Production Tip: Maximize Your Cycle Rate

A concrete products machine cycle rate is dependent upon many factors. The following are just a few tips for improving the efficiency of your plant.

• Make sure the equipment remains clean. This will help insure that the correct amount of material enters the mold. This will also result in a more consistent, high quality product.
• Keep mold parts properly aligned to reduce wear.
• Use SmartPac® vibration to increase capacity. The SmartPac unit reaches the appropriate speed quicker than standard vibration because the motor is constantly running. An additional benefit is that this type of vibration decreases the amount of horizontal mold movement which improves mold life.
• Keep the main drive Bescodyne in good working order with air pressures set for 70 psi for the clutch and 50 psi for the brake. Correct pressures insure that the Bescodyne starts and stops the concrete products machine without delay.
• Use air compaction to reduce finish time. This will improve overall cycle rate and also increase the life of mold parts, vibrators and shafts.

• Schedule regular maintenance periods to reduce downtime.
• Regularly lubricate equipment to keep parts in good running order.
• Make sure older equipment has all the necessary upgrades to operate effectively.
• Make sure all equipment operates at the same capacity or better. A high cycle rate on the concrete products machine is short lived if auxiliary equipment does not keep up.
• Use of admixes will increase cycle speed due to the enhanced flowability of the concrete.
• Make sure the batching equipment is in good working order so that a consistent concrete mix is delivered to the concrete products machine.

This list is a sample of the different ways to increase production of concrete products. By incorporating these suggestions you will maximize your profits and operate your equipment to its fullest potential.

Contact your local Besser representative to discuss additional ways to improve the performance of your plant or view more Besser service tips at www.besser.com/servicetips/.

Posted 18 February 2002