dMT E C O T E C H
INTERNATIONAL
SPC Applicators and TRB / MRB / TSB Blocks – Information
Just a few points to mention to customers when showing samples, esp. mechanics and maintenance
people. Questions will arise, and one should memorize these answers well, as the customers
generally expect specific information on these points:

We describe the applicators as: spring-loaded, stainless-steel applicators which have no
internal parts which can fail or cause problems, such as sensors, electronic guiding systems
or measuring devices, or whatever. There is only a coil spring, which itself only pushes in one
direction, slowly and not at high pressure. It also generally cannot fail. Therefore, the
applicator, once installed, is essentially maintenance-free and should last for many years.

We offer only the applicators for the blocks and applicator clamps, not the means of affixing
these to the machinery. We would have to maintain a huge stock of unique, custom-made
parts if we did. In the past many years of supplying these products, we have not heard one
competent mechanic at workshop level tell us that he was unable to mount the applicators.
We tell them the exact position of the applicator (see documentation) and they do the rest.
They usually make a steel band, or plate, or strap or whatever, and weld or bolt the applicator
clamp to that piece, which has already been welded or bolted onto the carriage of the crane,
or roller guard on the rotating equipment, etc. There are numerous pictures in the ring-book
showing this and we have many more in case you need specific suggestions.

Applicators are generally mounted perpendicular to the surface to be coated, or at least in a
manner which allows a maximum of block surface to face the surface to be coated. The
mouth of the applicator should be as close as possible to the surface to assure maximum
block stability and consumption. However, on equipment with serious vibration or other
problems, the applicator should be backed away somewhat from the surface to prevent it from
touching or scraping it. A gap between the surface and the mouth of the applicator up to 12
mm is possible, though closer (5-7 mm) is preferable.

During initial installation of the applicator please consider that space should be left for pin and
plate removal at some later point for the purpose of inserting replacement blocks. There
should also be sufficient open area to pull out the pin.

Two long slits have been cut into one of the wider surfaces of the applicator. These are not
an installation aid but for visual control of block consumption and should always face outward
and be visible. It is therefore not necessary to remove the internal part of the applicator just to
check block consumption. Also, the pin-head should be located on the same side of the
applicator as the two small holes. One newer applicators we now use a consumption indicator
wire which extends from the rear end of the applicator.

Once the applicators are mounted, blocks should only be inserted from the rear side of the
applicator. Simply pull out the pin, remove the internal part, insert the block, reinsert the
internal part so that the coil spring is expanded against the rear of the block and reinsert the
pin. That is all there is to do. Not exactly what could be called a “big maintenance job”.
dMT Ecotech GmbH International
Bretonischer Ring 13, Im TechnoPark
D - 85630 Grasbrunn / Munich
Telephone:
+49-89-43549-477
Telefax:
+49-89-43549-479
Web: www.dmtgms.com
E-Mail: info@dmtgms.com
2
dMT Ecotech International

The TRB blocks (face is 55 x 31 mm) are used primarily for flat surfaces, the TSB
"interlocking blocks" for all other surfaces (wheel flanges, v-shaped corners of rails, pulleys,
cylindrical guide rails, or even flat surfaces too narrow for the TRB blocks. The TSB blocks
are generally inserted with the open or larger end facing the metal surface, not the pointed
end. Look at a picture with the 2 TSB blocks and the KR-TSB applicators. The blocks, when
joined together, should lay inside the applicator in the same position, open end in the mouth of
the applicator, pointed end against the coil spring. Replacement blocks are added from the
back side of the applicator as needed, and interlocked, with the open end of the new block
fitted on to the pointed end of the used block.

The MSB-075 blocks (face is 55 x 29 mm) are used for all surfaces, whether flat or not, to
protect the metal surfaces against wear and to create a non-slip surface coating, ideal for the
traction tread of crane wheels. These blocks are always inserted into the applicators the
same way as the TSB blocks. Replacement blocks are added from the back side of the
applicator as needed, and interlocked, with the open end of the new block fitted on to the
pointed end of the used block.
When the product is mounted and being used for the first time, the surface of the block will,
over the next days, shape itself to the surface it is coating. By continually adding interlocking
blocks and fitting them into each other, a never-ending chain of blocks is created. As the first
block wears to its end, it will pass on the surface profile to the next block behind, thus
preventing any interruption of SPC coating. The "interlocking" system prevents surfaces from
being temporarily not in contact with the block face, therefore ensuring continual coating of the
entire surface.

The block can be positioned in any manner in order to exactly cover the worn metal surface.
There is no need to coat any parts of the metal surface not showing any wear. Simply rotate
the applicator when mounting to get exact fit onto the worn surface only. For contact surfaces
wider than the single block we have solutions which combine blocks to cover such wider
surfaces.

The metal surfaces to be coated do not have to be polished or specially treated in any
manner. However, a blank metal surface is necessary for effective coating to occur. That
means, free of any residual grease or oil, and with rust, corrosion, dirt and dust removed. The
surface does not have to be sanded or smoothed, although this could increase block life. The
rougher the surface, the more SPC will be scraped off of the block. SPC will not improve a
rough surface – this would contradict the resultant reduced metal wear and flaking the blocks
should provide. The block can only prevent a worn surface from wearing even more, but it
cannot reverse the wear of the already worn surface. Therefore, the customer may want to
improve the metal surface somewhat prior to mounting the SPC block. However, this is not
necessary, only useful if practical.
We tell all this to customers, even when they don't specifically ask. Because they are purchasing
trouble-free products of highest quality, and expect satisfactory results, the products must be mounted
and positioned correctly to ensure satisfactory performance and maximum block life.
dMT Ecotech GmbH International
Bretonischer Ring 13, Im TechnoPark
D - 85630 Grasbrunn / Munich
Telephone:
+49-89-43549-477
Telefax:
+49-89-43549-479
Web: www.dmtgms.com
E-Mail: info@dmtgms.com