Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 7

starting point when working out the ladle shell size. As the ladle goes up in capacity, we find that this rule becomes more of a guideline but it gives a starting point and we’re always happy to defer to what a refractory company says is required. Oh, and try not to run the ladle into a solid object such as a building column. At least not on a regular basis. Internationally, we also have some guidelines to share in the event you also deal with supplier across the pond. Global Terminology It has been said that the USA and the UK are “two nations divided by a common language”. A fact that, after numerous visits to the USA I am happy to agree with. I would guess that the same is likely to be true with Mexico and, say, Chile or Peru. When it comes to the technical side of things most of the terminology is universally common, therefore while one foundry man might refer to a bull ladle and a syphon ladle and another a transfer ladle and a teapot spout ladle, we all will usually have a good idea of what we are talking about. If there’s any confusion photos and drawings will soon clear up any misunderstandings. However when speaking to Americans about general matters, especially if alcohol is involved, say after a trade show, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of using specifically British words or slang. (Some of which may sound rude but probably aren’t). In extreme cases this has resulted in the total bafflement of the listener. So if ever anything is unclear don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or a translation. Or simply buy me another drink. Following on from this, written documents such as operator’s and technical manuals may appear to contain a lot of spelling mistakes but it’s just the way we do it. Center is centre and we like our “U”s (Colour, labour, catalogue and so on). With respect to manuals for Mexico, thanks to the internet it’s as easy to find companies that can translate documents using natural Mexican speakers rather than classical Spanish speakers. Experience has taught me not to rely on Google translate, especially with respect to the more technical terms. Weights & Measures In engineering terms Britain is metric, although imperial measurements are still fighting a strong rear guard action when it comes to things like distances and speeds. However it’s not a problem to list dimensions in inches and weight in pounds in quotations and on drawings etc. Our equipment is manufactured to metric sizes therefore, inch dimensions will be converted. We also tend to avoid tons, as a US ton is 2000 lb whereas the British Imperial ton is 2240 lbs and a metric tonne is 2204 lbs. Time Differences The UK has a single time zone, the USA mainland has four (five if you include Alaska), Mexico has four and I think that Canada has six. Then we have to factor in daylight saving time or as it is laughingly known over here, British summer time. At the time of writing this, the UK is five hours ahead of New York, six hours ahead of Mexico City and eight hours ahead of Vancouver. So it can get a bit confusing determining if somebody is going to be in the office or not. Direct communication by telephone can sometimes be restricted but it’s quite common to set up a telephone or a Skype call, for a prearranged time. If there’s an emergency there is always the cell phone or ‘mobile’ as we refer to it. As another point of interest, the UK tends to use the 24 hour clock more than is it generally used in the USA. We also display our dates differently which can lead to confusion. For example the 5th June 2017 would be 05/06/17 and not 06/05/17. Our computer systems are set up for the British format so dates are automatically displayed in the DD/ MM/YY format. So yes, we may talk a bit funny but we do talk your language when it comes to foundry equipment. Just don’t ask us anything about the NFL or the MLB. Contact: STEVE HARKER steven.harker@acetarc.co.uk 11