Jack Randall, Plant Manager for Engineered Controls International in Conover, NC, invited us into their facility in early 2006. They manufacture Twin Stage Regulators for the propane industry. These regulators are made in both zinc and brass. Mr. Randall had an application where each regulator was to receive an external 0.623" O.D. O-ring on the valve. He also needed the O.D. of the ring to be greased. It was critical that the O-ring be placed without damaging or rolling.

AIS and Dixon Engineering & Sales Co. analyzed the application and decided that the model ASP-1 would be perfect for the job. The ASP-1 can handle an O-ring of that diameter and also dispense a small amount of mineral oil onto the O.D. of the O-ring while it is on the mandrel. This allows the O-ring to slide smoothly onto the target part and not roll on the mandrel. The mandrel, which is manufactured of hardened steel, is accurately machined to place an undamaged O-ring in the correct location of the target part, thus allowing an operator to easily assemble the regulator and the properly lubricated O-ring.

A demonstration was set up allowing Mr. Randall to see the ASP-1 in action before he committed to a purchase. After the demonstration, he readily agreed that our machine would be perfect for his application. He did the justification and quickly ordered the machine. It was delivered in early 2007. During our recent follow-up, Mr. Randall informed us that the ASP-1 has been working perfectly over multiple shifts ever since. He presently has another ASP-1 on order for a different style regulator.