CORE TRAYS FOR THE MINING SECTOR
Completed February 20, 2013
In the mining industry, core trays are used to keep cylindrical rock samples that show the formation and rock structure at a specific depth. In terms of storage, these core samples were kept in either metal or plastic trays for long term storage.
Usually injection moulded, the plastic trays were easy and cheaper to mass produce, though did not nest well on top of each other from the ribbing required to maintain strength from the injection moulding process. This meant that the storage of empty plastic trays were inefficient and troublesome.
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Conversely, metal trays could easily be stacked and nested well with each other, while being more durable. The downside, however, was that the ferrous metal from the core sample could be contaminated from any rust or residue left over from the galvanising process.
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Afaridan Plastics developed a hybrid design that included a metal frame and a highly nestable plastic insert, which meant contact between the sample and metal tray could be avoided. In addition, durability could be improved beyond the plastic tray model, and could be kept on site for a far longer period.
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By vacuum forming the plastic inserts, this kept costs low while reducing turnaround times.
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