Innovation and productivity in mining: meet the Furlan department that helps customers

Productivity and reducing the number of parades on the production line are two of the main goals of mining companies today. These actions aim to produce quality products more quickly for customers, whether they are consumers of construction gravel and aggregates or farmers who participate in limestone or remineralizers.

Based on these mining companies' needs, Máquinas Furlan improved the performance of its New Product, Service and Application Development (DNPSA) area. Segments from different areas of the company began to jointly evaluate the demands brought by customers.

In this article, we will address the impacts on the bottom line of a mining company in terms of issues such as productivity in the production process. We will also show how the department created by Furlan uses technology so that innovation can increase results.

Mining productivity and its challenges

Mining is a process marked by extremes. After the exploration process for the deposit, we have to remove and process the mineral.

These are very complex operating scenarios. Equipment often has to be moved. On the other hand, the deposit has a long exploration period and the “logistics” factor is essential.

Another factor that has recently proven to be an obstacle is the climate. The greater quantity and intensity of rain affects activities in the mines, especially between the months of November and March, in the Center-South region of the country.

At the same time, the ingestion of minerals requires companies to respond quickly regarding the production process, as well as quality. These include niches with high competition and other challenges with intense price volatility.

Therefore, productivity must be monitored closely. After all, the plant's equipment was designed based on the desired hourly production. And this number is directly related to the commercial financial results.

Without this monitoring, losses can be greater. In addition to the machine not performing as expected, the company – without having the correct diagnosis of the problem – increases expenses with the purchase or rental of new equipment. Any rework, due to a particle size not achieved, means costs for the company.

Furlan's know-how and new sector: benefits for the customer

So far, we have basically talked about company efficiency and the durability of the equipment that makes up your mining plant.

This scenario of risks and opportunities in mining companies is seen more clearly by equipment manufacturers with long experience, such as Máquinas Furlan. In 2023, the company will complete 61 years of activities.

During this period, Furlan participated in thousands of client projects, creating know-how rarely seen in the mining industry supplier market. The focus on finding solutions for mining companies, combined with innovation, gained momentum.

The benefits are enhanced by the company's structure. Located in Limeira (SP), the Furlan industrial park brings together a single operations space that generates a complete solution for the client.

Two of its Engineering areas, namely Castings and Equipment, were brought together in the New Product Development, Services and Applications sector. The technicians are also ready to listen to both customers and other Furlan areas – including Sales and Technical Assistance.

One of the pillars of DPNSA is the use of best practices, such as Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP). Methodologies such as these allow us to anticipate potential failures in the occurrence of a part or in the operation of a machine.

The combination of knowledge and technology has brought significant gains. Crushers, for example, have increased the rotation of the drive shaft. Improvements have increased the quality of the final product, with positive results in terms of particle size.

See the Cone Crushers page on our website here .  

Technology in mining equipment

Technology is another partner of mining when it comes to innovation. At Furlan, several advanced simulation software programs are used, seeking, for example, the best mass balance of material in processing, dimensioning by finite elements, simulation of material transport by discrete elements and analysis/improvements of the molding and casting conditions of cast parts, by qualified technicians and engineers.

It is possible, for example, to meet a market trend – innovation – without the equipment ceasing to be robust, efficient and safe.

Human capital has also advanced

Furlan also prioritizes human capital. Part of the time it integrates actions developed by the Dom Cabral Foundation, currently considered one of the leading business schools in the world. Another characteristic is the adherence to the standards set forth in ISO 9001:2015.

Now that we have explained how Furlan is an innovator and a productive player in mining, it is time for you to present your needs to our time. Click here to send a message and learn, in a personalized way, how this time can help your mining company generate better results and increase profits.