Every breath you take is 78% nitrogen. While nitrogen is a crucial component of DNA and proteins, our bodies cannot utilize it in its gaseous form. Instead, the inert gas balances oxygen levels to maintain safe pressure in our lungs while its unreactive nature prevents unwanted chemical reactions. This chemical stability is precisely what makes nitrogen invaluable in industrial applications, especially when precision and quality control are essential.
Nitrogen’s Role in Custom Sheet Metal Manufacturing
In custom sheet metal manufacturing, nitrogen is a critical utility gas used primarily in laser cutting operations to:
- Prevent oxidation: Nitrogen displaces oxygen at the cutting interface, reducing the risk of scale or discoloration.
- Support high-speed cutting: Nitrogen reduces the risk of clogging and can cut at higher speeds compared to other gases.
- Precision cutting: Nitrogen enables better precision by maintaining a consistent cutting environment, especially for intricate designs and tight tolerances.
A reliable supply of nitrogen gas is essential for keeping custom sheet metal operations agile, efficient, and precise. While nitrogen is abundant in the air, it needs to be separated and purified. Typically delivered in large high-pressure cylinders for industrial use, modern production facilities have implemented on-site nitrogen generation for operational, economic, and environmental reasons.
By producing nitrogen exactly when and where it’s needed, manufacturers gain greater control over both their supply chain and their operating environment. So take a deep nitrogen-filled breath, and let’s dive into the advantages of on-site nitrogen generation for custom sheet metal manufacturing.
Benefits of On-Site Nitrogen Generation
- No Delivery Wait Times: Facilities aren’t vulnerable to delays due to weather, logistics issues, or supplier shortages.
- Just-In-Time Availability: On-demand production ensures gas availability exactly when needed, preventing unplanned downtime.
- Lower Inventory Burden: No need to store large volumes of compressed or liquefied nitrogen.
- Cost Stability: On-site generation shields manufacturers from volatile gas pricing and surcharges.
Environmental Responsibility
- Eliminates Delivery Emissions: On-site generation removes the need for deliveries, reducing CO₂ emissions.
- Minimizes Waste: On-site generation only produces what is needed, reducing waste.
- Sustainable Air Utilization: The nitrogen generated comes from ambient air, a renewable and abundant resource.
On-Site Nitrogen Generation at Wesgar
As a key component of continuous improvement, Wesgar is committed to enhancing both operational efficiency and product quality. After evaluating the risks associated with potential disruptions in nitrogen gas supply, Wesgar strategically invested in an on-site nitrogen gas generation system. This reliable supply mitigates the downtime costs associated with laser cutters, which are often higher due to the complexity, tight tolerances, and high-skill operators required.
Adoption of an on-site nitrogen generation aligns with lean manufacturing principles and supports Wesgar’s environmental sustainability initiatives, reducing costs, maintaining high-quality production, and reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
