Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company is a leader in the design and manufacture of telescopic and lattice boom cranes. Their range of equipment includes crawlers as well as rough and all terrain vehicles. Link-Belt’s vehicles are used globally in the construction and maintenance of numerous infrastructure systems, particularly transportation, energy, water management, and communications. One of the requirements for the cab componentry in their construction vehicles calls for panels that display universal symbols for operation.
“These panels must be of an industrial quality, able to withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure and significant force impacts.”
As a Materials Negotiator, it is Leah Barnett’s responsibility to source the most rugged and economical panels for their equipment. The parts are expected to endure substantial abuse out on the job site – suffering forceful impacts as well as regular exposure to abrasives, UV and extreme heat or cold. “These panels must be of an industrial quality, able to withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure and significant force impacts,” Leah explains. MPC recommended their most durable material, Metalphoto®, for Link-Belt’s HTC, RTC and ATC equipment. Metalphoto produces high-resolution graphics and features a sapphire-hard anodic layer that is impervious to weather. That anodic layer also provides superior resistance to UV, abrasion, extreme temperatures, and chemicals.
“We cannot afford to do business with a supplier who is not capable of sustaining a high quality product and level of service. MPC delivers that high level of consistency.”
Utilizing their advanced manufacturing capabilities, MPC constructs a panel of specified thickness (.003″ to .125″) of Metalphoto anodized aluminum. Holes are fabricated for mechanical attachment and openings are machined to house mechanical switches. Final production includes bending the part to exact contour designs. Thirty-three years of experience with Link-Belt has taught Leah that consistency in service and quality are imperative from a supplier. Leah adds, “We cannot afford to do business with a supplier who is not capable of sustaining a high quality product and level of service. MPC delivers that level of consistency.”