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How to put a price on productivity?

Price is an important consideration when choosing a tool for metalworking applications, but it alone should not be the deciding factor. Other things also contribute to the total cost of ownership, performance, and, ultimately, the overall productivity.

Ergonomics

One of the key things to look out for is the ergonomics of the tool, specifically the following aspects:  

1/ Power-to-weight ratio

The power-to-weight ratio affects how long an operator can handle the tool over a given period, the speed of material removal, and the operator’s well-being. If you are hesitant between two tools, the power-to-weight ratio is essential to choose the right one for your needs. Chicago Pneumatic’s CP3650 angle grinder, for example, weighs only 1.8 kilos but delivers a power of 1,800W to maximize productivity.

2/Vibrations

Limiting the vibrations that the worker is exposed to when handling the tool is crucial for well-being and productivity. Excessive vibration can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which, in the worst case, can result in total loss of sensation in hands, permanently disabling the operator. Selecting tools with features that reduce vibration and stabilize the tool, such as autobalancers, help make it safer to use for extended periods, increasing the material removal rate by up to 15 percent.

The tool’s vibration level and the length of exposure indicate whether an operator will be at risk from HAVS. Vibration and noise can both be minimized by choosing tools with low vibration levels, evaluating the work pattern, and wearing appropriate PPE, such as ear defenders.

Pol Dunoyer, Global Business Development Manager at Chicago Pneumatic

3/Weight

With some tools weighing over five kilos, weight is an important consideration when comparing tools. Can the operator handle the tool for hours at a time? The weigh value can be found in the manufacturer’s catalog, but the operator should always test the tool to ensure its suitability. On paper, weight can be a deceptive value: an ergonomic design can make a heavier tool easy to handle, minimizing the physical strain on the operator.

4/Design

Additional tool’s features and accessories can contribute to the performance and maneuverability of the tool. For example, tools with an ergonomic handle design can reduce vibration, while those with a curved head can deliver better weld bead visibility to optimize precision.

Safety

The right tool can also help reduce the risk of accidents, safeguarding productivity. Many tools from Chicago Pneumatic, for example, feature a two-position safety trigger, which can be adapted to the operator’s grip above or below the housing to reduce the risk of their hands slipping. Governed air grinders, especially when featuring an overspeed shut-off, are also a good way of managing both safety and productivity. They help maintain maximal speed to optimize material removal rates while protecting the operator from the damage caused by abrasive bursts.

Maintenance

As the maintenance cycles and requirements vary between tools, comparison can be challenging. The most important feature to look for is the maintenance interval, which shows how many hours you can use the tool before maintenance is recommended. Knowing and maintaining the maintenance requirements is crucial for ensuring the best performance and preserving the specifications, such as power and speed, that contribute to productivity.


Browse our range on air compressor tools

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Grinders & Sanders

For maximum material removal with minimum effort and high-quality finish, Chicago Pneumatic delivers robust, durable and lightweight easy-to-handle tools.

Surface applications from heavy material removal to fine finishing. Tools designed to bring better comfort and increase your productivity. The range provides random orbital sanders, rotary sanders, pistol sander & polishers, and belt sanders. Secure payment, Afterpay, nationwide delivery. Buy now, pay layer.

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Percussive Tools & Drills

Their combination of power, compactness and light weight gets the job done. Better operator comfort comes with a unique vibration dampening body.
The range provides industrial chipping hammers, weld flux chippers, needle scalers, long reach scalers and rust & weld scalers.

With drilling capacity from 6mm (1/4”) to 50mm (2”), various speeds and power, our drills are designed to handle both your tough and smooth operations. The range provides straight, angle and pistol drills. Secure payment, Afterpay, nationwide delivery. Buy now, pay layer.

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Specialty & Cutting

The range provides saws, high speed cutters, nibblers, shears, engraving pens, riveters, caulking guns, air files, and blow guns. Secure payment, Afterpay, nationwide delivery. Buy now, pay layer.

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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

  • Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Nitrogen
  • An extensive line of air treatment components

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


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