Selecting the right suppliers for your industrial supplies can significantly affect your costs, operations and overall success. Here is a comprehensive list of factors to consider and questions to ask when making this important decision for your business. 

In this guide, we cover:

• How many suppliers do you really need?
• Qualities of a reliable supplier
• List of sub-guides to buying industrial products
• Emphasis on work health safety (WHS)
• Most common challenges in maintaining good inventory
• Managing your inventory to avoid unplanned downtime
• The price-vs-quality compromise
• Benefits of having a buyer account

How many suppliers do you really need?

“Too much of anything is good for nothing,” according to a proverb. But is it really, especially when you talk about suppliers?

There are upsides to professionally managing your inventory of materials and equipment, and it follows that you want to have the right supplier(s) for them. Inevitably, it begs the question:

• In a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), should you have a single, exclusive supplier, or should you work with multiple suppliers at once? 

There are obvious benefits to both options, and the right answer for you will largely depend on the complexities of your organisational structure and requirements.

Moreover, here are other considerations that also factor into your decision:

• Complexity of systems: You’re working with multiple third parties and factoring them into your processes. When you have to deal with multiple data in different formats, systems integration becomes more challenging.
• Consistency in quality: With multiple suppliers, you can expect to see variations in quality that gets more challenging to manage. On the contrary, production is relatively simplified when you use just one supplier, because you are most certain that their components went through the same QC process.
• Cost of freight: The more a supplier is delivering in one shipment, the lower the freight cost per item. In some cases, they may even charge no freight at all, depending on the amount and/or volume of orders. You can use this to your advantage when you order in bulk.
• Downtime: When your supplies short supply, it may stop production, which clearly puts you in a difficult position in many respects (such as impacting your service level agreements with your clients and partners, and losing market share due to delayed manufacturing output).

Having a close relationship with one or two suppliers has distinct benefits, but there are also risks in putting all your eggs in one basket. It’s all about striking a balance based on the idiosyncrasies of your business.

As a general rule, you should have a primary supplier and at least one secondary supplier.

What matters most is that you are confident that they can be a reliable partner for your business.

Qualities of a reliable supplier

You only want to buy from suppliers who can provide high-quality products and dependable service at competitive prices, as that brings a multitude of advantages, to your business. Here is a checklist to use to evaluate your shortlist of suppliers to make sure you’re getting as much benefit from them:

Industry expertise: A good supplier will understand your specific requirements enough to be able to give you product advice. Their front-liners can communicate with you in the context of industrial, manufacturing and engineering perspectives.

• Do they have product specialists that really understand the technical specifications of the products they sell?
• Do they take the time to help you identify the products you need?
• Do they comply with all relevant industry standards and regulations?
• Do they have a demonstrated track record of supplying for businesses similar to yours?

Product range and quality: A good supplier will help you save time, especially if they can provide all the supplies you need from the brands that you trust. As you get your components, parts, materials and equipment from the same proven source, you worry less about getting sub-standard output that’s prone to costly defects, returns and customer complaints.

• Do they offer the full range of core industrial supplies you need -- including capital goods and equipment, components, consumables, safety gear and tools?
• Do they offer all the major product categories that you need?
• Do the brands they carry have a good reputation for quality, reliability and compliance to industry standards?
• Do their product listings provide accurate and essential information to help you make an informed decision about the purchase?
• Do they have a quality control system to ensure you get the products right according to specifications before dispatch? 
• Do they source hard-to-find and off-the-shelf items?
• Do they have a support team which will provide Safety Data Sheets when requested or promptly handle warranty issues, should they arise?

Supply chain and logistics management: A good supplier is well-connected with manufacturers, distributors and importers, thus enabling competitive wholesale and retail prices to your benefit.

• Do they have reliable logistics and order fulfillment partners to deliver your orders with care and on time?
• Do they have sensible foresight on product demand, availability cycles and pertinent logistical challenges?
• Do they have enough inventory levels to accommodate your just-in-case (JIC) or just-in-time (JIT) requirements?
• Can they handle cross-border / overseas shipments?

Pricing competitiveness and transparency: A good supplier should be a partner and give you fair prices and never try to rip you off.

• Do they display clear pricing information in their store and quotes?
• Do they go out of their way to offer you products with the best prices?
• Do they comply with fair trade regulations?
• Do they offer volume discounts?
• Do they offer preferential pricing?
• Do they offer flexible payment options (cash, card, cheque, bank transfers, PayPal and in-house credit*)?
• Do they offer flexible payment terms?
• Do they have hidden charges?
• Do they charge handling fees?
• Do they price-match?

Delivery in full, on-time (DIFOT): A good supplier understands that they need to get you the products on time, as delays could have undesirable consequences that affect the timeliness of your operations.

• Do they clearly communicate and display estimated lead times, delivery speeds and dates when ordering?
• Do they dispatch and deliver the goods and services according to agreed-upon schedules?
• Do they always have stocks of high-demand and fast-moving products, especially consumables?
• Do they have sound inventory management practices and order tracking systems?
• Do they work to meet tight delivery requirements within reasonable short notice?

Customer service: A good supplier cares enough to try to really understand the intricacies of your business and go out of its way to help you.

• Do online reviews suggest that customers are generally happy with the service and support they provide?
• Do they promptly address quality issues and take quick action to resolve them?
• Do they promptly respond to your pre-sales and post-sales enquiries?
• Do they promptly communicate possible and actual bottlenecks that could affect delivery dates?
• Do they have quick turnaround for enquiries that require contacting you for updates?
• Do they pay your site a visit -- where possible, even just occasionally – in the name of building rapport?
• Do they charge extra to offer customer support?
• Do they support warranty coverage?
• Do they offer easy returns?

List of sub-guides to buying industrial products

Buying industrial and engineering products can be tricky, especially for beginners and the uninitiated. While a good supplier will have capable product specialists to assist you in your purchasing journey, you’ll still want to do some preliminary research.

How do you choose one product over the other? How do you get the measurements and specifications? What specific factors should you consider? Where do you start?

Listed here are some quick guides worth reading if you’re in the market for these products:

• Quick Guide to Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) (New!): We discuss what is EOQ, its formula and a few examples to demostrate its application. It's a must-read for those who want to optimize their purchasing and inventory processes for optimum cost savings and smoother operations.
• Quick Guide to Buying Flow Meters: This covers the different kinds of flow meters, including a list of questions you should be asking during your research. We also homed in on positive displacement (PD) flow meter and the benefits that they offer.
• Quick Guide to Cleaning Agents: Are detergents, disinfectants and sanitisers the same? Can you mix and match cleaning solutions? What should you use for what surface? Here are some reminders when buying, handling, using, and storing cleaning chemicals.
• Quick Guide to Choosing an Electric Motor: Is it an AC or DC motor? Single or three-phase? What’s the power rating and speed requirement? This article walks you through the questions to point you in the right direction when choosing an electric motor. (Plus, here are information to FAQs on electric motors for hazardous areas, common causes of motor breakdown and factors affecting motor lifespan.)
• Quick Guide to Industrial Gloves: Let’s take a closer look at why industrial gloves are important, which glove is right for the job, different types of industrial gloves and relevant standards and protection ratings.
• Quick Guide to Industrial Pumps: Learn about the common types of pumps and (1) the factors you should consider when buying one, or (2) things to check regularly to maintain your existing ones.
• Quick Guide to Stainless Steel Fasteners: Get a basic understanding of 304 and 316 stainless steel and the best choice for your intended use, especially when it comes to fasteners. (Plus, here’s how you can identify high-tensile bolts.)
• How to Measure a Power Transmission V Belt: What are the different belt lengths? When should you measure which diameter / dimension? Refer to these handy tips the next time you try to measure your power transmission V belts without a measuring machine.
• How to Identify and Measure Synchronous (Timing) Belts: What are the key identifiers to help you determine the correct timing belt measurements? Are you sure it’s not a cogged V belt? Here are helpful pointers to help you get the specifications right.

We update this list regularly so bookmark this page or subscribe to our newsletter, if you’d like to be notified when something new comes up.

Emphasis on work health safety (WHS)

The importance of workplace safety (and compliance to relevant WHS laws) needs no further highlighting. For a quick refresher course, these articles are a good place to start:

• Overview of Work Health and Safety (WHS) Laws in Australia: What are your WHS duties as a business, employer or person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU)? Here is a quick list of WHS laws in the country, with links to the various acts and regulations being enforced by The Commonwealth, States and Territories.
• Workplace Safety Statistics in Australia: Data from Safe Work Australia -- of which the latest count places work-related injury fatalities at 193 deaths, and work-related injuries and illnesses at 127,000 claims -- suggest that “there are still too many serious injuries, fatalities and illnesses arising from work" (Key WHS statistics for 2023 by the SWA 2023).
• Quick Guide to Asbestos Hazard Management: Do you have an asbestos management plan? Learn the basics of properly managing this ubiquitous and useful yet very hazardous mineral in an industrial setting.
• Quick Guide to Working in Heat: What are the symptoms of – and first aid to – workers suffering dehydration, heat-related illness and heat stroke? What are your health and safety duties? Learn how to make sure you (and your crew) stay cool, safe and productive all year round -- indoors or outdoors.
• Quick Guide to Anti-Slip Safety Compliance: Are anti-slip solutions mandated by law? Are there specific standards for different flooring surfaces? What are the common hazards? This article provides guidance to slip resistance requirements and answers to anti-slip FAQs.
• How to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace: The key is to (1) educate your business about the importance of occupational safety, (2) implement safety measures, and (3) provide safety gear and make sure it is used properly.
• FAQs on Fire-Resistant Anti-Static (FRAS) Belts (New!):  As the name implies, they are designed to address fire safety and prevent static electricity buildup, but are they worth the higher price tag? Are they better than heat-resistant and oil-resistant belts?
• FAQs on Hard Hats (Colour Meanings, Types, Maintenance, Expiry Etc) (New!): Is it essential to wear a hard hat? What standards are followed for hard hats? What are the different types of hard hats? How do I properly wear my hard hat? How do I maintain my hard hat? Do hard hats ‘expire’? What do the different hard hat colours mean?
• FAQs on Safety Footwear (Standards, Classifications, Features, Maintenance, Etc) (New!): Is all ‘safety footwear’ the same? What is the Australian Standard for safety footwear? What about the ‘S’ classifications / safety ratings? How should safety footwear fit? How do I maintain (and when should I replace) them? Are regular shoes with added steel toe caps just as good? How bad could it be if I don’t wear them?
• FAQs on Welding Safety (New!): What are the key hazards associated with welding? What is the Australian Standard for welding safety? What are the primary control measures for welding hazards? What PPE is needed for welding? What is the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for welding fume in Australia? How bad can welding fumes be? How bad can flash burns be? What are my responsibilities for welding safety? Are there specific safe welding codes of practice per state?

Most common challenges in maintaining good inventory

Inconsistent tracking systems: Some businesses still implement very little inventory tracking, while some overdo it with multiple software platforms. This usually happens when manufacturers, distributors, partners and vendors use different supply chain management platforms. Unfortunately, that often results in different data sets with incompatible taxonomy that end up under-utilised in data silos. Depending on the size of your organisation, you may consider centralising your processes, at least internally, by investing in a highly flexible enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. From there, you can standardise some internal processes and taxonomy (eg SKUs) across the board. 

Inaccurate, outdated data: While not absolutely unavoidable, inaccuracies in data may be kept to a minimum by continually ensuring that the attributes of materials and equipment are updated in line with supplier advice. As demand changes, so do the availability and prices of raw materials, commodities and services, so don’t rely on your suppliers to keep you informed. Someone in the organisation needs to continually request updates.

Manual documentation: Some will argue the merits of managing inventory the "old school” spreadsheet way. It may work for you if you can afford the time (and thus, productivity loss and manhours) to do it repeatedly and scalably, however there's always the challenge of manually updating your data every single time there is movement in your stock. In this age of specialised software-as-a-service, spreadsheets are considered "legacy and traditional" and very limited in capability. And, we're not even talking about Industry 4.0 Internet of Things (IoT) enabled inventory.

Damaged assets: This is where you start asking questions such as:

• Was this damage caused by the manufacturer?

• Why didn't we see the defects earlier?

• Is it replaceable?

• Is it repairable? 

• How much will it cost to repair? 

• How soon can we get it to work?

• How will this affect the pipeline?

Misplaced assets: Issues begin to get real once you're on the floor looking for the actual equipment that, on paper (or software), was "supposed to be somewhere here". Not every business can afford to tag NFC and RFID trackers to every piece of equipment in order to know its whereabouts at every moment. Now there are even more questions: 

• Was it actually received in the warehouse? 

• How long has it been missing? 

• Did we store it in the wrong location? 

• Do we even have an asset checkout process? 

• Did someone check it out? Or ... 

Theft: This is unfortunately not uncommon.

• Did someone take it without permission?
• Who's supposed to be looking after it?

Under-utilised or inefficient warehousing: Just stock up a lot of everything and we're good, right? If you thought over-stocking is always a good thing, think again. Here are some factors to consider:

• Some materials require special storage within a certain level of humidity and temperature.
• Materials become obsolete.
• Materials deteriorate.
• Materials expire.

Managing your inventory to avoid unplanned downtime

You expend a lot of resources to build your business and make sure it's in good shape, and costly major inconveniences caused by equipment malfunctions and a limited supply of materials are the last things you need. The good thing is that it's totally avoidable, thanks to inventory management.

Different sources will give you different definitions on what are the types of inventory, but we'll stick with three main types according to business.gov.au:

• Raw materials
• Work-in-process
• Finished goods

*Some sources include MRO as a fourth main type, and some even expand the list to as many as 13 types. In many context, inventory management means making sure they have sufficient materials and equipment to keep their business operational. When talking about inventory, people usually think of trading stock, which is essentially any component a business "acquires, produces or manufactures, for the purpose of manufacturing, selling or exchanging", according to Business.GOV.AU. 

Often, they are referring to materials, which are components used in the manufacturing of the product. Common examples include:

• Bearings, belts and pulleys installed as parts of a power transmission system
• Bolts and nuts used to affix parts and surfaces
• Greases, lubricants and oils applied to avoid friction between moving parts in a system
• Paints applied as a protective layer onto surfaces

Then, there’s equipment, which are apparatus, machinery and tools to facilitate the manufacturing of the product. Common examples include:

• Power tools to make various manual processes (eg cutting, drilling, grinding etc) way easier for the human hand
• Measuring tools to determine the physical dimensions of objects
• Polishing compounds to apply a finish to surfaces

To keep it simple, we'll focus on one of the main benefits of proper inventory management -- which is avoiding unplanned downtime.

The list of why unplanned downtimes happen ranges from reasons beyond your control:

• Global supply chain and logistics issues
• Business closure due to severe weather
• Supplier partner issues
• Power outage

… to scenarios that could have been avoided, since they are within your control:

• Ineffective business continuity plan (or lack thereof)
• Process failure due to machine and/or human error
• Equipment failure
• No supply of materials and parts due to insufficient planning and inventory

Being in the industrial and engineering supplies business, we've seen first-hand the undesirable effects of unplanned downtimes to our customers:

• On a business level: It’s hard to play catch up when unexpected cost and workforce burden start piling up, not to mention the possible consequences to your production output and revenue.
•  On a department / functional level: The guys in MRO and Purchasing work under time pressure to restore up-time and manage backlogs.
• On the production floor: The workers scramble to meet even tighter deadlines, thereby increasing the risks of errors.

While unplanned downtimes can happen for reasons beyond your control, you can mitigate some risk through proper inventory management.

1. Use a comprehensive, consolidated database to track your assets: It does not have to be a complicated software platform that no one in your business knows how to operate, so long as it is useful to your staff.
2. Delegate the task to a specific person: Where appropriate, assign or hire an inventory specialist to own the process. Ideally, he/she understands supply chain management and can maintain productive relationships within your team and with your partners and suppliers.
3. Purchase in bulk: Where applicable, evaluate if you can benefit from volume discounts, provided you find a supplier that offers special pricing for bulk orders. Remember to take into account your storage / warehousing capacity and the expiration dates of the products you want to store (if applicable).
4. Monitor usage: Know what you have right now, what you'll need soon and who will use it. Over time, you will be able to identify patterns from which you can work to optimise supply replenishment strategies.

Once the platform and people are in place, it's time to start tracking your assets. Important data to record could include:

• Unique identifiers [eg serial numbers, stock keeping units (SKU), universal product codes (UPC) etc]
• Make and model
• Item description
• Supplier and/or manufacturer
• Purchase cost
• Purchase date
• Lifecycle / Shelf life
• Condition of the item as of [date]
• Quantities on hand
• Special storage requirements (including hazardous material info for proper handling)
• Warranty information
• Maintenance requirements and schedule
• Checkout details (who's using it where and when)
• Safety data sheets
• Technical data sheets
   

5. Use only high-quality products: The more durable your components are, the longer you can use them. This is especially critical for equipment parts that are hard to replace, thereby risking unplanned downtime once the machine stops working. 

Nevertheless, products of superb quality often come at a price. Should you just go for low quality products and just replace them often?

The price-vs-quality compromise

"Hi, AIMS Industrial Supplies! I’m looking to replace the [component/material/part] in my [machine/system]. I want something that is cheap and long-lasting. What are my options?”

Arguably, there is no standard response to the question. To many people, “cheap” and “long-lasting” seldom go together in the same sentence; the consensus is that nothing cheap lasts long.

Instead, you should consider these factors when you’re faced with the price-quality dilemma as a customer:

• Is it a component of a mission-critical system?
• Will its durability affect other parts?
• How much professional labour do you need to hire to get the job done?
• How much time and money does it cost to replace?
• How much unexpected downtime can you afford?
• Are you okay with original equipment equivalents (OEE)?
• Are you okay with shorter warranty periods?

The answer is very subjective to your budget, preference and how many of those factors you are willing to compromise on in exchange for paying less money.

Here are some scenarios that are very relatable, especially if you’re in MRO, where the predictability of service intervals and risks of unplanned downtime easily become a key concern when there is the premature failure of a part.

• Bearings: It’s easy to dismiss these rollers as mundane parts until one of them breaks. The cheaper ones can easily wear out, especially if they are carrying heavier loads than they are weight-rated for. It only takes a broken bearing or two to halt an entire conveyor belt system. Even when you immediately have a spare unit on hand, it may take an hour or more to replace it.
   
• Belts: Although cheaper industrial belts are known to wear out faster, some people still buy them, and in bulk even. They argue the part is relatively easy to check for damage and replace anyway. The problem is when these belts snap at the wrong place and time, it can damage other parts. As an aside, another shortcut people like to take with belts in order to save money is to only replace damaged ones. If there are multiple belts on a single pulley, they should all be replaced by the same brand at the same time. Replacing only one or two belts will cause uneven load and wear and cause all the belts to wear out more quickly, which will ultimately be more costly.
   
• Hoses, ducting and fittings: While these components are designed to handle various loads of pressurized and non-pressurized liquids or gases passing through, sometimes 24/7, it’s hard to guarantee that the entire system is fully efficient. Inevitably, there will be leaks due either to wear and tear or just plain defective or low-quality components. When something breaks or leaks, however small, the whole system stops working as intended. Aside from low-quality components, you should also consider low-quality workmanship, so it pays not to cheap out on labour for installation and repairs done right by competent professionals. For some systems, especially pressurized ones, such as air-conditioning units, you will have no choice but to spend extra to replace leaked refrigerants.
   
• Roller chains: Their prices vary wildly and are usually influenced by the quality of materials and the processes involved in manufacturing (and which country they were manufactured in). Also, they can get expensive quickly as they’re usually sold by length (eg. boxes of 10 ft etc.). Some brands of chains are more sought after than others, despite their heftier price tag, simply because of their reputation for superior reliability, easier serviceability and the longer service life they can provide. Some of the higher end chains are also self-lubricating and extremely pricey but have obvious benefits. To MROs, the longevity of the pricier product alone saves them hours of downtime since they don’t have to service the machine as frequently.
   
• Slip resistance products: Depending on the size and type of surface you need to install anti-slip products onto, you might be tempted to go for cheaper solutions so you can cover more area. After all, your workers are already wearing slip-free boots anyway, right? That’s a common argument from customers, until they realize it’s often very cost-effective to install custom-sized ladder rung covers, safeplates, safety matting and stair nosings because of their longevity alone.

As a consumer, you might even think that the higher the price of the product or service, the higher its perceived quality, which are both acceptable marketing psychology and buyer heuristic. 

As we always say, err on the side of caution. You get what you pay for. 

Benefits of having a buyer account

A good supplier gives you the option to create an online account so you can enjoy these benefits 24/7 from the convenience of your laptop or smartphone. 

Shop and make informed buying decisions: 

• Browse through their full range of products 
• Download related catalogues, data sheets and user guides 
• View accurate and comprehensive product information on the product(s) you want to purchase 
• See product reviews from other customers (or write one for products you've bought) 
• Save your favourite products for purchase later 

Manage your transactions: 

• Access, approve and manage your quotes, invoices and orders 
• Place your orders 
• Re-order products you've bought before 

Make easy and secure payments: 

• Pay for your orders and invoices with peace of mind via secure payment channels 
• Pay in installment via PayPal or in-house credit (provided you meet certain requirements and a minimum monthly spend) 
• Enjoy exclusive discounts and first dibs on newly listed brands and products 
• Get special pricing and volume discounts 

We hope you found this guide helpful, and you are now more confident when planning and purchasing industrial supplies for your business. 

If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach us via chat email at customerservice@aimdindustrial.com.au.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A 

Abrasive: Any object or substance used to grind, lap, polish or smoothen another material to get rid of undesirable components in its surface

ADG: Australian Dangerous Goods (Dangerous good vs hazardous substances -- what's the difference?)

Adhesive: A substance used for attaching things together, usually permanently

AIG: Australian Industry Group

Allthread: Also known as threaded rod or brooker rod, this is a general purpose fastener with threads running its full length without a head on either end

Alloy / Super-Alloy: A substance composed of metallic elements (usually aluminium, nickel, chromium, magnesium and molybdenum) dissolved and melded together to form a new metallic product. Higher-performance versions are known as "super-alloys".

Aluminium: A lightweight, silver-white metallic element that is ductile, malleable and resistant to oxidation and tarnishing

AMSA: Australian Maritime Safety Authority

ANSI: American National Standards Institute

Anti-Seize Compound: Also called anti-stick or 'never seize' compound, it is a substance used to protect fastened interfaces from corrosion, sticking and galling

Assembly: The process of putting together complex devices, machineries and mechanisms from various parts

B

Bearing: A mechanical element designed to minimise friction between moving parts and promote smooth movement; generally consist of rolling elements in between an outer and inner ring (called races)

Belt: A band of strong, flexible material for moving items or transmitting motion and power

C

Calibration: The process of measuring devices and instruments against a tool to ensure accuracy, stability and consistency of output

Camlock: Also known as cam and groove coupling, is used to connect pipes and hoses to enable fluid transfer from one place to another

CBU: Completely Built Up. A product that has been fully assembled prior to transporting and so requires no further assembly upon delivery. An example would be a Mercedes-Benz sedan directly imported from Germany as a fully built car to be distributed, marketed and sold to the Australian market with no local assembly and parts involved in the process at all.

Circuit breaker: A device for automatically or mechanically interrupting an electric circuit when abnormal operting conditions are detected, to prevent causing damage to the apparatus or igniting fire

CKD: Completely Knocked Down. A product that is shipped as parts and therefore requires assembly upon delivery. An example would be an Isuzu truck with parts imported from China, Thailand and Japan and locally assembled and sold to the Philippine market.

Countersinking: The process of boring a conical shape (in a piece of material) at the end of an already drilled hole to allow a countersunk screw to sit flush with the material, giving a smooth finish

D

Dead centre: The position of the piston (in an internal combustion engine) relating to when it is farthest from (TDC = top dead centre) or nearest (BDC = bottom dead centre) the crankshaft

Deburring: The process of removing burrs and rough edges from parts and surfaces by tumbling, sanding, grinding and other similar methods

Drilling: A machining technique that involves the use of a rotating drill bit to bore a round hole in a surface

E

Equipment: Any single item or a collection of related items that is/are provided or meant to be used for a specific purpose

F

Fastener: A component or device used to firmly and securely join two objects, thereby creating a non-permanent/semi-permanent attachment/joint that can later on be dismantled without causing damage to either object

G

Gasket sealant: A chemical compound used in conjunction with gaskets to create a tight seal between two surfaces

Grease: A semisolid lubricant made of synthetic or natural base lubricants and thickening agents that are formulated to lower the friction between moving parts and to prevent the entry of water into the system

Grommet: Commonly referred to as eyelet, it is a ring-shaped insert placed in holes, and is generally used to cover sharp edges and protect the materials that pass through the hole

GST: Goods and Services Tax

H

Hazardous area: A location, place or vicinity where the environment is either alleged or confirmed to have a presence of a chemical spill, dangerous material, explosive element, radiation or a similar substance.

I

Inventory: A part of supply chain management, which help make sure the business has the right products in the right quantity for sale, at the right time. (View best practices in inventory management.)

ISO: Intenational Organization for Standardization. An international, non-government body which is made up of country-based standards organisations that aim to mutually develop practical, international standards.

L

Lathe: A machining tool used to hold and rotate a piece of material around its axis, such that the operator can perform various actions (eg. cut, sand, drill etc) on the material

LOTO: Lock Out Tag Out. A safety procedure to make sure that dangerous devices are properly shut down and cannot be restarted until maintenance or repair work is completed.

Lubricant: A solution formulated to reduce friction and wear between surfaces in motion

M

MRO: Maintenance, Repair and Operations

MRP: Material Requirements Planning

MVP: Minimum Viable Product. A product, in early development, which is sufficiently appealing to early adopter customers as to allow for validation of the product concept early in the product development cycle.

O

OE: Original Equipment. A product that is manufactured by an OEM, often without any branding so a third party can market, sell or use it as a component of an assembly.

OEE: Original Equipment Equivalent. A product that is manufactured (not necessarily by an OEM) and often branded as an "aftermarket" product to serve the same purpose and have the same quality as that of an OE.

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. The manufacturer of a product that a third party may market, sell or use.

Off-the-shelf: An item purchased from a supplier in its original state and used "as is", with no changes made.

P

PCBU: Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment. A product (or set of products) worn by a person to reduce the risk of diseases and injuries. Examples are ear muffs, gloves, goggles and masks.

Pulley: A device, usually round and in the form of a wheel, on a shaft designed to transfer power (more accurately, torque) from the motor to a belt or chain. Sometimes referred to as a sheave.

R

Retaining ring: Fastener designed to prevent mating parts from excessive movements during operation, and is a thin circular metal component fitted in external or internal machine grooves to secure parts in position and to reduce vibration

S

SDS: Safety Data Sheet. A document that specifies essential information about potentially hazardous substances and health hazards. In Australia, businesses, specifically manufacturers and importers, are expected to use SDSs to assess the risks of hazardous chemicals in compliance with work health and safety (WHS) standards. This is different from Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Shims: Also called spacers, these are thin strips of metal or plastic used to fill gaps between objects to componsate for leveling issues

SKD: Semi-Knocked Down. A product that is shipped as "substantially complete" but still requires local assembly. An example would be Renault unibody, engine and computer parts imported from France to be assembled, distributed and sold in Malaysia with some Malaysian-built components.

SKU: Stock Keeping Unit

Spring: A device made up of coiled lengths of steel used to provide compressive, torsion or tensile force

Sprocket: Also known as sprocket-wheels or chain wheels, sprockets are mechanical gear wheels that engage chains to transmit rotation. They have teeth or cogs that are designed to interlock with power transmission roller chain to transmit power between shafts.

STAMP(S): Size - Temperature - Application - Media - Pressure - (Speed). An acronym commonly used to identify gasket and seal requirements.

STAMPED: Size - Temperature - Application - Material - Pressure - Ends - Delivery. An acronym commonly used to identify hose or fitting requirements.

T

Tolerance: The minimum and maximum allowable deviation/variation of values from a certain standard

Tool: A portable apparatus, device or instrument designed to assist in performing a task

U

U bolt: A piece of steel rod with threads on both ends and bent in a letter U, whose curved structure makes it an ideal solution to fasten tubular pipes

UOM: Unit of Measure

W

WHS: Work Health and Safety. Previously referred to as occupational health and safety (OHS). (More on WHS laws and statistics in Australia)

White-labelling: The act of branding a product that is actually manufactured by a third party (which is often an OEM), such that the product appears to be made by the company whose logo appears in it. Some people refer to it as "rebadging". An example would be a radio console with a Toyota logo on it, but that is actually manufactured by Panasonic.

This guest post is written by Sebastian Tiller, who is the General Manager at Octfolio. He is passionate about making workplaces safer for everyone, one hazard at a time.

Asbestos hazard management is crucial in industrial settings due to its widespread use and the severe health risks associated with exposure. Effective management not only ensures compliance with health and safety regulations but also protects workers from long-term health issues. Industries must prioritise this to maintain a safe work environment and uphold their reputation for safety standards.

In this article, we discuss:

• Understanding asbestos hazards
• Regulatory framework (the legal framework surrounding asbestos management)
• Identification and assessment
• Asbestos management plan
• Training and awareness
• Safe removal and disposal
• Protective equipment and tools (for handling asbestos)
• Regular monitoring and health surveillance

Understanding asbestos hazards

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. These fibers are microscopic, resilient to chemical and thermal degradation, and non-biodegradable, making them useful yet hazardous.

Historically, asbestos was used in numerous industrial applications, including insulation, fireproofing, and sound absorption. It was common in building materials like roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, cement products, and automotive parts like brake pads. Despite its hazardous nature, these applications took advantage of its durability and resistance to heat.

However, asbestos exposure is linked to severe health risks, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. These risks are heightened in industrial settings where asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed. Long-term exposure significantly increases these health risks.

Regulatory framework

The legal framework surrounding asbestos management includes specific standards and regulations aimed at minimising exposure and ensuring safe handling. Laws mandate regular risk assessments, proper training for handling asbestos, and strict guidelines for removal and disposal.

Non-compliance with asbestos regulations in industrial settings can lead to severe consequences, including heavy fines, legal action, and reputational damage. More importantly, it risks the health and safety of workers, potentially leading to life-threatening illnesses. Hence, adherence to these regulations is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative.

Identification and assessment

Effective risk assessment techniques in industrial premises involve a thorough inspection for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), evaluating their condition, and determining the likelihood of disturbance. This process often includes air quality testing and material sampling.

Identifying potential ACMs requires knowledge of common asbestos applications and visual inspections. ACMs are often found in older buildings' insulation, tiles, and certain equipment. Professionals use various methods, including historical building records and sampling, to identify these materials accurately.

Asbestos management plan

An effective asbestos management plan includes a comprehensive inventory of ACMs, risk assessments, control measures, and a schedule for regular re-assessments and monitoring. It should also outline procedures for emergencies and detail training requirements for employees. This plan serves as a blueprint for maintaining safety in the presence of asbestos.

Efficient record-keeping and labeling of ACMs are vital for safety. Records should include details of the location, condition, and any work done on ACMs. Labeling helps in quickly identifying these materials, ensuring that they are handled correctly, and reducing accidental exposure.

Training and awareness

Training in safe handling practices and emergency response procedures is essential for employees working with or around asbestos. This training should include the proper use of personal protective equipment, safe work practices to minimize fiber release, and actions to take in the case of accidental exposure or discovery of undisturbed ACMs.

Increasing workplace awareness involves regular training sessions, displaying informational posters, and providing easy access to the asbestos management plan. Regular communication about the risks and safety procedures helps maintain a high level of awareness and promotes a culture of safety.

Safe removal and disposal

Safe asbestos removal requires specialised techniques to prevent fiber dispersion, such as wetting materials and using appropriate containment and filtration systems. Qualified professionals must perform the removal, adhering to strict guidelines to ensure minimal exposure and prevent contamination of the surrounding environment.

The disposal of asbestos materials must follow specific protocols to prevent environmental contamination and exposure risks. This includes sealing materials in labeled, leak-tight containers and transporting them to designated disposal sites. Compliance with legal disposal requirements is crucial for both environmental and public health.

Protective equipment and tools

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling asbestos includes respirators, protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection. These items are essential to prevent inhalation and skin contact with asbestos fibers. Selecting the appropriate PPE is critical for worker safety in environments where asbestos exposure is a risk.

Selecting and maintaining the right tools for asbestos handling is crucial to prevent fiber release. Tools should be designed to minimise disturbance of ACMs, and regular maintenance ensures they remain effective. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, for example, are essential for safe cleanup.

Compliance with industry standards for safety gear ensures the effectiveness and reliability of PPE and tools used in asbestos handling. Regular inspections, adherence to maintenance schedules, and replacement of damaged equipment are key to maintaining compliance and ensuring worker safety.

Regular monitoring and health surveillance

Ongoing environmental monitoring in workplaces with asbestos is vital for detecting airborne fibers and assessing the effectiveness of control measures. Regular monitoring helps in identifying potential risks early and implementing corrective actions, thus ensuring a continuously safe work environment.

Health surveillance programs for workers exposed to asbestos are essential for early detection of asbestos-related diseases. These programs typically include regular health check-ups, lung function tests, and providing health information to workers.

Interpreting and acting on environmental and health monitoring data is crucial for effective asbestos management. This data helps in assessing the risk levels, the effectiveness of control measures, and the need for any changes in the management plan. Prompt action based on this data can prevent health hazards and ensure ongoing compliance.

Conclusion

Proactive safety measures in managing asbestos hazards are essential in industrial settings to protect worker health and comply with legal standards. Continuous education, effective risk management, and adherence to safety protocols are key components of a successful safety culture. Emphasizing the importance of these measures ensures a safer and more responsible industrial environment.

Keeping your employees safe is the top priority for any business owner or manager, but it's not always easy.

Accidents can happen at any time and without warning, especially in high-risk industries such as manufacturing and construction, which is why it’s important to have strategies in place to protect your employees in case of an emergency.

Setting up the right insurance policy is a good place to start, as this allows you to support your workers’ recovery after an unexpected injury or incident while keeping your finances in line. 

Arguably the best way to deal with unforeseen events like this is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

There are a number of steps you can take to minimise risks and reduce the likelihood of accidents in the workplace.

Here are five tips for creating a safe work environment for your employees.

In this article, we discuss how you can:

• Establish safety policies and evacuation procedures
• Equip your workplace with safety gear
• Train your employees in how to work safely
• Promote a culture of safety awareness
• Regularly inspect your workplace for potential hazards

Establish safety policies and evacuation procedures

Creating a clear, straightforward safety policy is crucial to promoting a safe work environment. Your safety policy should include a list of evacuation routes and designated meeting points, as well as instructions on how to use fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment. The policy should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed.

It’s also important to make sure that everyone in your building knows where the exits are located and how to reach them in the event of an emergency. It’s recommended that you hold regular fire drills so that everyone is familiar with the evacuation procedures.

Equip your workplace with safety gear

Working in a factory or other industrial setting comes with a certain amount of inherent risk. Whether it's operating heavy machinery, exposure to harmful chemicals, or simply being in close proximity to potential hazards, it's important to take steps to ensure the safety of your employees.

One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that your workplace is properly equipped with all the necessary safety gear. This includes things like protective clothing, safety glasses and hearing protection for employees who are working in areas where they might be exposed to potential hazards. It's also essential to have readily available first aid supplies in case of an accident.

At AIMS, it’s our mission to provide you with the resources you need to keep your machinery and team working smoothly, so you can count on us to deliver top-quality safety equipment to help you take care of your staff.

Train your employees in how to work safely

Another way to reduce workplace accidents is to provide employees with comprehensive training on how to safely perform their duties. This training should cover not only the specific procedures that need to be followed, but also the general principles of safe work practices. For example, employees should be taught how to identify potential hazards and how to avoid them. They should also be made aware of the importance of reporting any unsafe conditions or behaviours.

By educating employees in how to minimise risk, employers can create a safer work environment for everyone. In addition, regular safety training can ensure that employees are up to date on the latest safety procedures and regulations, which will also help you prevent injuries and manage emergencies. 

Promote a culture of safety awareness

A culture of safety starts with each individual employee. It's important for employees to feel comfortable reporting any unsafe conditions or practices, no matter how minor they may seem. This can be accomplished by ensuring that there is an open line of communication between management and employees.

Regular safety meetings are also a great way to keep everyone up to date with new safety procedures and make sure that everyone is on the same page. By promoting a culture of safety awareness, you can create a workplace where everyone feels protected and supported.

Regularly inspect your workplace for potential hazards

A hazard can be defined as anything with the potential to cause harm. Common hazards in the workplace include trip hazards, electrical hazards, ergonomic hazards and more. It’s crucial to inspect the workplace regularly for potential hazards and correct them immediately. 

Some hazards can be corrected easily, such as removing trip hazards or repairing electrical wiring. Other hazards may require more extensive measures, such as redesigning workstations to improve ergonomics. By taking proactive measures to identify and correct potential workplace hazards, you can create a safe and productive environment for your team.

By following these tips, you can reduce workplace incidents and promote a safe, productive and connected workplace.

Find out more about workplace health and safety regulations or browse our collection of safety equipment.

When we think of ergonomics, we often think of office workers sitting at keyboards all day. However, ergonomics is about much more than just good posture; it’s also about using the right tools for the job. 

For example, a carpenter who uses a hammer all day would benefit from an ergonomic hammer designed to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. Likewise, a factory worker who operates a drill would benefit from an ergonomic drill designed to minimise vibration. In both cases, using the right tool can help to improve worker productivity and prevent injuries.

In this article, we discuss:

• What makes a tool ergonomic
• Benefits of ergonomic tools
• How to make your workplace more ergonomic

What makes a tool ergonomic? 

An ergonomic tool is one that is designed to minimise fatigue and strain and maximise comfort and productivity. To be truly ergonomic, a tool must be well-suited to the task at hand and the user’s physiology. For example, a tool that is too heavy or too large for the user will cause fatigue, while a tool that is too small or too light may cause muscle strain. 

In addition, the handle of an ergonomic tool should be comfortable to hold, and the grip should be neither too loose nor too tight. For this reason, many of our hand tools feature a soft rubber handle that cushions your grip and makes it easier to carry out tasks without putting stress on your hands, fingers and wrists. 

The best ergonomic tools are those that are customised to the specific needs of the user. By taking into account the task at hand, our ergonomic tools can minimise fatigue, strain and discomfort for a range of workers. 

Benefits of ergonomic tools

• Efficiency: Ergonomic tools are designed to minimise body strain and improve the efficiency of workers. By using the proper tools for the job, workers can avoid the discomfort that leads to lost time and frequent breaks or pauses in work. When workers are able to work comfortably and without pain, they can perform more efficiently and with greater accuracy.  
• Worker safety: When workers use tools that are not properly sized or shaped for their hands, they can experience a number of problems, including muscle strain, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic tools can help to reduce these risks by promoting proper hand positioning and placing fewer demands on the muscles and tendons. In addition, ergonomic tools can help workers to avoid fatigue by reducing the amount of force that is required to complete a task. As a result, ergonomic tools can play an important role in preventing work-related injuries.
• Comfort: Ergonomic tools help to increase comfort levels by taking into account the way the body moves and positioning tools and equipment accordingly. For example, an ergonomic drill can help to reduce vibrations and provide a more cushioned grip, providing support for the user. By using ergonomic tools, employers can create a more comfortable work environment for their employees, leading to increased productivity and morale. 

 
How to make your workplace more ergonomic

In any work environment, it is important to consider ergonomics in order to create a safe and productive space. There are a few simple ways to make your workplace more ergonomic, no matter your industry. One way is to purchase ergonomic tools; for example, if you are in manufacturing, warehouse work or construction, we stock specialised tools designed to reduce strain on the body and improve safety. 

Another way to improve workplace ergonomics is to get a manual handling or ergonomics assessment by a professional company. This assessment will identify how you can make your workplace safer and more comfortable for your staff.

Shop for tools now.

This guest post is written by Danny Le Roux, and the product recommendations and technical instructions reflect his own.

If you’ve owned a resin 3D printer for a while, you’ve likely at some point wanted to print something that mimicked glass, ice, crystal or another transparent surface.

If so, then you’ve likely figured out by now that it’s harder than it looks. Most people who pick up a traditional bottle of clear resin from one of the big manufacturers like Elegoo expect translucent results, but are instead met with the following common letdowns: 

• Cloudiness
• Yellowing
• An end product that frankly isn’t very clear

There’s an easy trick to fix all that, and it only adds one extra step to your post-processing line-up to get the results you see in the image above.

In this article, we discuss these simple steps:

• Print your model
• Clean and cure
• Colour your model with resin dyes (optional)
• Spray on a coat of Boston Gloss Spray (Clear) to make it instantly translucent
• Keep model out of direct sunlight

What we used: Boston Gloss Spray (Clear)

We used Elegoo transparent resin for the above, but this should work on any similar resins. If you want to colour your model like we did, we’d also recommend you pick up some resin dyes.

The Process

Step 1: Print your model

The printing process goes as per usual – with the only caveat being that if you typically include resin dyes at this stage of the process, you’re going to want to hold off on that until post-processing stages.

Step 2: Clean and cure 

Once you’ve printed your clear prints and removed them from the print bed, it’s business as usual. You can clean them in alcohol and cure them similarly to how you normally would, with the following notes:

• Alcohol: While 3D printer resin often comes off the bed sticky enough, clear resin is especially viscous. You’ll want to gently but properly scrub the models, then dab them dry with paper towels.
• Curing: It is a good rule of thumb to limit UV light exposure during curing to only what is necessary. UV light yellows transparent resin models. 2-3 minutes for either side of the model should be sufficient in most cases. If you do overcure your model, sometimes applying some more liquid clear resin to the outside of the model can reduce the impact. Just be aware that this can mar details.

Step 3: Colour your model with resin dyes (optional)

This step is optional, for if you’d like to add colour to your model while still keeping them translucent. Consider the shades you’re trying to achieve and try to settle on between 2 to 3 resin dye hues. For example, for a fiery effect, you might choose a dark red and a light orange, and for ice you may choose a dark blue and a very light blue.

Apply these one at a time using a paintbrush, with a basic rule for lighting being to apply the darker shades to the lower extremities and the lighter shades to the upper body. With a paintbrush, you can carefully wetblend these together to achieve a striking ombré effect. 

If you do accidentally apply resin dye in excess, you can easily lighten it up with a bit of isopropyl alcohol or acetone.  

Step 4: Spray on a coat of Boston Gloss Spray (Clear) to make it instantly translucent

For the main event, we applied Boston Gloss Spray to the outside of the model. The effects were instantaneous. Your model should appear translucent with just a few thin coatings, at about a 10 to 20 cm spray distance.  

The concept of using a clear gloss spray to render resin truly transparent has been a tried and tested trick among hobbyists, since before the dawn of 3D printing hardware. That said, it’s still a classic.

Make sure you spray the gloss outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. This goes for all hobby aerosols.

And one last tip going forward …

Keep model out of direct sunlight

This is akin to overcuring, given sunlight is just more UV light.

It’s best to keep your prints out of direct sunlight, or consider applying an extra coat of UV-resistant varnish to protect them.

In this article, we discuss:

• What is a flow meter
• Factors to consider when buying flow meters
• Different kinds of flow meters
• Benefits of PD flow meters
• Safety precautions with PD flow meters
• Questions to ask when buying flow meters

What is a flow meter?

A flow meter is basically a device used to monitor and measure the quantity – or more specifically, the mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate -- of the amount of vapour, liquid or gas passing through a conduit or pipe.

Some flow meters are designed to monitor the amount of fluid flowing through them over a given period (of time). 

How they measure amount and period varies.  

Here are some examples: 

• Cubic feet per second 
• Cubic feet per minute 
• Cubic meters per second 
• Cubic meters per minute 
• Litres per minute 
• Gallons per minute 

Others are designed to monitor the total amount of fluid that has passed through them (eg. 500 litres) without taking the period (of time) into consideration.

Factors to consider when buying flow meters

• Fluid characteristics: Is it going to measure fluid in liquid or gas? What about its viscosity and corrosiveness?
• Flow rate: What are the expected minimum, maximum and typical flow rates?
• Accuracy and repeatability: How accurate / precise do you need the readings to be? Is this accounted for in a mission-critical system?
  
  Remember that straight pipe runs are crucial here because they directly impact measurement accuracy, since most flow meters rely on a stable and predictable flow profile to function correctly. Any disturbances upstream or downstream of the meter can disrupt this profile, leading to inaccurate readings.
   
• Pipe size and orientation: Are they compatible with the existing plumbing diameters you have? Do you have the flanges and adapters that are up to spec with the rest of the system?
• Operating pressure and temperature: Is it able to withstand deviations and extraordinary conditions?
• Installation, maintenance and calibration: Does it have to be easily accessible to perform maintenance tasks on? How often do yo need to calibrate them to stay complaint with regulations or specific applications?
• Output and communication: Do you need meters that process and display data in analog or digital format? 
• Budget: How do you strike a good balancing between cost, performance and quality? Remember to choose the right kind, as you have a handful options.  

Different kinds of flow meters

There are a wide variety of flow meter designs and configurations available in the market. 

Here are some of the popular designs: 

• Coriolis flow meters measure mass flow rate through inertia (loosely related to the Coriolis Principle). It uses an open-flow design that measures mass flow rate over a wide range of temperatures. They are known to require very minimal maintenance and are commonly used for measuring viscous fluids and in “custody transfers”. They are regarded to be highly accurate and good for a wide range of fluids, but all that comes with a big price tag.
• Differential Pressure (DP) flow meters are very popular because of their simplicity. They have no moving parts, although the unit partially obstructs the flow in the pipe to create a static pressure resulting from the upstream and downstream movement of the fluid. The difference in the pressure is used to determine the  flow rate. 
• Electromagnetic flow meters, sometimes called magnetic meters or simply mag meters, are best for measuring conductive fluids such as slurry. Similar to DPs, they have no moving parts and are very non-invasive, so they do not obstruct the flow of fluids. 
• Impeller flow meters are commonly employed in water distribution systems. They measure direct volumetric flow measurement that’s best used in high fluid velocity applications. 
• Ultrasonic flow meters measure the fluid velocity using ultrasonic sound pulses emitted by transducers. They typically have high turndown ratios and are commonly used in heavy-duty applications, usually in the oil & gas industries. Some clamp-on types are even used for diagnosing flow problems. 
• Vortex flow meters are mostly used to measure low viscosity fluids. They may sometimes cause obstruction to the fluid flow and a considerable amount of pressure drop in the system. 
• Positive Displacement (PD) flow meters are known for their very high turndown ratios. They are generally designed to give precise readings for low flow rates and viscous fluids. Although there’s a small chamber containing the measuring rotor (usually gears) that creates minimal flow disruption, they make up for this by returning consistently accurate readings. 

Although electromagnetic and ultrasonic flow meters are becoming popular, PD flow meters are still what our customers commonly look for, so we discussed them in greater detail below. 

Shop for Macnaught PD flow meters made in Australia.

Benefits of PD flow meters

Here are the advantages specifically of the Macnaught M-Series PD flow meters:  

• High accuracy and repeatability  
• Suitable for viscous fluids  
• Exceptional turndown ratio / rangeability  
• Easy installation and maintenance  
• Can be easily installed in modules  
• No pipe conditioning required  
• Extension adapters are available 
• Available in analog or digital LCD display

Safety precautions with PD flow meters

Make sure you have these things taken care of: 

• Ensure the fluid is compatible with the meter. 
• PD meters hate dirty fluids. 
• Install a clean, quality strainer (at least 100µm) before the meter to avoid internal corrosion in the system. 
• Factor in that the more viscous the liquid, the more pressure drop may occur. 
• The viscosity of the calibrated and operating fluid should be the same, or it could lead to measurement errors. 
• Flush the entire system to make sure it’s free of debris and particles prior to installing the meter. 
• Slowly refill the system to prevent damage caused by air purge. 
• Use an air eliminator when sealing off the meter. 

Questions to ask when buying flow meters

We may ask you these to help you choose the right PD flow meter: 

• What is the type of liquid /fluid that you will use (eg. water, diesel etc)? 
• What is your flow rate  (eg. how many liters per minute)? 
• What is the line size (eg. 1”, 50 mm)? 
• What is the process pressure (eg. 5 bar, 100 psi)? 
• What is the expected system temperature (eg. ambient 35°C)? 
• What is the process connection (eg. BSP, NPT, ANSI flanges)?  
• What is the viscosity of the liquid (eg. 15 centipoise)? 
• Do you have a strainer and/or air eliminator in the system? 
• Do you need a mechanical or digital display? If digital, what is your required output (eg. 20 mA, scaled pulses)? 
• Is it intended for indoor or outdoor use? 
• Is it to be installed in an explosive environment? 

(If you’ve already bought a Macnaught flow meter, here are some installation and operating guidelines.) 

Macnaught makes it easy for you to choose your flow meter with this selection tool, but we make it easier by walking you through it. 

Let’s have a chat or send an email to sales@aimsindustrial.com.au.

You can also call us at 02 9773 0122 to enquire.

It’s hard to talk about the best cutting fluids in the market without mentioning Tap Magic. We often get these questions from customers that we might as well share the answers from Tap Magic themselves.

In this article, we discuss:

• Is there silicone in Tap Magic cutting fluids?
• What is the shelf-life of Tap Magic cutting fluids?
• Where can I buy Tap Magic Original or obtain the SDS for that product?
• Are there any allergens in Tap Magic brand products?
• What is the best way to clean Tap Magic cutting fluid from my tooling and parts after machining?
• How do I get the last bit of product out of the aerosol can?
• What materials are okay to use with Tap Magic products?
• Why would I use Tap Magic Aluminum formula when aluminum is a recommended metal for Tap Magic EP-Xtra or ProTap?
• Can I order Tap Magic products direct from the manufacturer?

Is there silicone in Tap Magic cutting fluids?

There is no silicone, either as an ingredient or trace contaminant, in any of their cutting fluid formulas. This includes Tap Magic EP-Xtra®, Tap Magic Aluminum, Tap Magic Eco-Oil and Tap Magic Xtra-Thick. The same applies to Tap Magic ProTap, Tap Magic Formula 1 “Aqueous” and Tap Magic Xtra-Foamy.

What is the shelf-life of Tap Magic cutting fluids?

All Tap Magic products have a recommended shelf life of five to eight years depending on storage conditions, with the exception of Tap Magic Eco-Oil which has a recommended shelf life of 18 months.

Other factors, such as the propellant in aerosol cans, may affect the life of the product. Tap Magic may be used well beyond this timeframe but there may be a decrease in performance for protecting your tooling and workpieces.

Where can I buy Tap Magic Original or obtain the SDS for that product?

The Steco Corporation has not manufactured Tap Magic Original since 2007, so that product has no GHS-compliant SDS.

Are there any allergens in Tap Magic brand products?

The Steco Corporation certifies there are no allergens (soy, wheat, eggs, nuts, milk etc) in any of their Tap Magic cutting fluid formulas (or in any of their base ingredients, to their knowledge).

What is the best way to clean Tap Magic cutting fluid from my tooling and parts after machining?

Solvent-based chemicals or commercial degreasers -- such as the Tap Magic Cleaner/Degreaser -- work great. Most of all, make sure the cleaner is compatible with your material. Cleaning steel does not protect it from corrosion though. After cleaning, we recommend good shop practices to protect against corrosion and staining of machined surfaces by using a corrosion inhibitor or rust preventative such as the Tap Magic Corrosion Inhibitor.

Note: Leaving “spent” fluid on tools and work-pieces for extended lengths of time is not recommended.

How do I get the last bit of product out of the aerosol cans?

Occasionally, it can be difficult to get the last few drops of Tap Magic out of an aerosol can. If this happens, try twisting the nozzle ¼ turn; this will realign the spray tube inside the can so that it contacts the liquid when the can is tilted at 45 degrees again. If the first turn does not work, try another ¼ turn; continue to move it around until liquid sprays out.

What materials are okay to use with Tap Magic products?

Occasionally, it can be difficult to get the last few drops of Tap Magic out of an aerosol can. If this happens, try twisting the nozzle ¼ turn; this will realign the spray tube inside the can so that it contacts the liquid when the can is tilted at 45 degrees again. If the first turn does not work, please try another ¼ turn; continue to move it around until liquid sprays out.

Why would I use Tap Magic Aluminum formula when aluminum is a recommended metal for Tap Magic EP-Xtra or ProTap?

Any of these formulas can be used in aluminum machining operations. With some alloys of aluminum or brass, the metal can be very soft causing galling or tool buildup in some applications. The advantage of Tap Magic Aluminum in this situation is that it has special additives in the formula to minimise this phenomenon. If one of the other formulas works well on the soft metal you machine, there is no need to make a change. But if you experience the issue, try Tap Magic Aluminum and you just might be pleased with the results!

Can I order Tap Magic products direct from the manufacturer?

The Steco Corporation currently sells its products through a network of premium distributors that add value to their customers.

(If you’re reading this, then you are probably in Australia, and we at AIMS Industrial Supplies carry their products as distributor and retailer in the country.)

WD-40® Multi-Use Product can be used upright or upside-down only. When the can is upright, the product will flow through the dip tube. When upside down, the product will dispense directly from the valve at the top of the can. 
 
If a WD-40® Multi-Use Product is sprayed at a horizontal angle, or any angle that lifts the dip tube out of the liquid, then propellent can escape within seconds. This results in “out of gas”, or liquid left in the can that cannot be sprayed out. Once a can is out of gas, there is no way to get the rest of the liquid out. 

To maximise the use of all liquid from your WD-40 Multi-Use Product aerosol, follow the steps below. 

In this article, we discuss three steps to remove all product from a WD-40 can: 

1. Shake can 
2. Spray upright or upside down 
3. Orientate the dip tube using the classic spray or smart straw 

Step 1: Shake can

Shake the can well. This will quickly mix the additives and solvent together so that you get an even mixture and the best results. 
 
Pro tip: This is standard practice and a good habit to get into as most aerosol products require this step.

Step 2: Spray upright or upside down

If you want to get the most out of your can, you need to hold it correctly. Many people make the mistake of spraying horizontally, but this can cause the gas to escape. For best results, the can should be held in an upright or upside-down position, as this ensures the liquid will readily flow out when the nozzle is pressed. You will need to orientate the dip tube by following Step 3. 

Illustration courtesy of WD-40

Step 3: Orientate the dip tube using the classic spray or smart straw

Before spraying an aerosol, you need to make sure that the dip tube is correctly aligned to reach the lowest point of the can when spraying. 

Classic Spray: The dip tube is curved so that it will always be seated at the bottom edge of the aerosol can. This, combined with the domed shape at the bottom of the aerosol can, allows you to extract all the liquid from the can if positioned correctly. 

Pro tip: Some aerosols display a blue dot on the top of the valve which indicates the curvature of the dip tube (for example, the WD-40 Multi-Use Product without the Smart Straw).

Smart Straw: To check that the position of the dip tube of the smart straw is correct, lightly press the nozzle to ensure product comes out. If no product or small amounts of product come out, stop spraying immediately and turn the nozzle to the right by a quarter (¼) and try again. Repeat the quarter (¼) turn until product comes out. 

There you have it -- the simple way to get all the product from the can! 

Disclaimer: The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.

(Taken from this post by Flexovit. Republished with permission. Edited for point of view, recency and relevance.) 

For your safety, you should ensure that you are fully aware of how to safely use cutting-off and grinding wheels. 

The Do’s

Cutting-off and grinding wheels are safe and won’t cause harm when they handled and used correctly.

Keep these things in mind:

• Always handle and store wheels carefully. All cutting and grinding wheels should be placed on top of each other or stored in the original packaging. 
• Always visually inspect all wheels before mounting for possible damage in transit. 
• Always use a safety guard and ensure that it is correctly positioned and securely fitted. lt should cover at least one half of the wheel and protect the operator in the unlikely event of a wheel breakage. 
• Always switch off the power at the supply source and/or remove the plug from the socket before changing the wheel. 
• Always use the tools supplied by the machine manufacturer to change the wheel. 
• Always ensure that the speed of the machine does not exceed the operating speed marked on the wheel. 
• Allow newly mounted wheels to run at operating speed, with the guard in place, for a reasonable time before cutting or grinding. 
• Always wear eye protection. 
• Always wear appropriate safety clothing such as dust masks, gloves, ear protection, overalls and safety shoes. 
• Always secure the workpiece firmly while it is being cut or ground. 
• Grind at an angle above 30 degrees to the workpiece with a depressed centre grinding wheel. 
• Keep the working area around cutting and grinding operations clear. 

The Don’ts

On the other hand, cutting-off and grinding wheels can be dangerous and cause harm when mishandled and misused.

Keep these things in mind: 

• Do not store wheels in a damp atmosphere or in extreme temperatures. 
• Do not mount a damaged wheel. 
• Do not even exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel. 
• Do not force a wheel onto a machine spindle. 
• Do not tighten the mounting nut or locking flange excessively, as doing so can distort the flanges. 
• Do not use a machine which is not in good mechanical condition. 
• Do not use a machine without a wheel guard. 
• Do not use wheels without proper ventilation or dust protection equipment. 
• Do not stop a spinning wheel by applying pressure to the periphery or face. Always switch the machine off and allow the wheel to stop revolving. 
• Do not allow the wheel to be trapped or pinched in the cut. 
• Do not apply excessive pressure onto the wheel to make the driving motor slow down. 
• Do not grind on the side of cutting-off wheels. 
• Do not grind with a depressed centre grinding wheel at an angle below 30° to the workpiece.

(Taken from this post by Seco. Republished with permission. Edited for point of view, recency and relevance.)

For each of these wear patterns, some of the possible counter measures to undertake in order to avoid, or at least minimise, their impact on the machining process are provided. 

• Flank wear 
• Crater wear 
• Built-up edges (BUE) 
• Chipping wear 
• Thermal cracks 
• Plastic deformation 
• Notch wear 
• Chip hammering 
• Cutting edge breakage

Flank wear

Flank wear is the most desirable wear condition because it is rather predictable and dependable, while offering a well-defined relation between flank wear and achievable tool life. However, flank wear that occurs too rapidly – resembling classic flank wear but develops in a very short time period – can be a problem. 
 
At lower cutting speeds, the main causes of flank wear are abrasion and erosion. Hard microscopic inclusions of carbides or strain hardened workpiece material particles cut into the cutting tool. Small pieces of coating then break off and cut into the tool face. The cobalt eventually wears out of the matrix. This reduces the adhesion of the carbide grains, causing them to break away as well. At higher cutting speeds, diffusion wear is the main cause of flank wear because higher cutting speeds generate higher temperatures on the cutting edge, creating favorable conditions for diffusion to take place. 

Flank wear resembles a relatively uniform abrasion along the tool’s cutting edge. Occasionally, metal from the workpiece smears over the cutting edge and can exaggerate the apparent size of the wear scar. Flank wear happens in all materials, and a cutting edge will normally fail due to flank wear if it doesn’t fail by other types of wear first. 

Some corrective actions to minimise flank wear are to reduce the cutting speed (in some cases increasing the feed rate can also help), select a more wear resistant, harder carbide grade and to correctly apply coolant. 

Crater wear

Crater wear is a combination of diffusion and decomposition (higher cutting speeds) and abrasive wear (lower cutting speeds). The heat from the workpiece chips decomposes the tungsten carbide grains in the substrate and carbon leeches into the chips (diffusion), wearing a ‘crater ‘on the rake face of the insert.  
 
The crater will eventually grow large enough to cause the insert flank to chip or may cause rapid flank wear. 

Crater wear takes the shape/appearance of a crater or pits on the rake face of inserts. Crater wear will be visible mostly when machining abrasive workpiece materials or materials with a hard surface. 

To minimise crater wear, it is best to use coatings containing thick layers of aluminium oxide, apply coolant, use a free cutting geometry that reduces heat and to lower cutting speeds and feeds. 

 
Built-up edges 

Built-up edges (BUE) are caused by adhesion of workpiece material that is pressure welded to the cutting edge. This occurs when there is chemical affinity, high pressure and sufficient temperature in the cutting zone. Eventually, the built-up edge breaks off and takes pieces of the cutting edge with it, leading to chipping and rapid flank wear. 
 
Built-up edges look like shiny material parts on the top or flank of the cutting edge and lead to small pits or craters on the rake face of the tool and ultimately to cutting edge chipping. Built-up edges typically occur in gummy materials such as non-ferrous materials, super-alloys and stainless steels and during operations involving slower cutting speeds and feeds. 

To prevent built-up edge wear, increase the cutting speed and or feed rate, select an insert with a sharper geometry and a smoother rake face and correctly apply coolant at an increased concentration. 

Chipping wear

Chipping is caused by mechanical instability or cracks in the cutting material. Chipping of the cutting edge is often a result of vibrations in the workpiece or machine tool or the tool itself.  
 
Hard inclusions in the surface of the workpiece material and interrupted cuts result in concentrations of localised stress that can cause cracks and chipping. 
 
Chipping looks like small bits broken out of the cutting edge and is common in non-rigid situations. Workpiece materials with hard particles (eg. precipitation hardening workpiece materials) will also cause cutting edge chipping. 

Corrective actions include proper machine tool setup and minimising deflection, using a tougher carbide grade and stronger cutting edge geometry, reducing the feed (especially at the entrance or exit of the cut) and increasing the cutting speed. (See also corrective actions for built-up edge.) 

Thermal cracks

A combination of thermal cycling (changing temperatures in the cutting edge), thermal loads (temperature differences between warm and cold zones in the cutting edge) and mechanical shocks causes thermal cracks. 
 
Stress cracks form along the cutting edge, eventually causing sections of carbide to pull out and the edge to chip. Thermal cracks can be observed mostly in milling and interrupted cut turning, and intermittent coolant flow can also lead to thermal cracks. 

Some corrective actions are to apply coolant correctly, select a tougher carbide grade, reduce the cutting speed and the feed, use a free cutting geometry that reduces heat and to consider a different machining method (ratio time in cut/time out of cut). 

Plastic deformation 

Thermal overloading is the main cause of plastic deformation. Excessive heat causes the carbide binder (cobalt) to soften. Then, due to mechanical overloading, pressure on the cutting edge makes it deform or sag at its tip, eventually breaking off or leading to rapid flank wear. 
 
Plastic deformation looks like a deformed cutting edge. Careful observation is needed because plastic deformation can look very similar to flank wear on a cutting edge. 

Expect plastic deformation when cutting temperatures are high (high cutting speeds and feeds) and when the workpiece material is high strength in nature (hard steels or strain hardened surfaces and superalloys). 

Some corrective actions are properly applied coolant, reduced cutting speeds and feeds, using an insert with a larger nose radius and opting for a harder, more wear resistant carbide grade. 

Notch wear

Notch wear happens when the surface of a workpiece is harder or more abrasive than its underlying material. This can be due to surface hardening during previous cuts (strain hardening materials like stainless steels and super-alloys) or originate from forged or cast surfaces with a surface scale, all of which causes the cutting edge to wear more rapidly at the point where the cutting edge contacts the hard layer.  

This localised concentrated stress can also lead to notch wear. What happens is that compressive stress develops along the cutting edge that’s in contact with workpiece material, while it doesn’t occur where the cutting edge is not in contact.  

This causes high stress on the cutting edge at the point where the two are in direct contact (depth of cut line).  

Impact of any sort, such as hard micro inclusions in the workpiece material or slight interruptions can also cause notch wear. 

Some corrective actions include reducing feed rate and varying the depth of cut when using multiple passes, increasing cutting speeds if machining a high temp alloy (this will give more flank wear), selecting a tougher carbide grade and using a chip breaking geometry for high feeds needed to prevent built-up edges, especially in stainless and heat resistant alloys. 

Chip hammering

Chip hammering is a phenomenon caused by chips curling back and hitting the unused part of a cutting edge. Breakage of a cutting edge (or part of a cutting edge) that is not in cut will be the result.  
 
The risk that this happens is greater with operations involving high feeds and deep depths of cut combinations. 

To correct for chip hammering, change the feed rate and the cutting depth, select a different cutting edge angle, use a different chip breaking geometry and go with a tougher carbide grade. 

Cutting edge breakage 

Any overview of basic wear patterns must also include cutting edge breakage. Catastrophic breakage of the cutting edge is not a wear pattern, but an unwanted and dangerous phenomenon caused by using tools incorrectly.  
 
When a cutting edge breaks, it means that the selection of the cutting conditions is such that the mechanical loads acting on the cutting edge are so great that they cannot withstand them.  

Start with lower values for the cutting conditions (mainly depth of cut and feed) or choose a stronger cutting edge (tougher carbide grade or stronger geometry). It could also be that one of the previous mentioned wear patterns expanded and weakened the cutting edge so much that it could no longer withstand the loads acting upon it. In these instances, changing to a new cutting edge earlier will prevent breakage. 

Wear descriptions concentrate on the visual aspect of tool wear. In addition to them, there are other phenomena that can be observed when the cutting edge is wearing. 

These can indicate that the tool is wearing out and is perhaps ready to be replaced. 

• Sudden breakage of the cutting tool. This is a very unpleasant way of signalling that the cutting tool is due for replacement. There are so many elements influencing how a cutting edge deteriorates that it is not always feasible to take all into account, and that can lead to breakage of a cutting edge in some cases. If tool breakage happens in a systematic way, the operation needs to be stopped and fully evaluated. Systematic tool breakage indicates that there is an unbalance between the loads acting on the cutting edge and the load bearing capacity of the tool. Cutting forces should be lowered or a stronger cutting edge should be selected. 
• The fingernail test is one of the simplest tests to evaluate the status of the cutting edge. The presence of built-up edges or micro chipping of the cutting edge may not be visible to the naked eye, but they can definitely be felt with a fingernail. Built-up edge and chipping should be minimised during the operation. 
• Changes in the noise level during machining can indicate that a tool is wearing out. Sharp, high frequency noises indicate poor cutting conditions. 
• Chips that change form, shape or color during machining are yet another indication that the shape of the cutting edge is changing, e.g. due to tool wear progressing. 
• When the surface roughness of a machined surface degrades, that could also signal that it is time to change the cutting edge (reaching end of tool life). 
• Increasing power consumption or vibration tendency. 

Conclusion

Tool deterioration is the process by which the condition of a cutting tool becomes increasingly worse and gradually causes the tool to lose its ability to perform in line with expectations. 

Tool deterioration comes as aging-wear, sudden impact phenomena like breakage and as chemical interactions between workpiece material and cutting material.  

Aging-wear is a process of progressive surface damage leading to removal of material from one or both of two solid surfaces in solid state contact, occurring when these two solid surfaces are in sliding or rolling motion contact in environmental conditions of pressure and temperature. 

This overview of basic, singular wear patterns gives basic remedies to take care of tool wear that is for the machinist unacceptable in form or in pace of development.

AIMS' note on managing chips

• Tool geometry: Choose cutting tools with chipbreakers designed for the material you're machining. These chip-breakers introduce interruptions or curves into the cutting edge, forcing the chips to curl and break into smaller, more manageable pieces. Also, selecting the correct nose radius for your insert can help control chip formation.

• Cutting parameters: Adjust your feed rate and cutting speed. Increasing feed rates often helps break chips, while higher cutting speeds can produce thinner and more manageable chips. However, be careful not to push speeds and feeds beyond the tool's capabilities, as this can lead to tool breakage or poor surface finish. Refer to recommended parameters from your tooling manufacturer as a starting point. 

• Coolant: High-pressure coolant directed at the cutting zone can effectively break chips and flush them away, improving chip control. Ensure your coolant system is working optimally and use the correct coolant type for the job. 

• Machine rigidity: A rigid machine setup helps reduce vibrations that can lead to unpredictable chip formation. Make sure your workpiece and tooling are clamped securely to minimise unwanted movement.

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