Freedom tanks has been manufacturing multiple models of fiberglass tanks in Australia for over 35 years. Headquartered in Maddington, Western Australia, Freedom Tanks have built a reputation for quality products and a diversity of designs.

Manufacturing rainwater tanks, water carting tanks, fire fighting units, liquid fertilizer tanks and multiple compartment tanks, many of the products manufactured when the company began are still in use and performing as well as day one. Today, Freedom Tanks is one of the largest suppliers of tanks in Western Australia. With a commitment to excellence they continually looking for ways to further improve their products and service through new technology, smarter design and customer interaction.

It is that dedication to improving their process that led them to MVP. The Freedom Group has been using MVP Chop and Gelcoat systems in their production for many years, and the reliability of those systems gave the team at Freedom Tank the confidence return to MVP technology.

The Problem:

Prior to 2009 Freedom Tanks used a glass/resin/gelcoat method of grouting the components together on their 10,000 gallon storage tanks, but this method was very time consuming and inefficient. In early 2009, they were having a challenge finding a meter/mix adhesives system that would dispense the materials that they wanted to use in production. They had made the decision to use Loctite’s H4800 Speedbonder, a two-component 10:1 mix ratio methacrylate adhesive. This material is formulated to provide a longer open time for manufacturers seeking between 20 – 25 minutes to correctly align the parts. This adhesive forms a resilient bond and maintains its strength over a wide range of temperatures.

The biggest challenge with dispensing this material was finding a system that could dispense smoothly and quickly, allowing the maximum time to ensure that the components were properly matched prior to the bonding process.

The Solution:

After doing research on composites equipment manufacturers, Freedom Tanks contacted MVP-Australia to see if the MVP’s 10:1 Adhesive Systems would get the job done. This system has double-acting piston pumps for smooth, continuous power, stainless steel transfer pumps, catalyst pump, hoses, gun & fluid sections with air/solvent flushing.

Featuring MVP’s powerslide power head, the 10:1 Adhesives System delivers a rugged 25:1 power ratio from the 7” power head. This unique powerhead has quick response shifting and a pilot valve operated by line pressure for reliability and ease of use. Modular Rapid Access Design (RAD) in the entire system means fewer parts for easy maintenance and low maintenance costs. This system has output capabilities of up to 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms) per minute depending on the viscosity of the material, and a catalyst percentage of 10% by volume. The 10:1 Adhesive System features a dispensing gun that is the #1 choice of methacrylate adhesive bonding users. The gun incorporates an easy ratio check feature that assures proper mix every time.

The beauty of this system is its ability to adapt to many types of materials, viscosities and output requirements. MVP worked very closely with Freedom Tanks to ensure that this system would be ideal for dispensing the loctite material, and both are continuing to work on some specialty adaptations of the system to accommodate the use of other bonding materials.

Conclusion:

Working together, MVP and Freedom Tanks got the system installed in October, 2009, and Freedom Tanks has been using this system successfully ever since. Since installing the 10:1 Adhesive System, and using the Locktite material, they have determined that they are saving a significant amount of money in time and material savings with each tank they manufacture.

Using the MVP 10:1 Adhesive system “gave a more professional finish in a shorter time,” says Freedom Tanks State Manager Dean Horner. “…there is a considerable cost advantage in reduction in labor time to do the same job.”

Freedom Tanks has plans to include the 10:1 Adhesive System in their new facility in Victoria, Australia, with the probability of using the system at future plants in Queensland and South Australia.