Bricking Solutions, a full solution provider of refractory installation equipment, offers a number of after sales services to help operations maintain equipment to maximize uptime during refractory installation applications. Services include equipment evaluation, parts and repair, and refurbishment options. These services, paired with proper routine maintenance, provide a cost-effective measure for facilities and contractors, virtually eliminating unnecessary downtime during refractory installation while ensuring crew safety and extending machine longevity.
“Refractory installation jobs are always on a tight deadline since even scheduled downtime carries a hefty price tag,” said Heather Harding, Bricking Solutions managing director. “Bricking Solutions’ equipment is specially designed for the harsh conditions in which refractory installation occurs. Our after sales services ensure equipment is up to the task, keeping the bricking crew on the job until the work is done. Preparedness is key to avoiding unnecessary downtime, so our service team makes sure our customers have the necessary parts on hand through equipment evaluations and parts inventory assistance.”
Operations can request on-site equipment inspections for EZ Flexx50 Bricking Machines, older model bricking machines, or other Bricking Solutions original equipment. These one-day evaluations are conducted by experienced Bricking Solutions technicians or trained Bricking Solutions agents for customers outside North America. They include a visual inspection of all welds and structural components as well as complete testing of the pneumatic system to ensure correct operation of all components. A complete report of findings, including recommended repairs and replacements, is provided.
In addition to the inspections, Bricking Solutions offers two-day evaluations for customers within the continental U.S. that allow for overnight shipping of parts and installation by the technician, as well as additional employee training on setup, teardown and other key operations as time allows. Equipment inspections and recertification helps facilities and contractors remain compliant with regulations and provides assurance that equipment is safe and ready for operation.
In situations where an on-site inspection isn’t feasible, a checklist is provided for in-house inspection, and Bricking Solutions technicians are available to walk operations through questions and parts ordering. Bricking Solutions offers parts inventory assistance to avoid unnecessary downtime and keep shipping costs down. A technician helps operations identify key wear parts for their specific units and advises on an appropriate inventory. Overnight shipping is available on most in-stock parts for orders received by 2 p.m. PST in the case of an emergency. However, keeping an inventory of key parts on hand allows customers to avoid unnecessary downtime for high-demand Bricking Solutions components crucial for machine operation. Some of these require manufactured elements with lead times up to two weeks.
“Whether scheduled or unscheduled, having a kiln down for repairs costs facilities hundreds of thousands of dollars a day in lost production,” Harding said. “This time sensitivity is why we developed a robust aftermarket service program to provide solutions before problems arise. Our team will work hard to ensure rapid delivery of parts in an emergency, but it’s always best to be prepared. Planning ahead can also save significantly on shipping costs.”
In addition to inspection and parts, Bricking Solutions offers repair and refurbishment services. Evaluation is based on the machine, age and condition. It can include repairs or upgrades to the pneumatic system, frame, arch or deck panels, or safety features. Repairs with stock parts can be done on the jobsite as part of the equipment inspection process. For refurbishments services and any aluminum repairs, Bricking Solutions recommends service be conducted at its Monroe, Washington, headquarters to ensure new parts are properly manufactured to the specs of the original machine. Refurbishment might cost as little as $5,000 or as much as $30,000, depending on the condition of the machine, but can significantly extend longevity and ensure crew safety.
