Consider your joints.

In inserted riser commutators, the connection between the riser and the copper bar is critical both mechanically and electrically.

Silver braze, while more expensive than the silphos traditionally used, solves the problem. In some environments, H2S (hydrogen sulfide) reacts with the phosphorus in standard silphos joints and causes increased resistance and decreased stability. In paper, metals, food processing, phosphate and gas plants, H2S is often the culprit, and the problem is exacerbated when the motor is subjected to higher performance standards than in the past.

Ask us about the optimal material choices for your application, and we will steer you straight to the solution. We are ICC, and improving commutators is our only job. Industry depends on it.

Did you know?

The very material we use day in and day out in the electro-mechanical industry has properties we don’t think about. Copper has long been known for its infection killing properties, the knowledge of which dates back to as early as 3200 B.C. and record of which dates back to c. 1700 B.C..

The free electron in its outer orbital shell of electrons, which also makes copper such a good conductor, allows the ions to actively seek and then destroy the DNA and RNA in bacteria and viruses. More information can be found on the CDA’s Website at www.copper.org, and the official EPA Registration information is here: https://lnkd.in/ewPSVsw.

Sometimes it's all about the winder!

A winder's job is not easy on a good day. So at ICC, we do everything we can to ensure that regular and EQ slots are perfect.
The consistency and accurate dimensioning on our end make the winder's job just a little bit easier.

When an elevator in a New York City hospital goes down, it's a full-on emergency.

Working on a rush delivery schedule, we redesigned, fabricated and delivered this complete new, 275 bar, v-ring commutator 2 days faster than quoted. Originally designed with the bolts behind the risers, at the customer’s request, we redesigned it to make it easier to install.

Everything we do at ICC is designed to maximize efficiency, without cutting corners. Whether you need a job built on Straight Time or in an emergency, you have come to know us for being dependable, dedicated, and nimble. When we get your call, we know exactly what to do, and we’ll make it happen with around the clock staffing and priority status in-house.

Call us when you want it fast, reliably and without a price tag that lands you in the ER!

People First

Owning a business is first and foremost a commitment to the people who work there and the people we serve. We have taken drastic measures in juggling shifts, disinfecting professionally, adding paid sick leave, and guaranteeing to every employee that no matter the hurdles, I will personally make sure that not a single one goes without a paycheck, without health insurance, or without anything else that they and their families have come to rely on. Is it easy? No. But in a world where stress levels are at an all-time high, anything we can do as business owners to help take some of the worries off the list, is a win. The people of ICC are talented, committed and incredible human beings. And what’s more, if we answer your phone call, help solve a problem, build you a commutator, or place an order with you, you become one of us. We are here, we are busy, and we will always go above and beyond. Count on us. We are ICC.

-Laura Lyke

Why is oven baking time such a hot issue?

Time is money...is the short answer.

“In your kitchen, turning up oven temperature will not bake a cake faster, it will just burn the exterior leaving the inside raw. So too, is the effect in commutator construction.”

— Excerpt from Connections Commutator Repair Guide

Do you expect to season your commutator while it is operating? Probably not.

That’s our job. Thorough baking cycles are imperative to stability in operation. Mica v-rings aren’t completely cured until a comm is fully at temperature (350° F) for a minimum of 4 hours.  But, there’s more. Copper and steel expand and contract at different rates and by different amounts.

Full thermal cycling ensures that none of this has to happen when your production is on the line.

We are ICC, and improving commutators is our only job. 
Our industry depends on it.

---

If you would like a copy of our technical commutator repair guide, that contains 31 chapters on everything from troubleshooting and diagnosing field issues to frequently asked questions. Please send a request to Info@iccinternational.com.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Extension Banding

We've said it before but it's worth repeating.
Good extension banding is absolutely critical to maintain the life of your comm. Banding with gaps and cracks allows for carbon to infiltrate, ultimately leading to shorts or even worse, complete failures. It's important to inspect the banding from time to time as well as coat the banding and the front face of the bars with Viton or Limitrac.
If you have any questions ICC is always here to help, even if you didn't buy your comm from us

Segment Pack Bore

When you have new tooling that literally makes the segment pack bore shine like a piece of art.

Mica Matters

Mica matters. This segment mica is made of alkyd vinyl with low resin content. Mica acts as the insulator between each copper bar to avoid shorting out the commutator. At a dielectric strength of 600V per mil (24,000 V bar to bar on an average comm), it can handle just about anything. ICC Materials

Commutator Wrapped Caps

What you see here is a beautifully wrapped front cap on this large glassband commutator. There are various reasons for wrapping the cap but generally speaking, the purpose is insulation from an EQ ring.

Undercutting: Glassband Commutator

Glassband comms come in all shapes and sizes. Here, this tall, skinny comm is receiving pre-undercutting. Many clients choose to have ICC do the pre undercutting to save hours on their shop floor. And while he looks great in green that tape is in place to protect against any contamination. It will be removed, tested and QC'ed again before heading over to have risers straightened. https://iccinternational.com/building-process

News Sentinel Article: Women CEOs in East Tennessee

‘I have made a discovery. When interviewed while on vacation, the result is far more personal, and maybe just a little more human than when I answer the very same questions while sitting at my desk. When reading it with as much objectivity as I could muster, I found it to be an interesting result, but it certainly gets to the heart of what it’s like to be a part of ICC and it’s culture. Thanks to Brenna McDermott for taking the time to delve into life as a CEO from women’s perspectives.’ - Laura Lyle, President and CEO

Read the full article here.

#WomenInBusiness #WomenCEO #WomenInManufacturing #FemaleEntrepreneur #WomenWhoLead #SmallBusinessOwner

Arconic Foundation Internship Program of Blount County

We are proud to be a continuing partner of the Arconic Foundation Global Internship Program of Blount County and wish all the graduates tremendous success in their future careers. And thank you for giving ICC the opportunity to be a part of this program, we too learn a lot from interacting with the students.

V-Ring Torque Values

Please note: when checking bolts on a v-ring comm, standard fastener torque charts can not be used. Over tightening a comm can result in bent dovetails, in turn leading to loose bars. If you have a question about the proper torque for your specific comm, please don't hesitate to ask. ICC is here to help, even if you didn't buy your comm from us.

Materials Matter

The commutator is the heart of a DC motor. While it doesn't take a large variety of materials to manufacture a comm the choices we make couldn't be more critical. With fewer DC motors in operation today, big DC required to perform better than ever. Did you know that silphos braze materials can actually cause issues with connectivity as the joint breaks down in certain applications? Instead, 38% silver braze will eliminate this risk and provide a stronger connection over time, both mechanically and electrically. The right material and design can prolong the life and performance of your commutators. https://iccinternational.com/building-process

DC is here to stay.

So maybe that’s not a statement you hear every day, but hear me out. As the DC motor market shrinks, where they are still used, the performance standards are higher than ever. Big DC must be engineered to support improved motor performance, and withstand more rigorous operating conditions. The commutator is a huge contributor to this as a major component, and ICC is the company worldwide that is continually working to improve the processes, materials, and the finished product. Watch our most recent video from the EASA International conference to learn more, and tell us what you think. I, for one, am committed to improving the health of this industry not just in North America, but around the world. Please join me. Laura Lyke, President & CEO

ICC International attends 2019 EASA International Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada

The ICC crew was working hard at the booth during the #EASA2019 convention in Las Vegas and the visitors were enjoying our new blue beverage, the ICC-NV.

ICC is Seeking a Full-Time Machinist

Do you know anyone hoping to work for a great company? ICC is seeking candidates to join us in the following position as we expand operations. Position is available immediately.

*Machinist*

ICC is seeking a senior level machinist for our evening shift position. Candidates will need to setup and operate manual lathes and be able to edit macro programming for CNC. A great machinist needs to possess manual dexterity and an eye for detail. They must also have knowledge of mathematics and mechanics as well as respect for safety precautions.

Responsibilities:
Review samples, drawings or instructions to understand the specifications of output
Plan the sequence of necessary actions for the completion of a job
Select appropriate machines (e.g. lathes) and position or load material for a job
Monitor machine while working to adjust the feed, maintain temperature and identify issues
Check output to ensure consistency with specifications and discard defects
Keep records of approved and defective units or final products

Plan to build a career here, as we offer bonus programs, full benefits (currently 100% paid by ICC for employees, and 50% paid for your family), and a great atmosphere. ICC is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants should send resumes with salary expectations and shift availability to: Careers@ICCInternational.com or you may complete an application on site at 1620 Robert C. Jackson Drive, Maryville, TN 37801

Longtime Machinist, Rick retires after 13 years at ICC

Take care Rick, but don't be a stranger, stop in for a visit now and then.

Closing out 2018 with our 35 Acts of Kindness Campaign

2018 was an incredible year for ICC. 
Beyond being the best year in our history, winning the Small Business of The Year award for Blount County, we completed our 35 Acts of Kindness Campaign in celebration of 35 years in business.

We hire great people, who build and service great products, and this allows us to give back to the community. With the effort and commitment to doing good, we believe that our success this year represents this coming full circle. We will forever be grateful.

Here is the final compilation of all 35 Acts of Kindness.