Outsourcing is a common practice in many industries, and for a fabricator in Southern QLD, it was no different. However, this approach had a significant impact on their business. Lead times for abrasive blasting before powder coating were causing delays, losing them potential customers, and costing them revenue. In response, the company decided to bring abrasive blasting in-house and contracted Protoblast for the design, manufacture, and installation of an abrasive blasting booth, complete with a Partial Floor Abrasive Recovery System. The results were astounding, with lead times reduced from six weeks to just two days. This case study explores how bringing abrasive blasting in-house can be a successful investment, with benefits that go beyond just regaining control of time and cost savings.
The Challenge: Outsourcing Abrasive Blasting
The fabricator in question faced a common problem in many industries. Outsourcing a crucial part of the production process can result in significant delays and additional costs, as well as losing potential customers to competitors with faster turnaround times. In this case, the outsourcing of abrasive blasting before powder coating was causing significant delays and affecting the business’s bottom line. The company realized that they needed to bring abrasive blasting in-house to solve these problems.
The Solution: A Protoblast Abrasive Blasting Booth
Protoblast was contracted to design, manufacture, and install an abrasive blasting booth for the fabricator. The booth was customized to the fabricator’s specific needs and included a Partial Floor Abrasive Recovery System. The system collects the abrasive blasting media, separates it from the dust and debris, and recycles it back into the system. This not only reduces the amount of abrasive media used but also reduces the amount of waste generated and makes the cleaning process easier and more efficient.
The Result: Reduced Lead Times and Increased Efficiency
After the installation of the Protoblast abrasive blasting booth, the fabricator was able to bring their lead times down from six weeks to just two days. This not only resulted in significant time and cost savings but also allowed the company to take on more orders and increase its revenue. The fabricator’s operations manager commented that they had to get a product ready for a show in a short time, which would have been impossible before installing their own abrasive blasting booth, but with control of lead times back in their hands, now it was a simple and effortless task.
The Benefits of Bringing Abrasive Blasting In-House
The success of this case study highlights the benefits of bringing abrasive blasting in-house. By doing so, companies can have more control over the production process, resulting in faster turnaround times and cost savings. Additionally, having an abrasive blasting booth on-site can result in increased efficiency and productivity, as employees do not have to waste time and resources transporting parts off-site for abrasive blasting.
Another benefit of bringing abrasive blasting in-house is that it allows companies to have more control over the quality of their products. Outsourcing this part of the production process can result in variations in quality, as different vendors may use different methods or materials. By having an abrasive blasting booth on-site, companies can ensure that their products meet their high standards consistently.
Conclusion: The Success of Bringing Abrasive Blasting In-House
The case study of the fabricator in Southern QLD highlights the success of bringing abrasive blasting in-house. By doing so, the company was able to reduce lead times from six weeks to just two days, resulting in significant time and cost savings, increased efficiency, and higher revenue. Bringing abrasive blasting in-house also allows companies to have more control over the production process, resulting in more consistent quality and faster turnaround times. Overall, this case study shows that bringing abrasive blasting in-house can be a successful investment, with benefits that go beyond just time and cost.
What are the next steps to take?
Get in touch with us and we can provide you with expert advice and guidance on how to get the best out of your abrasive blasting facility.
Give us at Protoblast a call on 1300 011 583 or complete our online form.