The Breakdown:
The Customer: Tenable Screw Company
The Challenge: Replace an ageing, unsustainable solvent cleaning system with a modern, eco-conscious alternative.
The Conclusion: Tenable are thrilled with the improved efficiency, reliability, and safety offered by the Karl Roll system. They’re also benefiting from a new and improved relationship with Turbex and Karl Roll for after-care service and maintenance support.
Who are Tenable?
Manufacturers of precision machined components, Tenable are a family-owned business with three sites in the UK: London, Coventry, and Malborough.
They operate primarily as a subcontractor for the turned parts industry, but their broad portfolio of clients ranges from automotive and medical firms, to construction and defence businesses. They’re primarily known for producing electrical connectors, and here, degreasing is essential to remove oil and other contaminants.
To improve process security and effectiveness, James King, Production Manager, started the hunt to replace their ageing cleaning equipment.
An urgent need to modernise their cleaning process
Prior to upgrading with Turbex, Tenable ran a single degreasing plant to service 77 sliding head lathes. As their business grew, they recognised the risks associated with only having a single, older cleaning system available.
The solvent cleaning machine in question was ageing considerably. It was 20 years old, used less desirable chemicals – meaning it fell behind the sustainability and safety curve – and was extremely expensive and difficult to maintain.
The machines UK service had become limited, harming Tenable’s process security.
To modernise their cleaning processes and prepare for increased production, Tenable’s owners decided to invest in Dowclene 1601, a modified alcohol solution. As a result, their cleaning would rely on more eco-friendly substances, and the customers demanding stronger environmental standards would be satisfied.
Discover the Karl Roll RCTS
Karl Roll non-halogenated solvent machines.
Suitable for a myriad of tasks – from ultra-fine cleaning to degreasing – Karl Roll’s non-halogenated solvent machines provide a fantastic eco-alternative to traditional solvent cleaning.
The RCTS Advantage 2 is an excellent addition to our production operations here at Tenable; it represents our first modified alcohol 1601 cleaning machine.
This investment is a long-term strategic decision for us based on the increasing demand from certain industries which require modified alcohol as opposed to alternative solvents.
As a sub-contractor, it is key for us to be able to cater to as many of our customers’ specific requirements as possible.
James King, Production Manager, Tenable
How Turbex helped
The project arose from Turbex’s Simon Graham, who used his wealth of knowledge and industry connections to bring Tenable and Turbex together. Tenable was already considering the Karl Roll RCTS, and was pleased to discover that Turbex was their sole UK representative.
To start, Tenable visited the Karl Roll factory with Turbex’s Simon Graham, who understood their technical requirements through a strong working relationship.
During the visit, Tenable was impressed by the younger workforce and the range of staff who passed knowledge down through the generations. John Huntingdon, Turbex’s Managing Director, also arranged a visit to Turbex’s facilities in Alton. Hampshire.
Here, the Turbex team also showcased their ability to provide greatly improved servicing and local spares. Tenable decided on the Karl Roll RCTS, and it was fully operational in March 2024.
The machine’s installation was swift and assisted by an engineer visiting from Germany.
With the recent addition of Karl Roll into our range, and with Simon’s help on the technical aspects of solvent cleaning, Turbex was perfectly positioned to support this project.
We can now supply this market with confidence for customers across the UK.
John Huntingdon, Managing Director, Turbex
The results
This Karl Roll system quickly helped Tenable achieve high standards for part cleanliness and customer satisfaction.
Initially, the team allocated a 6-month transition period for the RCTS system using the old machine as the primary, but once it arrived, it became the primary machine within 3 months.
The staff on the shop floor have reported overwhelmingly positive feedback; they appreciate the machine’s user-friendliness and modern amenities. The twenty-year development gap has made a big difference, especially regarding fault-finding and problem-solving software.
- Stronger and more environmentally friendly cleaning results.
- Well-prepared for increased capacity and manufacturing.
- Secure and safe with local support, servicing, and spare parts.
