The Mechanical Shop Department of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has achieved a significant milestone by reconditioning two 25 Ton Slab Lifter Tongs for the New Plate Mill entirely using in-house resources.
This enterprising endeavor not only bolstered equipment availability but also resulted in cost savings amounting to Rs 8 lakh for the company.
It may be noted that, the Slab Lifter Tongs are indispensable components in the smooth production process of the New Plate Mill. When the existing 25T Slab Lifter Tongs needed immediate reconditioning due to the severe wear and tear, the Mechanical Shop stepped up to the task. Acquiring new tongs externally would have been time-consuming and expensive and hence the Mechanical Shop team took the matter into their hands.
Using a meticulous approach, the employees dismantled the damaged spares of the Tongs and precisely measured the required dimensions. They skillfully employed state-of-the-art tools, including CNC Lathe machines and Universal Drilling machines, to develop all the damaged spares from leftover cut piece bar rounds available in-house. This ingenious strategy significantly minimized the input cost, making the developing expenses virtually negligible.
Ensuring that every moving part of the Tongs was thoroughly inspected, the team implemented a proper lubrication arrangement to guarantee their smooth and efficient operation. Rigorous testing and quality checks were conducted before the reconditioned Slab Lifter Tongs were handed over to the department for immediate deployment.
The remarkable efforts of the Mechanical Shop has yielded remarkable results.
Comparatively, outsourcing the reconditioning task to external agencies would have incurred an expenditure of about Rs 8 lakhs. However, through their resourceful approach, the employees demonstrated exemplary dedication and craftsmanship, highlighting their commitment to optimizing processes and delivering cost-effective solutions.
