South African clay brick manufacturer, Apollo Brick, has recently made the swap to WPT Power’s Power Grip PO clutches for their mixer and extruder drive.
Supported through Brakecore Supply Company, WPT Power’s distributor in Africa, the time came to discuss repairing the original clutches or replacing them. After some evaluation with site management, the case was put forward to replace the 24″ clutches due to the overall wear of the current assemblies as a more economical and long-term solution. The new clutches were installed during a planned maintenance shutdown, the plant’s operation was fired back into life, and production recommenced. According to site personnel, “everything has never run so smoothly and quietly”, a clear indication of improved performance. In any automated manufacturing process, clutch and/or brake performance is key to ensuring the final product is consistent and minimizing waste.
Intentional Customer Inventory
With any power transmission related component, certain parts will have wear and should be replaced, and in extreme environments like high cycling, hot, clay brick production, where fine particles and abrasive contaminants are present, keeping equipment running for longer is extra challenging. Through Brakecore’s locally held inventory, these new units will be supported with parts and a dedicated workshop for many years to come, ensuring Apollo Brick gets the most out of their investment.
A key advantage of WPT Power’s offering is the use of high-quality, OEM friction materials manufactured in the USA. This ensures torque specifications are in line with the machine’s design parameters. Reduce premature wear and prolong the life of contacting components such as the hub, back plate, centre plate, and spider flanges as opposed to the results of poor quality or fitting friction.
Looking for More
If you’re looking to improve reliability, receive extra support, advice, information, and ongoing cost savings for your brick plant’s mixer or extruder drive, please reach out to WPT Power or visit your local WPT Authorized Distributor.
Written By: Brett Emson, Sales Director