FAQ

On-site (in situ) machining involves performing machining tasks directly at the location of the workpiece, typically when it is not possible to move the workpiece to a workshop to use stationary machinery.

On-site machining utilizes portable tools like line-boring machines, flange facers, portable mills, pipe-cutting machines, lathes, and pipe beveling machines.

On-site (in situ) machining minimizes downtime and costs by eliminating the need for transportation to a workshop. Repairs are done quickly while ensuring precise results, making it ideal for critical industrial equipment maintenance.

Industries like marine, energy, mining, oil & gas, and manufacturing benefit from on-site (in situ) machining. These sectors rely on large, heavy equipment that is often stationary during production, where transportation to a workshop is impractical or often impossible. Common applications include repairing and refurbishing industrial gearboxes, turbines, rudder housings, critical machine surfaces, shafts, industrial pipe flanges, and areas of heavy wear on construction equipment.

On-site (in situ) machining is versatile, handling materials like steel, aluminium, cast iron, stainless steel, and bronze. It accommodates hard and soft metals, ensuring precise repairs and refurbishments. Material-specific tools and techniques are used to maintain precise results.

Portable on-site machines are powered by hydraulics, pneumatics, electric motors, or servo-electric motors. Each has unique benefits: hydraulics offer high force, pneumatics provide safety in explosive environments, electric motors are versatile, and servo-electric motors deliver precision and control.

Typically, on-site machining achieves high precision. Tolerances depend on the application and equipment used. Factors like material type, machine rigidity, and operator skill influence the result.

On-site (in situ) machining is limited by space constraints, power source availability, and environmental factors. It may not suit complex geometries or extremely tight tolerances. Proper pre-assessment is always required.

The cost of on-site machining tools varies depending on multiple factors. The purpose a machine serves, the type of motor, brand, machining size capability, and much more all affect the price. Contact your local distributor for quotations.

While initial costs may seem high, on-site machining is cost-effective by reducing downtime and transport. Costs depend on job complexity, location, equipment used, and service provider, but overall savings and efficiency make it a suitable option in many situations. Metalock Machines do not offer on-site machining services. Contact Metalock Engineering for world wide on-site machining services.

Job duration varies based on complexity, workpiece accessibility, repair scope, environment, and operator skills. Smaller tasks may take hours, while extensive repairs can last several days. Factors like site conditions, material type, and power availability also influence timelines. Efficient planning ensures minimal downtime. Metalock Machines do not offer on-site machining services. Contact Metalock Engineering for world wide on-site machining services.

Line-boring is the process of machining the internal surface of a bore to restore alignment or size, typically in large equipment. Common applications include main bearing positions in engine blocks, hinge pin bores, and bearing positions. It ensures precision and functionality by correcting misalignment or wear in critical components.

Line-boring uses cutting steel, such as HSS or carbide inserts, to machine the inside of a bore, restoring it to the required size and alignment. A line-boring machine is set up for the application either on-site or in a workshop. The tool machines the bore at rotational speed and transaxial movement, removing material to bring the bore to exact specifications. Line-boring an excavator bucket. All rights reserved Metalock Machines.

Industries such as heavy equipment servicing, construction, mining, oil & gas, and transportation rely on line-boring for machinery maintenance. These sectors often deal with large, high-load components that require precise bore repairs to ensure smooth operation and prevent costly downtime.

Yes, line-boring can be performed on-site using portable machine tools. This eliminates the need to transport the workpiece to a fully equipped workshop, reducing downtime and costs. It’s ideal for large, immovable machinery or parts that can’t be easily removed for off-site repairs.

Like all on-site machining tasks, line-boring can achieve high accuracy. The result depends on multiple factors such as the application, equipment used, material removal, machine rigidity, and operator skills.

The cost of line-boring depends on factors like the size of the bore, material of the bore, complexity of the job, location, and much more. Additional costs may include equipment setup, transportation, and labour. The cost of a line-boring machine is like any portable machine tool, dependent on many factors like brand, type of machining purpose, size of the machine, type of motor, and much more. Contact your local Metalock Machines distributor for purchase and rental prices.

To prepare for line-boring, ensure proper site access and space for the portable on-site machine tools. Check that sufficient power sources (hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric) are available for the machine. Clear the area of any obstacles and ensure safety measures are in place for smooth operation during the job.

Signs that a workpiece needs line-boring include excessive wear, misalignment, difficulty fitting parts, abnormal vibrations, or noise. When bores become out of round or misaligned, line-boring can restore proper function, alignment, and size, preventing further damage and costly breakdowns.

While both processes involve machining a hole, line-boring is specifically used to correct the alignment or diameter of an existing bore (hole). Drilling creates new holes, whereas line-boring is used to refurbish or restore worn-out or misaligned bores in machinery. The final precision and machine tools used are key differences.

Metalock Machines specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced, precise portable on-site (in situ) machine tools. Our products are engineered for precision machining and maximum control for the toughest applications, featuring user-friendly digital controls. We are located in Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast, an area with extensive industrial expertise and large industrial manufacturing companies. Metalock Machines' products are sold through a worldwide network of distributors.

Metalock Machines is a spin-off from the expertise of the Metalock Engineering group. While Metalock Engineering provides on-site repair and maintenance services, Metalock Machines is an independent entity designing and manufacturing advanced portable machines. The Metalock Machines MPB60 uses a single-phase servo-electric motor to achieve high precision, efficiency, and reliability.

The Metalock Machines MPB60 uses a servo electric motor to achieve high precision, efficiency, and reliability. Benefits of Servo-Electric Power: Precision and Control: Offers adjustable speed and torque settings for accurate machining. Energy Efficiency: Consumes less power compared to hydraulic systems. Low Maintenance: Fewer mechanical parts reduce wear and tear. User-friendliness: Quiet operation with no risk of hydraulic fluid leaks, providing a user-optimized environment. Servo-electric machines are commonly slightly more expensive to purchase but offer unmatched precision, efficiency, and control, quickly justifying the investment.

We sell our advanced portable on-site machine tools through a worldwide network of distributors. Find a distributor near you on our Contact page and contact their sales team for assistance.

Metalocking is a cold metal repair method, also known as metal stitching, used to fix cracked cast iron, cast steel and aluminium without welding. It employs specialized metal locks or keys to restore the structural integrity of the workpiece. Advantages include stress absorption, thermal stress tolerance, distributed tension away from fatigue points, maintained alignment, and often, in-situ repair, saving time and money. The resulting bond is stronger than the original casting and fully leak-tight. This method is preferred over welding for components made from cast iron, cast steel and aluminium, due to its reliability and avoidance of welding-related issues. Metalock Machines do not offer any services or machines used for Metalocking. Metalock Engineering will help you repair damaged castings with the Metalock method. Metalocking / Metalock Method – metal stitching. Copywrite Metalock Engineering.