Case Study: Doubling Material Removal Efficiency with Norton Grinding Solutions

More Than a Distributor: AMS as Your Trusted Manufacturing Partner. At AMS, we don't just provide Norton grinding solutions, we partner with manufacturers on their journey toward sustainable growth. Behind every high-performance product made from scarce and rigid materials lies an inspiring story of engineering excellence.

By sharing real case studies of manufacturers overcoming production challenges, we aim to highlight the value of applying advanced abrasive solutions to optimize the material removal process.

We believe that in today's global market, achieving competitive advantage comes down to the choices businesses make. Let's explore how Harrison Steel Castings partnered with Norton Abrasives and Andromat® to achieve groundbreaking results.

1. Who Are Harrison Steel Castings, Norton Abrasives, and Andromat®?

Harrison Steel Castings is a world leader in high-quality carbon and alloy steel castings. With nearly 120 years of expertise, they specialize in producing large components weighing up to 18,000 pounds, supplying industries such as: Agriculture; Heavy equipment; Energy; Military; Forestry; Oil & gas;... A significant portion of their business serves the mining industry.

Andromat® is a global leader in automated control systems. Since 1975, their manipulators have been powering foundries, forges, and steel mills worldwide, with over 800 units installed. Their key strength lies in robust machine design, advanced control integration, and continuous diagnostic monitoring ensuring maximum safety and productivity.

Norton Abrasives, founded in 1885 and acquired by Saint-Gobain in 1990, is the global pioneer in abrasives technology. Norton offers a comprehensive portfolio cutting, grinding, blending, finishing, and polishing delivering advanced performance at competitive cost across industries.

2. The Challenge: Manual Processes in an Uncertain Manufacturing Landscape

Harrison Steel's massive castings sometimes weighing 8,600 kg require significant surface finishing and material removal. Historically, their processes relied on:

• Torches

• Carbon arc gouging

• Hand-held grinders with Norton 8-inch wheels

These labor-intensive methods required highly skilled operators. After COVID-19, the challenge of finding and retaining skilled workers intensified, making modernization urgent.

Levi Knowlton, Engineering Director at Harrison Steel, explained: “Our culture is built around continuous improvement. We look for modernization opportunities to create a safer, more efficient workplace while driving productivity higher.”

3. The Breakthrough: Finding the Right Abrasive Solution

In 2023, Harrison partnered with Andromat® to develop an automated grinding cell. Knowing abrasives would be critical, they collaborated with Norton | Saint-Gobain.

At Saint-Gobain's new APS testing facility, Norton engineers ran trials on Harrison's steel samples (16-18 kg each, 3.5 cm thick). Surprisingly, coated abrasive belts outperformed bonded grinding wheels nearly doubling material removal efficiency.

Initially skeptical, Harrison engineers were convinced after reviewing performance data and real-time test videos. Together with Norton and Andromat, they co-engineered a custom automation system:

• Equipped with dual interchangeable grinding heads inside the same cabin.

• Operators could switch between a 24-inch Norton grinding wheel (for slag removal) and a RazorStar coated abrasive belt (for heavy stock removal).

• For the first time, an Andromat manipulator was adapted for coated abrasive belts, with fully in-cabin head changes enhancing operator safety and workflow efficiency.

4. Results: Doubling Efficiency and Extending Tool Life

The automated grinding cell went live in May 2024. Knowlton confirmed: “We hit all our targets. Norton | Saint-Gobain delivered exactly what we needed and continues working with us to optimize our process.”

Key improvements included:

• Redesigned abrasive belts to reduce edge tearing.

• Reformulated 24-inch grinding wheels to prevent loading, extend wheel life, and improve performance.

• Optimized specifications developed with Senior Product Engineer Ben Lyons, balancing removal rates with durability.

Knowlton added: “We continue our technical partnership. I can ask tough questions, and Norton always connects me with the right experts.”

5. Bringing Norton Grinding Solutions to Vietnam's Manufacturing Industry

Harrison Steel's success illustrates a universal challenge: how manufacturers can modernize operations to stay competitive. This is especially relevant to Vietnam's steel industry, which is recovering after 2023.

According to Mordor Intelligence, Vietnam's steel fabrication market is projected to reach USD 4.19 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.21% (2024-2029). To achieve this growth, manufacturers must enhance machining and finishing efficiency especially in material removal and surface preparation.

AMS proudly delivers Norton grinding solutions to Vietnam's manufacturers. More than a distributor, we provide:

• Technical consultation to identify the most suitable solution.

• Transparent procurement processes with full documentation.

• Reliable and fast delivery with trusted commitments.

• Professional after-sales support and long-term partnership.

• Flexible purchasing policies tailored to customer needs.

>> Explore more: Latest Norton Grinding Wheel Price List 2025 - Key Factors Affecting Cost

6. Conclusion

The Harrison Steel, Andromat®, and Norton Abrasives case study demonstrates how advanced grinding solutions can transform manufacturing efficiency.

If you are a steel or component manufacturer in Vietnam seeking to improve productivity, reduce costs, and modernize your processes contact AMS today. Our team is ready to help you implement the right Norton grinding solution.

Source: nortonabrasives.com

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