What does the non-metallic mineral product manufacturing sector actually do? Essentially, manufacturers in this industry transform mined or quarried non-metallic minerals into products for intermediate or final consumption.
Here are some examples of minerals that are used as base materials in this process:
Most of the time, many different minerals are used together to produce one final product. For example, manufacturers use materials such as limestone, shells, and chalk combined with shale, clay, slate, blast furnace slag, silica sand, and iron ore in order to produce cement. Of course, a chemical combination of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron, and other ingredients is also used to create cement. And last but not least, heat has to be added to the process.
Another example of turning mined or quarried minerals into a product is heating silica sand to the melting point and molding it into the desired shape and thickness of glass.
The sheer volume of different materials and processes used to turn them into usable products means that manufacturing companies can really benefit from using a document management system to keep everything under control.
To grind is to reduce a material to small particles or powder by crushing it. The grinding process may also sharpen, smooth, or produce something by crushing or by friction. Grinding requires various types of machines depending on the material involved. For example, you may use hand-cranked knife-sharpening stones called grindstones. But there are also handheld power tools and various kinds of industrial machine tools.
There are several types of grinding operations. Their use is determined by the size, shape, features, and desired production rate. For example, your company may use a surface grinder or a cylindrical grinder.
Last but not least, lubrication is often required for effective grinding procedures.
Mixing minerals is an important element of the manufacturing process. In fact, mixing often occurs in order to harvest the minerals that occur naturally in the earth. During later phases, solid-liquid, solid-solid, and liquid-liquid mixing operations are the norm. In order to mix minerals, your manufacturing company may use flotation units, thickeners, vacuum filters, gravitational and magnetic separation, and extraction.
The most common mixing equipment in the industry is the stirred tank. In a stirred tank, the distribution of solids allows for the proper mixing of ingredients.
Applying heat during the production process can elicit various types of responses depending on the mineral. Minerals may decompose, melt, curl or peel, expand, swell, change colors or emit an odor. The heating process is often required in order to properly mix minerals, but it can also be used during the cutting, shaping, and honing stage.
Cutting, Shaping, and Honing
Cutting, shaping, and honing are 3 distinct processes that all share a similar aim. Each one can be used to improve the geometric form of a surface, but they can also be used to improve the surface texture.
Which process is used depends on the material and the desired end product. It can be confusing to appreciate the difference in these processes as a layperson. In fact, honing stones may look similar to grinding them, but grinding won’t fix any inaccuracies in the shape of the object.
The manufacturing industry uses special cutting, shaping, and honing equipment to increase the efficiency of these production processes.
The nonmetallic minerals industry is probably best known for the production of cement, ceramics, glass, and lime. Consequently, the range of products this industry creates is very broad. Your company may manufacture a variety of materials ranging from construction materials and home décor to common household goods.
Document Management for the Non-Metallic Mineral Industry
The manufacturing processes for the non-metallic mineral industry are complex. Depending on how many different minerals your company mines and processes, you may need to keep track of a high number of workflows. Additionally it’s critical to maintain the manufacturing equipment and train employees on how to use it safely and effectively.
Keep Documentation Accessible
One of the challenges of this industry is in keeping files accessible. For example, information about the minerals found in the quarry has to be available for the employees who coordinate the manufacturing and sales processes. Keeping your documents in one central location that is accessible and sharable when necessary is absolutely essential.
Keep Processes Consistent
It’s important to encourage consistency in the manufacturing processes in order to guarantee high-quality products. In addition to keeping up with legislation and manufacturing requirements, your company must ensure that employees at every level know what to do in any given situation.
Here is how your manufacturing company stands to benefit from using document management software from eFileCabinet:
- Increased security for your documents
- Restricted user access based on roles and permissions
- Central storage for important paperwork
- Ability to access documents quickly (and on the go)
- Increased traceability of your document workflow
Document management software (DMS) can make your company’s processes smoother and even save you money. If you ever find yourself being audited, you can easily find the documentation you need. But don’t just take our word for it. Simply fill out the form on this page to start your 15-minute demo.