Case Study | Welding Flux

Application: Welding Flux for Wheel Manufacturer
Description: AKO valves used to control welding machines
Valves Used: Type VMC (VMC32.03X.50N.50- 1-1/4”)

A wheel manufacturing company operates up to 600 cycles per day (30 welds/hr). The manufacturer was utilizing an alternative valve with a very thin sleeve. The sleeve was wearing out quickly, causing frequent downtime and out of spec production runs. The company decided to purchase an AKO stainless steel valve. The AKO valves were installed for 2 years and the natural rubber sleeves have not been changed.

The VMC Pinch Valves are appropriate for a flux application. The VMC Series are available in the following bore sizes, 10mm to 100mm. The VMC Series valve is versatile, compact unit and ideal for abrasive materials for many other industries. There are many types of sleeves (Natural Rubber, EPDM, Silicone, Viton and Nitrile) which make this valve a good option. Also, FDA approved sleeves can be requested.

The VMC Series valve is made up of 3 components, valve body, connection ends and sleeve. The sleeve is typically the only part that needs to be replaced. The sleeves can be replaced on-site in less than 15 minutes. The sleeve lifespan is determined by the number of cycles, abrasion of the material, and material pressure. The sleeves can last up to 500,000 – 750,000 cycles.