Crystal Extrusion Systems in the News

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Crystal Extrusion Systems Upgrades With Hot Log Saw
Crystal Extrusion Systems named approved applicator by Sherwin-Williams
Crystal Extrusion Introduces New Metal Paint Finish
Verical Integration Leads to Horizontal Expansion
CES Celebrates 5 Year Milestone
CES Achieves Architectural Metal Finishing Certification
Crystal Extrusion Systems Upgrades With Hot Log Saw
Union, Missouri
April 6th, 2010

Crystal Extrusion Systems has recently installed new equipment on its raw aluminum stock processing line that has improved quality and resulted in a significant increase in recoverable material in just the first weeks of operation. Crystal Extrusions is the first in the world to purchase and install the revolutionary Narrow Cut Hot Log Saw from international manufacturer Belco Industries External link to Belco Industries .

Prior to the installation of new equipment, Crystal Extrusions was using pre-cut billet from its aluminum supplier to extrude the various profiles needed, and had to factor in extra billet for contingencies. With the ever increasing cost of aluminum, the company was looking to better manage its raw aluminum inventory while controlling costs, and began to research options.

Click on image to enlarge Image: Paint Booth Crystal Extrusion Systems new Narrow Cut Hog Log Saw from Belco Industries improves metal use efficiency and reduces inventory costs. (Photo courtesy of Belco Industries)

"We compared hot log saws, which provide accurate cuts with minimal distortion, with shears, which offer less material loss but distortion on the cut, and felt the hot log saw was definitely the way to go for our operation," said Tom Ziegler, Vice President of Crystal Extrusion Systems. "Belco showed us how their state-of-the-art Narrow Cut Hot Log Saw could be installed with relatively minor modifications to our overall extrusion line. Also, the savings we could expect immediately were substantial, and with a payback period of about one year, it was a very cost effective investment by any standard."

Crystal Extrusion Systems is the very first company in the world to install the Belco double-bladed Narrow Cut Hot Log Saw. "Ordinarily when making a significant investment in equipment, you like to know that other companies have gone before you," observed Ziegler. "Belco has a fine reputation, has been in business for a long time, and their single-bladed hot log saw has been in use for several years with much success. These factors gave us a lot of confidence, as did our discussions with Belco management. We have not been disappointed; we are very pleased with the results and the savings we are seeing."

The Belco Narrow Cut Hot Log Saw uses a double-blade system featuring a slim saw blade kerf that reduces material loss at the cut by half compared with a single-blade system. For Crystal Extrusion Systems, this reduction in billet scrap is expected to produce an annual savings of about $60,000. The patented Belco Narrow Cut Hot Log Saw uses rotating radial saw blades designed by B&O Saws that operate at approximately 1,975 rpm; the carbide-tipped lightweight blades make maintenance less frequent and less costly. The system utilizes an innovative cooling process during sawcutting, allowing lower horsepower motors to drive the equipment, extending blade life and reducing energy usage. The new equipment was installed and tested at the Crystal Extrusion facility in Union, MO with the assistance of Belco technicians.

Click on image to enlarge Image: Paint Booth Crystal Extrusion Systems new Narrow Cut Hog Log Saw from Belco Industries improves metal use efficiency and reduces inventory costs. (Photo courtesy of Belco Industries)

Crystal Extrusion Systems offers a wide range of aluminum extrusion services, from design through production, finishing and packaging, to the residential and commercial construction market. Crystal Extrusion Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Crystal Window & Door Systems, one of the top 60 manufacturers of replacement and new construction vinyl and aluminum window and door products and high-end fenestration systems in North America. For more information on Crystal Extrusion Systems, call (636) 583-7755 or visit www.crystalextrusions.com