The economics of the table approach are quite attractive from a manufacturing standpoint. The obvious drawback to this approach to manufacturing overlay plate is the excessive handling and working of the plate. It must first be rolled into a cylinder, seam welded and then placed on the tuning device for overlay. After the overlay process is complete, the drum must then be plasma cut along the seam and rolled flat prior to plasma trimming. No humps occur during welding and any dimensional changes that do occur are easily accommodated by adjusting the turning fixture.
Process control is optimized.
Chemical composition and wear properties are consistent throughout the plate. The options for manufacturing overlay plate are varied and the final choice may depend upon the availability of raw material, manufacturing space, and of course economic considerations. Clearly the final product is predicated upon the mode of manufacture. The consumer of overlay plate may seem somewhat bewildered at these manufacturing variables. The following chart was devised to help guide the consumer in making a choice of an overlay plate vendor.