Atlas Machine & Supply’s Michael Campbell Innovates with New Polishing Machine for the Grind Shop
At Atlas Machine & Supply, we take great pride in the ingenuity and talent of our team. One shining example is Michael Campbell, a skilled maintenance technician who recently developed and programmed an innovative polishing machine for our Grind Shop. This new machine, fitted with a GEM polisher system, marks a significant leap forward in our operational capabilities, allowing us to boost productivity, reduce time spent on each project, and enhance overall efficiency.
The machine was originally designed to accommodate a large order of furnace rolls, but Michael’s strategic modifications expanded its versatility. With layout adjustments, it quickly demonstrated its ability to polish other large rolls, such as Tower and Bridle rolls, with diameters ranging from 30" to 60". Many of these rolls, often coated with a high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) finish, require polishing from an initial surface roughness of 200 Ra down to customer-specified levels, sometimes as smooth as 10 Ra. Thanks to Michael's design, our new machine achieves these high standards with ease.
Beyond its precision, this machine has transformed our shop’s efficiency. Where it once took up to 4 hours to set up a roll, the new machine cuts that time down to just 30-45 minutes. Polishing times, which previously ranged from 35-40 hours, have now been reduced to as little as 8-16 hours, depending on the required finish. This means faster turnaround times and greater capacity for the Grind Shop.
The old polisher, a cumbersome piece of equipment cobbled together from a drill press bed and steel flat stock, required welding adjustments for each new roll. Michael’s design replaces that with modern features such as adjustable RPM settings, enhanced torque, and a movable tailstock, making transitions between rolls quick and seamless.
Michael Campbell’s innovative work is a testament to the resourcefulness and dedication that defines Atlas Machine & Supply. His efforts have not only improved our operational efficiency but also reaffirmed the remarkable talent within our team. This new polishing machine stands as a symbol of what we can achieve when we combine creativity with technical expertise.
