Creating Superior Milling Bits

Element Six’s own “Nano-technology” is used in MasterGrade™ bits to improve the cobalt binder matrix and maximize the tools toughness. These novel carbides produce a multifunctional bit with maximum wear resistance, longer tool life, and higher operating performance.

Image Credit: ANRAK Corporation

MasterGrade™ Milling Bits

• Enhanced consistency
• Optimized efficiency
• Prolonged tool life
• Increased productivity

ANRAK Corporation is a family-owned and operated milling company with locations in California, Nevada, and Oregon. ANRAK, founded in 1976, takes pleasure in being the exceptional leader in the asphalt milling sector, with committed engineers specializing in all kinds of milling to meet the requirements of its clients.

Element Six goes above and beyond, and we have yet to find a bit that matches Element Six MasterGrade™ in quality.

Tom Schmidt, Vice President, ANRAK Corporation

The Challenge

ANRAK discovered that typical carbide bits were expensive and inefficient, failing to satisfy the high requirements necessary.

• Milling machines use a big, revolving drum to cut and grind the asphalt’s surface. Tool holders’ scrolls retain carbide cutters or bits in place during milling surfaces.
• Undependable machine parts and tools can have a significant negative influence on performance in large-scale milling and building operations, raising costs for operation and maintenance.
• ANRAK tried and tested every option on the market but could not find any that lasted long enough for their requirements.
• Bits were of poor quality, wearing quickly and necessitating extensive maintenance, resulting in more equipment downtime owing to the necessity for numerous changes.
• ANRAK lacked professional supplier consulting, frequently trialling the incorrect type of tool for its machines or project.

The Solution

The key to unlock ANRAK's problems came with Element Six's expert advice and high-quality carbide bits which surpass standards.

• As ANRAK’s supplier, Element Six aimed to better understand the company’s difficulties and to offer professional support and guidance on the bits necessary.
• ANRAK now benefits from a distinctive, collaborative partnership between Element Six and its distributor, TC Recycling.
• The ideal road planning parts for ANRAK’s applications have been found through this more personalized service, allowing the company to satisfy its business objectives and customer requirements.
• With a diverse selection of tungsten carbide bits and a 70-year experience in the milling and construction sectors, Element Six assisted in achieving the ideal mix of pricing, efficiency, and endurance.
• ANRAK employs Element Six’s MasterGrade™ bits, dubbed the “Green Tops” by the firm (due to their packaging distinctive green tops).
• Element Six’s unique “Nano-technology” is used in MasterGrade™ bits to improve the cobalt binder matrix. As an outcome, the flexible bit has increased wear resistance, prolonging tool life by up to 50%.
• In addition, when Element Six’s US distributor switched, ANRAK intentionally changed providers to ensure that it could continue to profit from Element Six’s products and consultancy.

The Results

MasterGrade™ bits are currently employed exclusively throughout ANRAK’s operations, delivering numerous advantages:

• Improved reliability, ensuring that equipment runs quicker and more cost-effectively throughout the board.
• Fewer and shorter time-consuming bit changes, with lower operational costs, and a higher return on personnel and mechanical assets, achieved by enhancing overall productivity.
• Less downtime means more time for ANRAK’s specialized operators to concentrate on providing exceptional service.

ANRAK is now moving forward to investigating additional Element Six products as part of its collaborative engagement to ensure that all applicable solutions can be used and optimized across all ANRAK facilities.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Element Six.

For more information on this source, please visit Element Six.