in wet, humid, saltwater or other moisture-related applications. In fact quite a few industries often prefer to opt for this rather than stainless steel or nickel-plated roller chains.

Corrosion, mainly due to exposure to moisture is a problem faced frequently by maintenance staff and engineers across many industries. It is through the damage caused by aspects such as chemicals, salt, routine wash downs and exposure to bad weather conditions that have a significant impact on production efficiency. So to ease this and to improve the life of machinery get a roller chain such as a coated one or stainless steel and nickel-plated that can handle the conditions that are thrown at them.

Howcroft Industrial Supplies are your answer if you are looking for Corrosion and Moisture Resistant Roller Chains.

High Strength Chains

In order for a chain to be able to undertake its job correctly it needs to have a high strength. Most chains, depending on the specific application that you need it for, are designed for the rigors of heavy loads and lifting. High strength chains are an aspect of manufacturing and a part of many industries that are in demand, so the question is does your business have them?

For whatever job you need a chain for, it is recommended that you invest in a high strength chain. So how are these chains stronger than regular ones? This comes down to the production value of the chains. They are produced with wear resistance, resistance to Rafah and hardness and strength. Thanks to the way they are made, their strength becomes many times more than the strength of the bar that was used to make them.

How strong a chain is comes down to two factors; the breaking point and the tensile of the chain. The tensile refers to how much load a chain can withstand before breaking; hence finding out the breaking point of the chain. It is however important to remember that it is never safe to strain the load of a chain to anywhere near it’s breaking point. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that every time a piece of metal is strained to a point beyond its elastic limit it is permanently stretched and weakened.

Another reason as to why high strength chains are so good at what they do comes down to the fact they have been specially designed to incorporate pins that have been produced from medium carbon alloy steel. These pins are important as they have been hardened to give the chain a higher working load capacity and an additional resistance to fatigue in high load and pulsating type applications. There is one draw back to this however, which is the fact that these chains may have a slightly reduced wear life due to the material used and the heat treatment that is placed on the chain pins.

High strength chains are used for a variety of things; one of these uses includes hoisting weights. For this use they are made from a grade of wrought iron. In this case the tensile strength is usually between 40,000 to 48,000 lbs. per square inch. If this is the use of your high strength chain then it is important that it is not made from steel, instead wrought iron should be used as it will be able to withstand more.

There are numerous pieces of machinery and a vast array of industries that rely on high strength chains to get jobs done in the best possible way and in the quickest time allowed. They are a very important part of construction and manufacturing; in many cases people rely on them so much without even actually realizing it. This is why you need to make sure you invest in the best available so make sure you shop around for them.

If you are in the market for some High Strength Chains then look no further than Howcroft Industrial Supplies; they are stockists of everything you could possibility need for any industry.

Stainless Steel Bearings

Bearings are the very thing that enables machinery to move at extremely high speeds as well as carry remarkable loads with ease and efficiency. In order to do this effectively however they are highly engineered and precision made. Some of the aspects that are expected of them include being able to offer high precision, reliability and durability as well as the ability to rotate at high speeds with minimal noise and vibration.

Some of you may be surprised at how many aspects and applications bearings are actually used in. Some examples of these are automobiles, airplanes, computers, construction equipment, machine tools, DVD players, refrigerators and ceiling fans. Basically if you have an application or piece of machinery that twists, turns and generally moves, chances are it probably has a bearing in it and one of the most popular types of bearings comes in the form of stainless steel. So why are stainless steel bearings so frequently used?

One of the main reasons as to why the popularity of stainless steel bearings is so high is down to the fact that they work so well under environments that contain moisture and that can be corrosive and abrasive. This makes them the perfect bearing to be used widely for food and beverage processing machinery as well as medical appliances and medicine equipments.

As well as these bearings being able to withstand moisture, corrosion and abrasion they also have a number of other benefits and features, which are as follows:

• They provide machinery and applications with reduced maintenance and equipment downtime.
• You can get them in a range of custom sizes and shapes to fit specific applications.
• Corrosion resistant for extreme environments and climates.
• Have a wide operating temperature.
• Thanks to the multiple proprietary formulations of the material, they eliminate noise and squeaks within equipment and machinery.

Stainless steel bearings consist of a single row of deep groove ball bearings and have the same deep raceway grooves and close conformity between raceways and balls as standard deep groove ball bearings made of carbon chromium (rolling bearing) steel. What makes these bearings stand out is they are without any filling slots and they can carry axial loads acting in both directions, even at high speeds.

The main common motions submitted by not only stainless steel bearings but all bearings are axial rotation, linear motion and spherical rotation as well as hinge motion. In order to complete all of these in the best way you need to use a bearing that can cope with a range of circumstances; stainless steel bearings do just this.

Without bearings we would be constantly replacing parts of machinery and applications that were worn out from friction. They play an essential part in a number of industries and as a result these industries need the very best when it comes to bearings, which is why so many industry professionals choose to use stainless steel bearings as they provide efficiency and of course because they are excellent when faced with corrosive and abrasive conditions.

For all of your Stainless Steel Bearing needs look no further than Howcroft Industrial Supplies.

Oil Field Chains

Oil fields are an aspect of industry that are vital to the gathering of oil. In order to do this there are currently more than 50 oil fields and possibly some rigs drilling exploration wells within the UK. On top of this there are also more than 20 gas fields off the Norfolk coast.

The people and indeed the machinery that are working on these oil fields are working in tough conditions. It is due to this fact that the parts of the machinery are up to the job. One of the most important parts that make up the machinery are known as oil field chains. These chains are subject to some of the greatest loads and harshest environments. The chains need to be suitable to be able to cope with these conditions otherwise the job that they are designed to do won’t be done.

The working conditions are far more severe than the ones found in other industrial applications, which is why it is so important that special oil field chains are used in machinery as oppose to any other form of chain. These oil field chains can either be single strand or multiple strand and are typically constructed using heavy series components. So what sort of machinery are these oil field chains generally used on?

• Engine Components
• Tubular and casing draw works input
• Mud pump drives
• Transmission drives
• Catshafts
• Low and high drum
• Rotary Countershafts
• Rotary Tables

The above are the main uses of the oil field chains but the next question that a lot of people seem to ask is what makes these chains better than any other for the job at hand. There are a number of answers to this question; due to the chains close control or material specification to ensure a consistent response to heat treatment. Also due to their design they ensure optimum stress distribution in order for greater reliability. They were generally designed and developed to give improved fatigue resistance while minimizing susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Other reasons as to why oil field chains are specifically needed for the oil field environment are as follows:

• They have a specially formulated factory lubrication, which enables better initial wear, performance and enhanced corrosion resistance.
• All chains are proof loaded before packing in durable containers
• Closely controlled tolerances ensure smooth robust running even at high speeds.
• They are detachable for ease of fitting and replacement

These oil field chains are so good at what they do that they are also used in mining, logging and ball mill applications. Due to the safety and reliability that is associated with these chains they are only available from a few select highly professional chain manufacturers. So if you are on the lookout for oil field chains make sure that you shop around to get the best deal from the limited amount of suppliers you are able to get them from. In some cases they may need to be ordered in so make sure you get your order in nice and early.

Oil Field Chains are only available through a select few suppliers so let Howcroft Industrial Supplies fulfil all of your Oil Field Chain needs.

Special Lubricated Chains

In general chains are used in industries that deal with high temperatures as well as unusual conditions. On top of this some chains have to work in dusty or abrasive conditions. The abrasive then mixes with the oil and forms slurry which makes the chain wear faster. It is due to this that in some cases special lubricants may be needed.

Special lubricated chains are specifically designed for applications that don’t permit regular lubrication, meaning the chain depends entirely on initial factory lubrication throughout its service life. For applications where regular lubrication is a challenge; special lubricated chains can offer a longer lasting solution. Plus best of all they can be used in almost every sector of industry where chains are used as transport or as part of a drive system.

When it comes to a chain there are said to be generally three points where the chain needs lubrication, firstly the rivets need to be lubricated as they move inside the inner links as the chain bends and straightens. The second point is the inside of the rollers; these need lubrication so that they revolve freely around the bushings as they engage and disengage the sprocket teeth. This is very important as the lubrication is what allows the rollers to actually roll; if they don’t they will slide along the sprocket teeth, causing accelerated sprocket wear. Finally the third point where a chain needs lubrication is on the surface where the outer side plates overlap the inner side plates.

In many industries, companies end up having to replace chains altogether and replace them with belts. The reason being is down to poor lubrication of the chains, which leads to the chains only lasting a short time; but why is the lubrication of the chains poor? The answer to this question can be found within the way that the current chain lubrication process takes place. This involves applying a heavy oil or grease to the outside of the chain. Even though this ensures that the outside of the chain and the sprockets are lubricated well, it does nothing to protect the contacting surfaces inside the pin and bushing/ plate/ roller/ hook, which are considered to be the most important area of the chain when it comes to vulnerability. It is down to reasons such as this that special lubrication when it comes to chains is so important.

Chains are generally used in industries such as agriculture, food processing, packaging, printing, textile and chemical processing. When used in such industries it is very easy for contaminants to be introduced, which can cause damage to the standard chain. These contaminants are aspects such as dirt, mud, food particles, paper fines, dust and moisture. All of these can cause a build up on the chain and clog the openings on standard roller chain where lubrication enters the pin/bushing area. These contaminants can even get inside the chain, actually damaging the surface of pins and bushings.

If damage is caused to the chain then this can often slow an industries production down, which is one of the last things that you want! So to ensure that everything runs smoothly within your business I recommend that you invest in some special lubricated chains.

For all of your Special Lubricated Chains needs look no further than Howcroft Industrial Solutions.

Thursday, 12 February 2009

Special Lubricated Bearings

In order to maximise a bearings life within today’s market of increased speeds and higher temperatures lubrication is defiantly the key but understanding what lubrication does for a bearing is important in order for you to decide what form of lubrication is best.

The main purpose of lubrication for bearings is to prevent contact between the rolling elements, raceways and cage. It is ultimately used to prevent the bearing from suffering from corrosion and wear. It has many uses when it comes to prolonging the life of the bearing and helping it to work at its best. Also it has additional features and functions such as the sealing and cooling of the bearing.

There are many ways in which a bearing may be lubricated in order for it to do its job more effectively. In some cases the bearing may be lubricated with grease or oil. These represent two of the most commonly used traditional methods of lubrication. However in many other cases you may use a special lubricated bearing. These special lubricated bearings are generally made of bronze powder by uniaxial pressing. The microscopic cavities following pressing (porosities) are filled with oil, which comes to the surface when the bearing is used.

These special lubricated bearings are generally used in low pressure, high frequency and small amplitude applications as well as within methods of operating and constructing. The choice however of which lubricated bearing you decide to use depends primarily on the temperature range, operating speeds and loading conditions of the bearings that are concerned.

The lubrication of bearings has an important effect on the function of the bearing. This is why it is important you choose the right form of lubricated bearing as it has an effect on the life span of the bearing. So what exactly are the advantages of lubricated bearings?

• They reduce the friction and wear by lubricating every part of the bearing.
• It takes away the heat that is generated inside the bearing as a result of friction or for many other reasons.
• It forms an oil film within the rolling contact surface in order to elongate the bearing life.
• It prevents the bearing from rusting as well as suffering dust contamination.

It has been stated that all lubricants must be changed from time to time due to the fact that their properties deteriorate as a result of aging as well as the contamination. If you are currently in this position then have you thought about investing in special lubricated bearings? These are generally self lubricated bearing, which are made from bronze and have built in lubrication that kicks in when it is needed. These forms of lubricated bearings have a tendency to last longer than other forms of bearings and could give you the optimum performance that you have been looking for.

These special lubricated bearings will not only solve the problems with oiling operations but they will also extend the service life of machines. Even under severe conditions, special lubricated bearings have superior durability, quality, stability and performance within various applications. These bearings offer advantages such as compact design, longer service life, manpower and environmental saving as well as non environmental pollution. So next time you are after lubricated bearing look no further than special lubricated bearings.

Hybrid Bearings

The use of hybrid bearings has opened up a whole new field of different applications for rolling bearings. The reason for this is down to the fact that they have numerous advantages over more conventional bearings, which makes them an economical and high quality solution within a number of fields of use. Some of these advantages are as follows:

• Prevents Electrical arching
• Have lower maintenance costs
• Provides an extended life service
• Ensures an extended grease life

So what makes hybrid bearings better than other traditional bearings? Well one answer to this question lies within the fact that conventional bearings such as steel bearings limit the design potential as technology requirements roll forwards at a fast and impressive rate. Also the hybrid bearings that are on the market today use Silicon Nitride, which is what makes up ceramic bearings. These hybrid bearings not only meet but exceed today’s high technical requirements by offering a long list of characteristics that are superior to that of conventional bearings.

The numerous advantages that exist within the world of hybrid bearings make them an economical and high quality solution within a number of fields. The bearings consist of rings manufactured from high-grade rolling bearing steel and rolling elements made of Silicon Nitride. Hybrid rolling bearings are generally characterised by the following properties:

• High speeds
• They are suitable for media and starved lubrication
• Being suitable for extreme temperatures
• High stiffness
• Having a high resistance to corrosion
• Being low in weight
• Demonstrating low friction
• Providing high reliability
• Having low wear
• Being safe to run dry
• Giving you low operating costs
• Electrical insulation

Hybrid bearings are lighter, harder and more durable than bearings such as steel ones. They can run at higher speeds and lower operating temperatures as well as offer inherent insulating properties and exhibit superior wear-resistance for optimised performance and longer service life.

By using hybrid bearing you will basically be prolonging the life of your electric motors, machine tools and fluid machinery etc. You will be helping any piece of machinery or technology where the operating conditions may include electrical-current passage, high speed and contamination or poor lubrication.

Hybrid bearings, like ceramic ones, are able to last up to ten times longer than bearings such as steel ones or more conventional options. They have substantially higher wear resistance as well as the ability to work well in difficult running conditions and electrical insulation properties makes it the best option for electric motors, professional hand tools and fluid machinery.

The longer grease life of hybrid bearings is what leads to its longer service life but as well as this the designers of this particular bearing can alter the bearing to suit a variety of uses. They can increase the speed or reduce the friction as well as the temperature; this is especially true with sealed hybrid bearings.

Hybrid bearings could play a vital role within your machinery or pieces of technology. So next time you are looking to invest in some new bearings, why not give hybrid bearings a go.

Ceramic Bearings

Ceramic ball bearings are the latest must have when it comes to some of the best bearings on the market. They are what many people across various industries have been waiting for. So what makes ceramic bearings better than there competitor the steel bearings?

Ceramic bearings are lighter, smoother, stiffer, harder and corrosion resistant as well as being electrically resistant. It is characteristics such as these that allow for a wide range of performance enhancements in bearings. They are constructed with a ferrous inner and outer ring/race with ceramic balls taking the place of steel balls. They offer many advantages over their competitor steel balls such as higher speed and acceleration capability, increased stiffness and lower friction plus much more!

As ceramic bearings are made from silicon nitride, which means that they have a greater hardness than steel balls, but what does this mean to their performance? Well for one if ensures that the machinery you are using the balls in have a longer life. Also it means that the ceramic balls weight up to 40% less than steel ones and they can operate up to 20% or 40% faster than steel ball bearings.

The advantages associated with ceramic bearings just keep coming; another one being that with ceramic bearings you are giving your machinery or automobile a greater life span as the components won’t rust. They are non-conductive and are available in standard configurations such as angular bearings, thrust bearings, pillow block bearings, needle bearings and roller bearings. Some of the most typical uses for ceramic bearings are within high temperature applications, friction, high speed, semiconductor applications and dental hand turbines as well as many high speed electric motors requiring voltage isolation, which use ceramic material bearings.

The advantages and fundamental characteristics of ceramic bearings ensure a wide range of performance enhancements within the bearings. For example ceramic bearings are particularly well suited for use within extremely harsh environments where high temperatures or corrosive and erosive substances are present. This is down to the fact that conditions like this are generally a problem for standard bearings.

When ceramic bearings are used instead of standard bearings such as steel bearings they are able to last up to ten times longer. This is extremely important as it means it reduces machinery down-time and ultimately maintenance costs as ceramic bearings have a higher wear resistance and an ability to work well in different running conditions.

One other reason as to why ceramic bearings work better than other types is thanks to the fact that they require less lubrication in comparison to other types. Also in certain types of ceramic bearings no lubrication is required at all. This is all according to the engineers of the bearings, who also state that the noise created by the use of these bearings is far less than bearings such as steel ones or other traditional forms.

I think it is safe to say that ceramic bearings are defiantly the future and if you have any pieces of machinery or technology that require the use of bearings I recommend that you consider the use of ceramic bearings if you are looking for a generally better performance in a way that is going to save you money.

Get your Ceramic Bearings today from Howcroft Industrial Supplies; leaders in all aspects of Bearings.

Kevlar Garden Belts

If you have a lot of land or you work within the agricultural industry you will know how important it is to have the best equipment to properly maintain your grounds. This equipment of course includes gardening tools such as mowers, tillers and snowblowers. So for equipment such as these to do the best job appropriately you need to ensure that they are in the best condition and what better way to do this than placing Kevlar garden belts in them.

Kevlar garden belts have become extremely popular over the last few years. The main reason for this is thanks to their extreme durability and strength as well as their value added pricing. So what exactly are Kevlar garden belts? Well they are constructed using organic polyaramide fibers that are manufactured using complex chemical processes.

The material known as Kevlar was developed in the 1960’s in response to a demand for a ‘super fiber.’ It is considered to be revolutionary in its design innovation, which makes it one of the toughest commercial materials in existence today. Basically if you need something to be light, strong or safe then you need the help of Kevlar. It combines high strength with light weight in order to help dramatically improve the performance of a variety of consumer and industrial products.

Kevlar garden belts are double wrapped in special fabric in order to ensure high resistance to wear and reduced slippage. They have high tensile strength and non-extensibility to shock loads. Also as well as being used for garden belts, the material Kevlar has been used for a variety of other reasons such as bicycle tires and bulletproof vests; it is used in a lot of protective clothing, again, due to its strength and durability.

Going back to gardening, Kevlar garden belts are used in many machinery applications. This is down to the fact that Kevlar garden belts have a high resistance to oil, heat and cracking. They also have a high resistance to repeated reverse flexing and a reduced slippage while clutching. On top of this they also have a high resistance to wear and tear and a high tensile strength.

Kevlar garden belts have been constructed specifically for use on applications where high levels of power transmission are required, where there are restrictions on the drive width and the installation and take up allowances are minimal. They are also used where drive is critical.

As Kevlar garden belts are used for a variety of different equipment and they come in a variety of different colors to ensure that no matter what piece of equipment you are using your Kevlar garden belt for, it will match it. Some examples of the colors that you are able to get Kevlar garden belts in are brown, blue, grey, white and black.

Using these belts within your lawn mower and other equipment will ensure that these pieces of machinery last longer. So remember, you will get the best performance and the best value for your money when you use them in all of your gardening equipment.

For all of your Kevlar Garden Belts needs as well as all of your other Belt needs, look visit Howcroft Industrial Supplies today.

Fire Resistance Belts

Fire resistance belts, or as they are known in short FRAs were developed to comply with safety standards. These belts are formulated in such a way that even if the belt catches fire the flame should get stipulated time before it goes out, which minimises the risk of damage and injury.

The use of fire resistance belts mainly consist of conveyor belts. There are many different forms of these rubber conveyor belts, which of course includes the fire resistance belts but also includes general purpose conveyor belts, heat resistant conveyor belts and oil resistant as well as abrasion resistant conveyor belts.

Conveyor belts that involve fire resistance are however becoming one of the most popular choices due to convenience as well as to comply with guidelines. They are primarily used for internal transportation within buildings as well as within tunnels and mines. The reason that for this is safety is of principal importance within tunnels and mines; a fire would completely destroy them.

Fire resistance belts are used thoroughly throughout many industries, which includes mining, wood, paper and pulp, sugar and food, recycling and within chemical and fertilizer plants. They are used in order to make an industry more efficient, which is why they need to be safe, hence the need for fire resistance belts.

Conveyor belts represent a high risk. The reason for this is due to the fact they have the ability to spread a fire over distances. When a fire ignites on a conveyor belt it is generally started due to mechanical failures, for example in an idler bearing or by friction. Using a fire resistance belt however means that this risk is minimised.

With the help of a fire resistance belt you will ensure that you don’t lose products due to the ignition of a fire. You are protecting yourself, your employees and your business as well as your property from the effects of a fire. They are well worth the investment, especially if you require them for enclosed spaces such as tunnels or if indeed you are in the mining business and need that added extra protection.

A fire-resistant conveyor belt has the merits of conveying materials of high strength, long distance, and large loads. However, it also has the properties of fire-resistance and anti-static, and it is suitable for conveying materials under coal mine wells.

There are many safety standards that exist today and fire safety is generally always high on this list. Everything possible that can be done to minimise the risk of a fire breaking out should be done. Also there are a lot of industries that are in operation today that require the use of one or many conveyor belts. It is due to this fact that fire resistance belts should be used wherever possible, regardless of what business you are in. Even if you aren’t permitted to place fire resistance belts within your business I recommend that you do anyway in order to protect your business and your staff just in case the worst were to happen.

If you are looking into purchasing Fire Resistant Belts then Howcroft Industrial Supplies is the only place you need. They are industry established and specialise in all forms of Belts.

Traction Railway Bearings

If you are looking for the perfect way to increase the performance that is seen on the railways then you need traction railway bearings. These are the best option you have in order to increasingly improve the performance in railway applications.

Traction bearings are so important to the railways due to the fact that special consideration should be given to the economical operation of railway vehicles as well as their overall safety and reliability.

Now more than ever countries around the world are investing in new railway networks, which comes as no surprise due to the fact that they are considered to be the ideal form of transportation, especially when it comes to long journeys. In order to accommodate this investment in the trains network a new generation of trains are required in order for the train network to go faster than ever before as well as to travel much longer distances without the hassle of maintenance. All of this of course puts a lot of added stress on the traction motors and rolling bearings of the trains, which is why it is so important for traction railway bearings to be used as they will be able to handle the extra stress.

Traction railway bearings have been designed and engineered in a way that makes them a lot stronger than just your average bearing. They have been designed in such a way that means they are able to operate under some very serve conditions, which include the following:

• High radial and axial loads
• High impact loads
• High speed
• Extended periods of operation without maintenance

All of the above points are what make traction bearings perfect for the railway network. These traction railway bearings are generally made from roller bearings and they are usually cylindrical ones because of their high-speed and heavy-load capabilities as well as easy assembly and disassembly.

By using traction railway bearings you are in effect offering new opportunities for space savings, easier mounting and longer maintenance intervals as well as improved performance. They allow you to achieve lower life cycle costs within the railway network and unlike gearbox bearings, traction railway bearings are usually grease lubricated in order to avoid the complication of an oil system and to avoid any risk of oil actually entering into the motor.

In the past grease lubrication has been used mainly for low speed bearings as this is the most appropriate and reliable. However for high speed bearings special greases have been developed in order to cope with the relatively high temperatures and high degree of mechanical working. In cases such as this however the greasing instructions need to be carefully followed and the bearing housing must have appropriate arrangements to expel excess grease. If a high speed bearing is over-packed with grease it will overheat. This generally demonstrates that the only time traction railway bearings won’t perform to their full potential is when they are accidentally over greased.

As the railway industry is growing and improving it is vital that traction railway bearings are made a part of this. They can help to change the way the network runs and could be just the thing to get more people using the trains again.

Howcroft Industrial Supplies are leading suppliers when it comes to all forms of Bearings, which includes Traction Railway Bearings.

Electrically Insulated Bearings

The passage of electrical currents under certain circumstances may damage rolling bearings that are used in electrical machines. Such damage can cause considerable and expensive problems, which will probably result in you replacing the machine.

Bearings are an essential part of many, if not most machines. They are found in pretty much any piece of machinery or technology that twists or turns. This includes most forms of automobile. Without these bearings many pieces of machinery would fail to work, which is why you need to ensure that your bearings are protected against certain aspects such as electro corrosion.

There are a number of modern electrical machines that have high degrees of performance as well as demanding reliability and service life. It is due to factors such as this that equipment failures due to electro corrosion can result in causing significant problems. This generally happens when the machines that the bearings are present in is used in unfavourable operating conditions; this is how bearings in electrical machines can be damaged by the passage of electrical currents.

Damage to bearings due to electro corrosion can be caused by a number of factors such as faulty or damaged installation of bearing shields. This is down to the fact that the contact areas between housing, outer ring, rolling elements, inner ring and the shaft can all act as electric contacts. This enables damage to occur to rolling elements as well as raceways of bearing rings. The one way however that you can help to protect machines and pieces of technology from electro corrosion is through the use of electrically insulated bearings. This form of bearing is available in all standard sizes with rind diameters ranging from 80-400mm.

Electrically insulated bearings protect against damage to ensure that your automobile or piece of machinery continues to run smoothly. They are sough after for this exact reason. They are really important for the fact that reliability is an essential requirement for modern bearings and these provide you with the most reliability that you are going to get from a type of bearing.

Electro corrosion can damage automobiles and pieces of machinery in a variety of ways. The appearance and the degree of electrical damage of the bearings depend on the individual operating conditions e.g. the actual effective voltage; but how do you know when electro corrosion has occurred? You may notice the process only by the symptoms, which could include an increased running noise or vibrations until the bearing fails prematurely. The appearance of the damage may vary from visually detectable single craters and to fluting with discolorations around the affected areas.

Electro corrosion could happen to any piece of technology or machinery and automobile; especially when they are exposed to harsh conditions. Out of all the forms of protection that are available I feel that it is safe to say electrically insulated bearings are the only solution that provides optimal protection against damage. Not only do these bearings protect again electro corrosion but they also help to improve the overall reliability of electrical machines compared to conventional bearings.

Electrical insulted bearings are defiantly worth looking into as the benefits and protection that they can bring to your electrical machinery is better than anything else currently on the market.

Electrical Insulated Bearings are used in a number of applications, so if you are thinking about investing in them then look no further than Howcroft Industrial Supplies.

Motor and Gearbox Bearings

In order for any automobile form of transport to work correctly and efficiently they need to be fitted with motor and gearbox bearings. They are crucial components to the working of motors and gearboxes.

In our society today, thanks to electrical motors and gearbox speeds there is a requirement for the bearings of these two aspects to cater for higher radical loads and a greater carrying capacity. Due to this you are now able to get a hold of precision ball bearings that have been designed and created to provide smooth and quiet operation as well as adding a longer life to the application.

It is thanks to the increased loads and greater carrying capacity that is being placed onto motor and gearbox bearings that many industries and designers are seeking to reduce the size and weight of products to improve market competitiveness without any loss of reliability or life.

Many people often don’t know when they need to replace the bearings within a motor or gearbox. If you are in this position then I have a few tips for you. If you can hear a rumbling sound with the car ticking over then it is a good idea to push in the clutch; if the noise stops when you do this then you have noisy gearbox bearings. What this means is that the bearings may not be too worn but it acts as an indication that they will need renewing soon. If however the rumbling sounds more like grating then your bearings have worn down and they will need to be replaced as soon as you can.

Bearings are extremely critical components within any motor or gearbox as they can be subjected to a very demanding regime. The bearings within your motor or gearbox will be subjected to raised temperatures, which come as a result of high loads and operating speeds but also from severe ambient conditions and lubricant which will feature inherent contamination.

You are able to get motor and gearbox bearings in a variety of sizes as well as being specially designed to cater for low noise and vibration. The sizes of these bearings are generally available from 3mm shaft size up to 40mm. So whatever you need you are able to get the size bearing you need to do the job. But just what exactly are the basic necessities of electric motor bearings?

There are certain aspects that you need from your motor and gearbox bearings such as the following:

• Emergency running capability at very high temperatures
• Shutdown and restart capability
• Long service life at normal motor temperatures
• Satisfactory performance in cold climates
• Quiet operation and re-lubrication options

The way that bearings for motor and gearboxes are designed usually feature a deep groove radial, angular contact ball and cartridge bearings. Due to their design they have enhanced internal tolerances, lubrication, seals and shields, which ensure limited vibration and noise. They may also have contact or non-contact seals or shields.

Using the right bearings and ensuring that these bearings are taken care of is essential to the running of your motor and gearbox so make sure that you get the best and keep your eye on them.

For all of your Motor and Gearbox Bearings visit Howcroft Industrial Supplies. Even if they don’t have the Bearings in stock they can order them in especially for you.

Agriculture Bearings and Chains

The term agriculture refers to the production of food, fibre and other goods that we use in our everyday lives through the concept of farming and forestry. We rely on agriculture a lot more than we realise, which is why it is so important that the machinery and tools used in the trade are not only up-to-date but also in the best condition possible.

All of the equipment that is used in the agriculture trade needs to have reliable operation. This is especially true due to the dirty environments that surround aspects of agriculture. It is because of the need for reliability that agricultural equipment needs to be provided with the best and most suited parts such as bearings and chains. These are just two aspects that make up various agricultural machinery but they represent two of the most important parts that keep the machinery going.

Agricultural chains help a range of machinery do its job. Some of the prime examples of this machinery can be seen below:

• Combine Harvesters
• Vegetable Grading Conveyors
• Grain Elevators
• Round Balers
• Circular Bale Unrollers
• Back-Feed Hoppers
• Box Scrapers
• Fruit Packing Conveyors

When it comes to agricultural bearings, they can mainly be seen in aspects such as tractors, mowers, harvesters, cultivators, front loaders, trailers, baler pressers and silage cutters as well as hoes and ploughs. Both the bearings and chains that are used in various forms of agricultural machinery should be designed to meet the requirements of the agricultural industry, which includes extreme temperature changes and different loads and capacity. They should be low maintenance and they need to be sealed in order to prevent corrosion.

Without the correct bearings the machinery that is needed to make a success of the agricultural industry would fail to work. It is the work done by the bearing inside a machine that enables that machine to turn and twist in order to do its job. This emphasises the importance of bearings within the agricultural industry.

When it comes to agricultural chains, they are continually enhanced and modernised in order for them to meet the changing demands that are arising from the ongoing technical progress of agricultural machinery.

Agricultural chains are available in standard lengths or as ready-to-install kits for all makes and models of agricultural machines. They are one part of agricultural machinery that are highly versatile, meaning they can be supplied to exactly fit a specific customer’s need.

As I have already mentioned agricultural machinery is highly exposed to the elements, which means that the chains, and of course the bearings that are used in them are also directly exposed to influences such as dust, dirt and cold as well as damp conditions so their reliability is constantly tested. So when you come to purchasing your agricultural chains and bearings you need to make sure that you do so off a reliable source that has industry knowledge and experience otherwise you could end up replacing them again before you know it.

Howcroft Industrial Supplies are established as a leading UK provider of specialist Industrial Products, including Agriculture Bearing and Chains

Low Noise Bearings

If you were given the choice between two products that both do exactly the same job but with one difference; one has low noise, in fact it is almost silent whereas the other is noisy, which product would you choose to do the job for you?

I’m guessing the overwhelming answer to this question is the product with little or no noise. No one is going to buy or use a product that is noisy when they know they have the option of a product that is exactly the same but softer where the noise level is concerned. It is due to this that there is a demand across a wide range of industries for quieter products, tools and machinery. This demand has increased in recent years and one of main reasons for this is that quietness adds value to consumer goods such as office equipment and factory equipment as lets face it, no one wants to work in an unnecessarily noisy environment.

Over the past years improvements and developments have been made to the way in which products, tools and machinery can operate; including how to make them quieter. One way in which this can be achieved is through low noise bearings. Low noise and high precision running is considered to be of crucial importance for bearings, especially when they are used in products such as electric motors, fans and precision-engineered mechanical component. It is very important that if damage is caused to a bearing in a product, tool or machinery it is replaced as it can cause noise or it may act as a transmitter.

Some examples of the most popular and commonly used low noise bearings are as follows:

• Automotive Bearings – these provide low noise as well as low vibrations. As the name states this type of low noise bearings can mainly be found within automobiles.
• Pulley Ball Bearings – this type of bearing is considered to be of a high precision class with low noise and again, low vibrations.
• Deep Grove Ball Bearings – you will often find that this is small in size as well as being a low noise bearing.
• Inserted Super-Grinding Ball Bearings – you will find that these ball bearings are taper plastic roller coated as well as being low noise and having a long lifespan.

The concept of a bearing is to permit constrained relative motion between two parts; this is typically rotation or linear movement. Also the way in which bearings may be classified are according to the motions that they allow and to their principle of operation as well as the directions of the applied loads that they can handle.

The quieter a bearing can be the better. They usually come in three classifications of noise, which are as follows:

• High band – 1,800 - 10,000 Hz
• Medium band – 300 - 1,800 Hz
• Low band – 50 - 300 Hz

When most people have a product, tool or piece of machinery that is excessively noisy they generally think that there is something wrong with it; in many cases this noise is normal as it is caused by aspects such as electric motors or other rotating parts. When this is the case the item may vibrate, which can cause it to shake. One way in which this can be stopped is through the introduction of a low noise bearing.

Low noise bearings are defiantly worth the investment so start looking into them today and see how they can change the products, tools and machinery that you use in your everyday life and your industry.

If you are currently looking for Low Noise Bearings then look no further than Howcroft Industrial Supplies. As established UK providers of specialist industrial products you are bound to find the Bearings you are looking for.

Sealants

Sealants are a high necessity when it comes to the industries and the construction trade. These sealants come in various types such as acrylics, fillers, silicone and specialist varieties. Also with the use of sealants it doesn’t matter what the application is, a sealant has three main functions, which are as follows:

• To fill gaps between two or more substrates
• To form a barrier through the physical properties of the sealant itself and by adhesive to the substrate
• To maintain sealing properties for the expected lifetime, service conditions and environments

Sealants work in a similar way to adhesives the main difference between the two being sealants typically have lower strength and higher elongation that adhesives do. They provide the perfect solution for all of your bonding, priming and sealant needs, which is why the desirable properties of all sealants should include insolubility, corrosion resistance, and adhesion.

One of the main objectives of a sealant is to seal assemblies and joints. In order to do their job in the best possible way sealants need to have sufficient adhesion to the substrates as well as a good resistance to any environmental conditions that may affect it. These factors are highly important in order for the sealant to remain bonded over the required life of the assembly.

The main use of sealants can be seen throughout industries such as construction, automotive and aerospace. If your business falls into any of these industries and you require a supply of sealants then you have come to the right place! Here at Howcroft Industrial supplies we are industry leaders when it comes to materials and tools concerned with the construction trade and various industries. We have a complete in depth knowledge of the markets that we supply and we have a full understanding of any particular sealant needs that our customers may hold.

Here at Howcroft we have a wide range of sealants and can supply top brands such as unibond, locate, aradite and ceresit. We strive to develop working partnerships with our customers, industry trade bodies and suppliers of construction materials. We have your needs at the heart of our business and if you can’t find what you are looking for straight away we will simply order in whatever material or tool it is that you need.

So for all of your sealant needs look no further than Howcroft Industrial supplies and get in touch with us today!

Pneumatics

The term pneumatics refers to the use of pressurised gas in order to affect mechanical motion. It is a power that is used a lot in industry. The reason for this is because it is common to have factory units plumbed for compressed air. As well as being commonly used within factories it is also used within sectors such as dentistry, construction and mining.

Pneumatics are used to transmit, control and distribute signals and energy. This is all done through using pressurised air as the medium. Pneumatics can also be effectively combined with other technologies through the use of sensors, transducers and microprocessors.

The use of pneumatics within industry is a concept that is wide spread and is continuing to grow. More and more industry sectors are now opting to use pneumatics and this comes with good reason. I say this as there are many advantages as to why it is a good idea to incorporate the use of pneumatics into your industry sector. Some of these advantages are as follows:

• Cleanliness – as it is air there is no mess
• It gives you simplicity in design and control – the machines are easily designed as they use standard cylinders and other components. The control of it is easy as it is controlled with a simple on and off system.
• Reliability – a pneumatic system requires very little maintenance and is also considered to have a long operating life. A pneumatic system is also reliable thanks to the fact that because the gas is compressible the equipment is less likely to be damaged by shock
• Storage – due to the fact that compressed gas can be stored it means that machines can still be used even when electrical power is lost
• Safety – pneumatic systems are a very small fire hazard and the machines can be designed to be overload safe

If you require the use of a pneumatic system then you have come to the right place thanks to the fact that Howcroft Industrial Supplies can supply you with a comprehensive range of compressed air equipment, pneumatic products, tools, and ancillary equipment.

So for all of your pneumatic system needs look no further than Howcroft Industrial Supplies.

Motors

The history of motors is something that that goes back to times when the fundamentals of electromagnetic induction were first introduced. Since then the core function of these motors remains the same, which is to convert electrical current into mechanical force.

Since the introduction of the motor there have been many different versions developed such as the following types of motors:

• AC motors - the most popular and simple form of an AC motor is the three-phase AC induction motor, which is also known as the squirrel cage motor.
• Stepper motors – these are electro-mechanical devices that convert current into torque output
• DC motors – these motors convert mechanical force into electrical energy through the use of a generator or dynamo. This form of motor can be divided into two types, which are brushed DC motors and brushless DC motors
• Linear motors – this form of motor produces linear force along it’s length instead of the conventional torque that is seen in other motors

All of these represent forms of electric motors, which are practically used everywhere around us. Nearly everything we use throughout our home requires the use of an electric motor. For example your microwave, fridge freezer, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer and car heaters and radiators all require the use of an electric motor. So just exactly how do these motors work?

Motors use electromagnetic fields that are used to generate motion. They function on the principle of magnetism. Most, but not all, work on the concept that there is a fixed magnet on the outside, which is called the field magnet and inside lies an armature that carries the current. As soon as the current passes through the wired armature it turns into an electromagnet with opposite polarity to the field magnet.

Due to there wide use motors play a key role to many businesses and the construction industry. So if you find yourself in need of a specific motor then you have come to the right place.

Here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies we are leading experts in all materials and tools associated with the construction industry. We can pretty much supply you with any form of motor that you need, even if we don’t currently keep it in stock. This is thanks to the fact that we are able to order in a vast array of motors to cover all of your needs.

Gearboxes

Gearboxes are a piece of machinery that consist of gears and wheels. This piece of machinery is generally used to transfer force and movement. They are used in a variety of ways but the main use of a gearbox comes in the use of automobiles such as cars.

When used in vehicles such as cars, gearboxes come in two types, which are manual and automatic; manual gearboxes do however generally dominate the car market. Manual gearboxes are cheaper, lighter and usually provide an overall better driving performance. It is factors such as these that make many people opt for manually driven cars as oppose to automatic.

Gearboxes that are used in manually driven vehicles come in two basic types, which are as follows:

• A rugged sliding-mesh or unsynchronized / non-synchronous system – this is where straight-cut spur gear sets are spinning freely but must be coordinated by the vehicle operator who needs to match the engine revs to the road speed in order to avoid noise and damage to the gearbox.
• The common constant mesh gearboxes, which can include non-synchronised, or synchronized / synchromesh systems, where diagonal cut helical (and sometimes double-helical) gear sets are constantly meshed together.

As I previously mentioned there are two main types of gearboxes that are used when it comes to vehicles, the second of these main types is an automatic gearbox. An automatic gearbox will select an appropriate gear without any operator instruction. So how exactly does an automatic gearbox work?

Automatic gearboxes primarily use hydraulics in order to select the most appropriate gear. The way in which this choice is made depends on the pressure that is exerted by the fluid within the transmission assembly. So rather than using a clutch to engage the transmission, a torque converter is placed between the engine and transmission. Automatic gearboxes do generally have poorer fuel consumption than a manual gearbox, which is why people generally opt for a manual gearbox vehicle.

If you are involved in a particular industry or construction trade where the use of gearboxes is high and you are in need of certain parts for a gearbox or if you require an entire new one then you have come to the right place as here at Howcroft Industrial supplies we are experts when it comes to all aspects of gearboxes and can provide you with all of the parts and help that you could ever need.

For more information or to order any supplies please feel free to contact us today and we will do everything possible to help you with your enquiry or with your purchase.

Construction Fixings

The construction industry is one of the countries biggest industries. It employs a massive 2.2 million people across a wide array of sectors. It is due to the size of this industry that there needs to be a high supply of materials and tools that allow the employees of this sector to carry out their job with ease and to the best of their ability. It is due to the high demand of products within the construction industry that Howcroft Industrial Supplies have a range of what is known as construction fixings.

The term construction fixings is a very varied one that covers a large amount of products such as screws, nails, power tools and safety features. Some examples of construction fixings are as follows:

• Wall plugs and frame fixings
• Cavity and board fixing and insulation fixings
• Sanitary fixings and high strength structural setscrews
• Foundation bolts and roofing bolts and nuts
• Washers and hexagon bolts
• Woodscrews and drywall screws
• Self tapping screws and machine screws
• Power tool accessories and suspension fasteners

The list of construction fixings goes on and on as there are so many sectors involved in the construction industry as well as many different types of jobs. The construction industry embraces materials, products, suppliers and producers as well as manufacturers and contractors. There is so much going on when it comes to the construction industry that it is highly important you have continued access to construction fixings and here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies we offer you exactly that.

Whether you have a single order or a bulk order get in touch with Howcroft today and we will help to supple you with all of the construction fixings that you could ever need.

Visit Howcroft Industrial Supplies

Welcome to Howcroft Industrial Supplies
Give Howcroft a visit today to find out what they can do for you

Products
For all of the latest and best products associated with construction and many other industries, visit Howcroft today

Services
Howcroft have over 100 years of combined experience so you know you are recieving a good service

Bearings
We are specialist suppliers of a number of Bearings

Power Transmission
For all of your Power Transmission needs look no further than Howcroft Industrial Supplies

Oil Field Chains

Oil fields are an aspect of industry that are vital to the gathering of oil. In order to do this there are currently more than 50 oil fields and possibly some rigs drilling exploration wells within the UK. On top of this there are also more than 20 gas fields off the Norfolk coast.

The people and indeed the machinery that are working on these oil fields are working in tough conditions. It is due to this fact that the parts of the machinery are up to the job. One of the most important parts that make up the machinery are known as oil field chains. These chains are subject to some of the greatest loads and harshest environments. The chains need to be suitable to be able to cope with these conditions otherwise the job that they are designed to do won’t be done.

The working conditions are far more severe than the ones found in other industrial applications, which is why it is so important that special oil field chains are used in machinery as oppose to any other form of chain. These oil field chains can either be single strand or multiple strand and are typically constructed using heavy series components. So what sort of machinery are these oil field chains generally used on?

• Engine Components
• Tubular and casing draw works input
• Mud pump drives
• Transmission drives
• Catshafts
• Low and high drum
• Rotary Countershafts
• Rotary Tables

The above are the main uses of the oil field chains but the next question that a lot of people seem to ask is what makes these chains better than any other for the job at hand. There are a number of answers to this question; due to the chains close control or material specification to ensure a consistent response to heat treatment. Also due to their design they ensure optimum stress distribution in order for greater reliability. They were generally designed and developed to give improved fatigue resistance while minimizing susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Other reasons as to why oil field chains are specifically needed for the oil field environment are as follows:

• They have a specially formulated factory lubrication, which enables better initial wear, performance and enhanced corrosion resistance.
• All chains are proof loaded before packing in durable containers
• Closely controlled tolerances ensure smooth robust running even at high speeds.
• They are detachable for ease of fitting and replacement

These oil field chains are so good at what they do that they are also used in mining, logging and ball mill applications. Due to the safety and reliability that is associated with these chains they are only available from a few select highly professional chain manufacturers. So if you are on the lookout for oil field chains make sure that you shop around to get the best deal from the limited amount of suppliers you are able to get them from. In some cases they may need to be ordered in so make sure you get your order in nice and early.

Wednesday, 4 February 2009

Metals

There are a number of different metal materials available and each of these metals have a variety of uses. So depending on what use you need the metal for depends on what type of metal you purchase.

Many metals possess high structural strength per unit mass, which make them perfect for carrying large loads as well as resisting impact damage. It is due to this strength that metals are frequently used in high rise buildings and bridge construction as well as some vehicles. On the other hand some metals can be vulnerable to fatigue damage through repeated use, or from sudden stress failure when a load capacity is exceeded.

Going back to what metal can be used for, it is also used within many applications such as tools, pipes and non-illuminated signs as well as railroad tracks. One of the reasons as to why it is better to use metal when it comes to aspects such as these as oppose to non metal is down to the fact that metal has a much higher density.

If you are in need of metal materials then look no further than Howcroft Industrial Supplies. Here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies we offer you metals such as Key Steel, Bright Steel, Shim Steel, Oilite, and all Glacier products. We offer you all of these products from stock but if you need a full engineering service we can provide you with this on request.

So for all of your metal needs get in touch with Howcroft Industrial Supplies, with over 100 years experience in providing metals to a variety of customers you know you are in the best hands with Howcroft Industrial Supplies.

Tools

Within any industry, whether it is construction, agriculture, metal works or carpentry you won’t be able to carry out your work without the help of essential tools. Here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies Limited we can supply your business or industry sector with whatever tools you need or require to carry out your job with the most ease.

You could be in need of tools such as a hammer, different sized or specialist screwdrivers, lighters, blowtorches and solvent sprays. If you require any of these or any of the following then contact Howcroft Industrial Supplies:

• Guiding and measuring tools such as a specialist ruler or set square
• Shaping tools, such as moulds, jigs, trowels, concrete formwork, caulk or concrete
• Fastening tools, such as welders, rivet guns, nail guns, glue guns or glue

At Howcroft Industrial Supplies we either have or can order in whatever tools you need to complete your job. The above are just a few examples of some of the tools that you may need and are just a few examples of some of the tools that we can supply to you here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies.

The team here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies will do everything possible to ensure that you gain the tools that you need for your job. We will continually strive to offer the best service and support to all existing and potential customers, offering virtually all products, in this case tools, to suit everyone’s needs. We have specialist staff in our main areas of bearings, power transmission items, seals, tools, adhesives, oils, grease and pneumatics.

With the help of Howcroft Industrial Supplies we will supply you with all of the tools that you need, regardless of whether you are a lone customer or you are placing a bulk order to supply a company.

So for your entire tool needs get in touch Howcroft Industrial Supplies and let us help you get the job done.

Adhesives

When it comes to industrial supplies, the one aspect that most industries can’t do without is defiantly adhesives. If you are currently in need of adhesive or you wish to stock up on it then get in touch with Howcroft Industrial Supplies today.

As industrial suppliers, here at Howcroft we stock a vast amount of different adhesives for all industry needs. Whether you need instant adhesive, hydraulic sealants, gasket sealants, treadlock retaining compounds or epoxy resin from Bond Loc as well as Loctite from stock you will find what you are looking for right here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies Limited.

Here at Howcroft we understand that everyone’s needs are different and not all industries require that same products and materials. This is why here at Howcroft you will find a range of different adhesives so no matter what job you have to do we will be the ones able to supply you with everything that you need to complete it.

At Howcroft we also understand that there is an often bewildering variety of adhesives that are available from a range of adhesive manufacturers. It is however possible to simplify the choice of adhesive that is available by classifying the adhesive. The way in which this can be done is either by the way that the adhesive is used or by the chemical type of the adhesive. The strongest adhesives solidify by a chemical reaction and weaker varieties harden by some physical change. Some of the major classifications of adhesives are detailed below:

• Toughened Acrylics – these adhesives are fast curing and offer high strength and toughness
• Silicones – even though this form of adhesive is not very strong, they are known for their flexibility and high temperature resistance. They are also available in single or two part forms
• Cyanoacrylates – these adhesives cure through reaction with moisture held on the surface to be bonded
• Epoxies – these adhesives consist of an epoxy resin plus a hardener. They allow great versatility in formulation since there are many resins and many different hardeners. Epoxy adhesives can be used to join most materials. These materials have good strength, do not produce volatiles during curing, and have low shrinkage.

The above are just a few examples of the types of adhesives that are available to you and here at Howcroft we can more than likely supply you with whatever type of adhesive you need.

At Howcroft we may have the particular adhesive in stock and if not we can simply order in the adhesive that you need. We pride ourselves on our service and will ensure that every effort it taken to get you the product that you need.

Belt Drives

Belt drives represent a method of transferring rotary motion between two shafts. In the UK alone belt drives transmit hundreds of megawatts of power around the clock; many of these are on critical machinery where reliable and efficient performance is essential.

Belt drives are made up of a pair of pulleys attached to parallel shafts and are connected by a flexible belt that can transmit and modify rotary motion one from shaft to another. Most belt drives consist of flat leather, rubber or fabric belts running on cylindrical pulleys or of belts with a V-shaped cross section running on grooved pulleys.

There are a number of belt drives available; some of the most common are as follows:

• Flat Belts – these are a simple system of power transmission and are well suited to their time in history but these belts, although still used, have mainly been replaced by Vee belts.

• Vee Belts – these are now the basic belt that is used for power transmission. The ‘V’ shape of this belt tracks in a matting groove in the pulley (or sheave), which means that the belt cannot slip off.

• Timing Belts – also known as toothed, notch or cog belts. These timing belts have teeth that can fit into a matching toothed pulley.

Belt drives provide the best array of traction and speed of movement as well as the best load of bearings and they have a longer service life.

Whatever type of belt drive you are hoping to find you will find it with the help of Howcroft Industrial Supplies. Here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies we will continually strive to offer the best service and support to all our existing and potential customers. We can offer you whatever type of belt drive you need to suit all of your needs.

When you buy your belt drive from us here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies you will receive same day delivery if in stock and virtually next day delivery on any ready available products, this shows that we have an excellent 24 hour – 7 day a week service

So whatever your belt drive needs you will find what you are looking for with the help of Howcroft Industrial Supplies. Contact us today and get your belt drive in no time!

Chain Drives

Do you want to do business with a dynamic company who are at the forefront of their industry? Well you’ve certainly come to the right place. The Howcroft Group strives to give customers the very best in quality, value and service.

Howcroft Industrial Supplies strength lies with its staff who have over 100 years experience. Our knowledge regarding products and the job in hand allows us to be second to none. We offer a range of services and products, one of which are chain drives.

Chain drives are a way of transmitting mechanical power from one place to another. They are often used to convey power to the wheels of a vehicle, particularly bicycles and motorcycles. This isn’t however the only purpose of chain drives; they are also used in a wide variety of machines and are at the forefront of what makes these machines work.

Three of the main types of chain drives that are available are as follows:

• Roller Chain
With a roller chain motion is transmitted using shaft mounted sprockets. A roller chain is the type of chain most commonly used for transmission of mechanical power on bicycles, motorcycles, and in industrial and agricultural machinery. It is simple, reliable, and efficient, but requires more attention to maintain than may be desired by potential owners.

• Inverted Tooth
Also known as ‘silent,’ this works when motion is transferred via shaft mounted pinions (similar to gear wheels). They produce higher power capacities, higher speeds and smoother operation.

• Leaf Chains
These chains are used for lifting loads and do not involve tooth sprockets or gear wheels. They are mainly used on fork lift trucks and machine tools.

Roller chains still remain the most common form of chain drives as they meet the demands of heavy duty oil well drilling equipment, high-production agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and similar equipment. They also meet the timing requirements of lighter-duty equipment such as printing, packaging, and vending equipment.

The chain drive is positive, efficient and high torques can be transmitted. The chain used is generally made from steel although plastic chains have also been developed.

If you are currently after the best when it comes to chain drives then you need the help of Howcroft Industrial Supplies. Here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies we can give you access to the best when it comes to chain drives. So if you are in need of a chain drive then get in touch with us today.

Bearings

A bearing is a device to permit constrained relative motion between two parts, typically rotation or linear movement. They can vary greatly when it comes to the size and direction of the force that they can support. These forces can be radial, axial (thrust bearings) or moments perpendicular to the main axis.

Bearings are what enable machinery to move at extremely high speeds and allow them to carry the heaviest of loads with the most ease and efficiency. They must be able to offer high precision, reliability and durability, as well as the ability to rotate at high speeds with minimal noise and vibration. Luckily for you whatever type of bearing you need you will find what you are looking for at Howcroft Industrial Supplies.

Here at Howcroft Industrial Supplies we offer you a full range of all the worlds leading manufactured bearings. We offer a wide range of miniature bearings and precision ball bearing products. The team at Howcroft Industrial Supplies can also source any bearing that you need such as; Loose Ball Bearings, Imperial Groove Bearings, Thrust Bearings, Taper Roller Bearings, Self Aligning Angular bearings, Contact Ball Four Point Contact Double Row Ball, Cylindrical Roller Bearings, Spherical Roller Bearings and Carb Toroidal Bearings.

Pretty much any type of bearing that you need can be sourced through our international network EPTDA. Alternatively, any obsolete or special design can be made to order.

The professional Howcroft Industrial Supplies team have access to all bearings in various designations such as C4 clearance, electrically resisted and vibratory specification, for all applications. Browse through our site and see for yourself why we are your one-stop leading ball bearing supplier.

As well as all you’re bearing needs you will also gain a full technical backup and design service, including reports on all applications and bearing failures when you buy your bearings through Howcroft Industrial Supplies.

Welcome to Howcroft Industrial Supplies

A dynamic company at the forefront of their industries.

The Howcroft Group strives to give it’s customers the very best in quality, value and service. The group’s key strengths lies with our staff, with over 100 years of experience, our knowledge regarding products and the job in hand allows us to be second to none.