Hardfaced Welding is Automated at Laidig

Manufacturing Spotlight

Laidig reclaimers handle a variety of materials that are rugged or abrasive. These types of materials can lead to extreme wear on critical components of the system, like the auger and flighting.

Laidig has developed a solution for this problem by commissioning an Automated Auger Welder System, which applies a protective, hardface welded coating that covers the entire auger. This is a “one-of-a-kind” piece of equipment that Laidig designed to further enhance our manufacturing capabilities.

Hardfacing the auger tube and flights provides tremendous value on the surfaces that are subjected to the high wear environments of abrasive materials. Consistent exposure to handling these materials may lead to premature wear and the reduction in the life expectancy in the equipment. This new Automated Auger Welder System increases the longevity of the Laidig augers and flighting, and protects them from premature wear in harsh environments.

According to Dan Collins, Laidig's VP of Manufacturing, having the Automated Auger Welder System is a great benefit and value to Laidig customers. “For our customers who have material abrasion or wear issues, Laidig is able to provide a consistent hardface weld deposit to the auger tube and flighting. This will prevent premature failure of these valuable components. It will also increase the longevity of their investments, making our solutions even more efficient and affordable.”

A recent customer took advantage of this new technology for their reclaimer auger and flighting. This customer stores and reclaims hogged wood to feed and operate their plant’s boiler system, and it’s critical that their material moves efficiently and effectively, as any down time to their system will have a negative financial impact on their overall operations. They purchased a 1098 Track-Drive Reclaim System—retrofitting it into their existing steel bolted silo—complete with a fully hardfaced auger, utilizing the latest in automated welding technology, only found at Laidig.