Working Through the Night to Keep Production Running

Sometimes, quick action and strong cooperation make all the difference. Late in the afternoon, we received an urgent call from a client active in advanced recycling and sustainable chemical production. The request involved emergency machining work on a CuAl10Ni flushing ring, a copper-aluminum-nickel alloy known for its softness and the care it requires during machining. In this case, the ring was made from two separate pieces, which made the alignment process more challenging and time-consuming.

As PPS does not perform machining work in-house, we immediately reached out to one of our trusted partners, Thermosan Engineering BV in Middelburg. Together with their experienced team, we quickly reviewed the scope of work and discussed whether staff would be available that same evening. After receiving budget approval by phone, preparations began right away. By 20:00, Thermosan’s technicians were in their workshop setting up the equipment, and the material arrived at 21:00. The machining, which included reducing both the outside diameter and the thickness of the assembled flushing ring, was completed successfully at 23:15.

Machining CuAl10Ni in a conventional lathe requires precision and patience. The material’s softness means clamping pressure must be carefully controlled to avoid deformation, and in this case, the two-piece construction added another layer of complexity. Thanks to the experience and focus of Thermosan’s team, supported by clear communication from all parties involved, the work was completed smoothly and without complications.

By the next morning, the finished part was reinstalled on site, allowing the client’s plant to restart on schedule. This project perfectly illustrates the value of close cooperation between PPS, our partners, and our clients, combining responsiveness, technical expertise, and teamwork to solve challenges efficiently, even outside regular working hours.