Slab Press Refurbishment
The Scope
A Napier-based forest products company relied on a slab press machine to compress pulp into 600 mm² blocks. The existing equipment was outdated, out of alignment and in need of extensive refurbishment. Continued operation was causing further damage with every cycle, putting the machine at risk of becoming beyond economical repair.
With the equipment approaching the end of its serviceable life, the client engaged Hutec to assess the condition of the machine and develop a solution to restore its performance, reliability and operating life.
Our Solution
Hutec brought in specialist on-site machining equipment from Australia, enabling the slab press surfaces to be machined to alignment tolerances within fractions of a millimetre. This precision was critical to restoring the machine and ensuring consistent, reliable operation.
Our end-to-end capability allowed the work to be carried out seamlessly between site and workshop. While specialist components were removed and sent off-site for overhaul, Hutec continued progressing the on-site works, minimising downtime and keeping the project moving.
The refurbishment incorporated a broad range of specialist services, including welding, crack testing, repairs, on-site machining, 3D scanning and laser alignment.
The completed project brought the two 400-tonne and 1,000-tonne hydraulic rams into precise alignment, restoring the slab press to reliable operation.
The successful outcome led to the client awarding Hutec another major project shortly after completion.
