3 Common Questions about Demolition Robots in Metal Processing

Taking the leap and investing in a demolition robot is a big decision. Customers typically have numerous questions during the process, from cost to applications to production rates and so on. Brokk is here to provide assistance and answer some of the most common questions about demolition robots in metal processing facilities.

When can we do a product demo?

When you’re considering a purchase, there’s nothing like seeing the robot in action. Will it be a good investment? Before we bring a robot in for a demo, we start with a visit to your facility to analyze your needs and recommend the machine that will work best. Then, we schedule a demonstration to show how the Brokk robot performs tasks, such as slag and refractory removal, ladle cleaning and tap hole drilling.

Can a Brokk robot function in high heat?

Brokk was first developed for the processing industry to make the work safer, so we’re familiar with the necessary precautions. We offer an array of heat-resistant components designed for red-hot processing applications. For jobs that require traversing hot surfaces, Brokk offers high-quality steel tracks with a higher temperature threshold to replace standard rubber tracks. These are ideal for hot surfaces or ones with shards of piercing material — like those found in metal processing facilities — while offering increased track longevity and durability. These heat-resistant features mean the machine can take the heat from bottom drops and other applications, so your workers don’t have to.

We bolster our robots’ ability to work in high-temperature environments with heat-resistant hoses. The specially engineered hoses are manufactured to withstand repeated exposure to molten metals and glass, with certain products rated for temperatures up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,650 degrees Celsius). They offer increased protection for hydraulic breakers, automatic greasing devices and the arm’s cylinder 4. The hoses also minimize the risk for breakdowns in high-temperature work environments by ensuring hydraulic fluids continue to flow.

Forced-draft cooling for hydraulic systems is an option for some Brokk machines. This feature minimizes the risk of overheating your machine’s key components where the ambient temperature exceeds 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). An additional forced draft cooling system can be equipped for machines operating in excess of 392 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This system excels in red-hot metal processing applications like cleaning slag around ladles and copper converters.

How can I justify the cost?

This is a very common question that customers often circle back to. A remote-controlled Brokk demolition robot is a premium product. When we meet customers, we learn all about the different aspects of their work to make the best recommendations and custom-build a program to help them make money. One facet of Brokk machines that we drive home is the wealth of benefits from mechanizing. A mechanized process increases productivity and provides greater safety since crew members don’t have to go into hot furnaces or be present in spots where hot material can fall on them.

The provided safety of a Brokk robot is a significant variable for contractors realizing the value of their investment. The declining workforce compels contractors to get more work done with fewer people and in a safe manner. A Brokk’s remote-control operation allows crews to work more safely in applications that would typically be dangerous with other equipment, such as a confined space within a metal-processing plant or foundry. For example, a remote-controlled Brokk demolition robot excels at cupola bottom drops. The operator can remain 20 to 30 feet away from sparks, molten metal and other dangers associated with this task. Other equipment, such as a skid steer or modified forklift, require the user to operate the machine from directly below the furnace, putting them at risk.

In relation to asking about cost, people often inquire about Brokk’s production rate. Customers are often shocked when they find out how much power a Brokk produces despite its compact design. Brokk robot hammers can hit the working surface thousands of times a minute. Once customers see that, it paints the picture of a Brokk machine’s power-to-weight ratio.

We put a great deal of thought into each machine to make them as efficient as possible so you can optimize your workforce and reallocate labor for maximum productivity.