One example of Epac's leading
edge design and solid engineering is the patented Epac Series
3000 roll measurement system. The Epac Series 3000
simultaneously measures roll profile, diameter and temperature,
providing a colored printout of all 3 readings for each skate,
which can be wirelessly transmitted to the user's database.
Another example is The Epac Series 4000
Profile Strip Gauge, built as an offline instrument to be used
in the rugged mill environment rather than in a lab. This
instrument simultaneously measures and displays the top, the
bottom and the gauge (thickness) profiles of the strip sample. A
touch screen active PC with wireless capability controls all
operational functions and displays. Critical Data can be used to
monitor product quality on the spot for quick decisions. The
skates can be saved to a database for additional quality
analysis and archiving.
The Epac Division of Harford Industries has
assembled a team of top talent in mechanical, electrical,
software, and production engineers. These people are all
innovative thinkers who enthusiastically work together to
deliver extraordinary design with state-of-the-art technology at
an affordable price.
William Mellander, Epac Design Engineer and
Project Manager, brings over 35 years of experience in working
with all phases of steel mill technology together with his
talent in designing and manufacturing equipment to lead the
group.
In 1999, Harford Industries acquired the
rights to Epac from Wilbar Manufacturing Co. Inc. The
acquisition brought all rights to the technology along with
Wilbar's core personnel and competencies into the Epac Division
of Harford Industries.
At Wilbar, William Mellander was chief
designer as well as production coordinator for all micrometers.
Mr. Mellander is among the foremost designers of saddle-type
roll micrometers in the world. He has been designing and
manufacturing saddle-type roll micrometers for over thirty-five
years. For twenty-nine years, he was a principal with Wilbar
Manufacturing Company, which designed and manufactured the
mechanical components of analog and electronic micrometers for
several companies. Wilbar marketed an analog micrometer under
its own name, dominating the market for the mid 70s until about
1990, when electronic micrometers became the industry standard.
Other US micrometer producers were attracted
to Wilbar for Mr. Mellander's talent and expertise in saddle mic
design.
Until the mid 1970's, analog saddle mics were the
standard method of roll profiling. With the introduction of the
personal computer and related technology in the late 1970's,
electronic roll profiling with documentation became possible.
Two companies, both of which were the combination of a retired
roll shop manager and an electronic manufacturer, came into
being: Androlog and RDM, (which later changed its name to
Pro-Mic). Both of these companies came to Wilbar for their
mechanical design and production. By adding brackets to hold
small acquisition devices and linear encoders, and replacing the
dial indicator with a LVDT, these two companies adapted hundreds
of Wilbar analog micrometers to electronic capability.
Wilbar worked closely with both companies to
improve performance. William Mellander, head of Wilbar's
micrometer design, was a valuable consultant to these emerging
companies, contributing his talents in mechanical design to
improve their performance with quality engineering solutions.
Among the many contributions William
Mellander has made to improve saddle-type roll micrometer design
are these:
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He invented the probe positioner, which
is now in common use.
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With a reputation for designing rugged
instruments with lasting performance, he invented the box
frame design to enclose the electronic components.
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He invented the current Epac 3000, which
measures roll temperature, profile and diameter
simultaneously. Harford Industries holds the patent for the
use of chordal technology for diameter and profiling
measurement as a result of his invention.
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He invented Harford Industries'
patent-pending Epac 3000 vertical wheel design, which
greatly reduced wheel diameter and enhanced mechanical
performance of the skate unit.
With a commitment to staying on the leading
edge of innovation and delivering the very best in design and
engineering, Harford Industries' engineers will see to it that
Epac stays the be3st available choice in roll and sheet
profiling systems for the long term.
With a 35 year history of providing
exceptional customer service, Epac's service personnel will
continue to see to it that your total Epac experience is a
pleasant one.
Expect the best from the company that has
invested the money and effort to raise the bar on the industry
standards! We are committed to your success.
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