As the mineral processing landscape undergoes a seismic shift towards automation and digitalisation, Ashar Locker pioneers integrating artificial intelligence into screening solutions. With a vision for the future shaped by technological prowess and customer-centric innovation, the company’s AI-powered systems herald a new era of efficiency and reliability.

How does Ashar Locker leverage advancements in screening technology to enhance the efficiency and productivity of mineral processing operations?

As a company, we recognise the importance of technological disruptions and constantly seek ways to leverage them to improve our operations and services. Our future strategies are focused on innovation, product development, and enhancing our digital capabilities to improve our customer experience. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, we can drive growth and success in the long run.

Over the past couple of years, Ashar Locker’s anti-clogging screens have proved highly successful in the manufacture of M-sand and P-sand. These handmade and uniquely designed screens efficiently use every motion of the screen. Every wire vibrates individually, which not only improves the efficiency of the plant but also helps develop precise cuts needed for sand manufacturing.

The Rubber & PU meshes, when compared to the wire mesh, have a better wear life, less dust generation, less sound pollution, and are more durable. The only drawback is the reduction in open areas for screening. Non-metallic and metallic have their place and importance, and customers are guided to install the right combination of meshes to bring value to their plants. The top deck can be non-metallic, the second one metallic, and the third can be an anti-clogging screen; this can be decided with the help of the company’s expert technical team.

Could you elaborate on any recent innovations implemented by Ashar Locker to minimise downtime and maintenance requirements for screening equipment?

We are committed to continuous innovation to enhance the efficiency and reliability of screening equipment while minimising downtime and maintenance requirements. One recent innovation we have implemented is the development of advanced self-cleaning screening media.

Traditional screening media often face challenges such as blinding and pegging, which can lead to downtime for cleaning and maintenance. To address this issue, we have engineered self-cleaning screening media that utilise innovative design features and materials to prevent material buildup and clogging.

Our self-cleaning screening media incorporate unique surface profiles, such as open apertures and engineered surface textures, which prevent fine particles from adhering to the screen surface. This allows continuous operation without frequent cleaning or manual intervention, reducing downtime and improving productivity.

We have integrated wear-resistant materials and coatings into our screening media designs to extend the lifespan of the equipment and minimise the need for frequent replacements. These enhancements reduce maintenance requirements and contribute to overall cost savings for our customers.

We also leverage cutting-edge technologies such as predictive maintenance and condition monitoring to proactively identify potential issues before they escalate into downtime-inducing problems. By continuously monitoring equipment performance and health parameters, we can schedule maintenance activities more effectively, optimising uptime and operational efficiency.

Our recent innovations in self-cleaning screening media and predictive maintenance technologies reflect our ongoing commitment to providing solutions that minimise downtime and maintenance requirements for screening equipment. These solutions ultimately enable our customers to achieve higher levels of productivity and profitability.

Given Ashar Locker’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability, could you elaborate on how the new brand identity reflects these core values and shapes the company’s future direction?

The unveiling of Ashar Locker’s new brand identity at Excon 2023 was not a mere cosmetic change but a profound shift in ethos and a commitment to a future-driven perspective. It underscores the company’s dedication to spearheading the transition toward championing a digitally driven and futuristic approach, in alignment with its current role as a technology leader dedicated to enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability for its clients.

Ashar Locker has undergone significant transformation in recent years. We have strengthened our position globally and aim to build on our technology and innovation to provide industry-leading products in the Screening media market. In reflecting on this evolution, we are delighted to unveil a modern brand identity and logo that aligns with our purpose and strategic direction.

 Could you provide more details on how this material prioritises environmental consciousness while maintaining worker safety?

Our commitment is not only to ensure the efficiency of our products but also their environmental sustainability. For instance, unlike many competitors who utilise the toxic chemical MOCA in producing Polyurethane panels, a substance known to pose health risks and contribute to cancer among manufacturing personnel, we prioritise safer alternatives. Some manufacturers opt for MOCA for cost savings, disregarding the potential harm to workers and end-users, who may be exposed to harmful emissions when these panels are subjected to sunlight.

We strictly refrain from using such hazardous materials, prioritising the well-being of our employees, customers, and the environment.

Responsibility extends beyond our company to our customers. Customers must pose pertinent questions to their suppliers during the procurement process, ensuring that harmful chemicals, such as MOCA, are avoided. Only through such diligence can the market for environmentally sustainable products continue to expand and thrive.

Could you offer insights into how AI will revolutionise the screening solution landscape and what benefits it will bring your customers?

As a forward-thinking company, we recognise the immense impact of technological advancements on our operations and services. Embracing this reality, we are committed to leveraging these disruptions to propel our business forward. Our future strategies revolve around innovation, continuous product development, and enhancing our digital capabilities to provide an unparalleled customer experience. Maintaining a leading edge in technological advancements is critical to ensuring sustained growth and success.

We currently utilise AI to manage inventory efficiently, streamline our processes, and improve overall efficiency. Looking ahead, we are exploring the exciting potential of integrating AI into our manufacturing processes. We understand the transformative power of AI automation and robotics in driving business expansion, and we are actively evaluating the necessary infrastructure for a seamless integration process. By staying at the forefront of technological innovation, we are poised to meet the evolving needs of our customers and remain at the forefront of our industry.

As you navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, what strategies does Ashar Locker employ to ensure compliance while fostering an environment conducive to sustainable growth?

As we navigate the dynamic regulatory landscape, Ashar Locker employs a multifaceted approach to ensure compliance while fostering an environment conducive to sustainable growth. First and foremost, we prioritise staying abreast of regulatory changes and developments relevant to our industry. Our dedicated compliance team monitors updates in regulations, standards, and best practices, ensuring we remain fully informed and compliant with all applicable laws and requirements.

We invest in robust internal policies and procedures to promote ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. Regular training programs and awareness campaigns further reinforce our commitment to compliance at all levels.

We are also actively engaging with regulatory authorities, industry associations, and stakeholders to stay proactive in shaping regulatory frameworks and advocating for policies that support sustainable growth. By participating in dialogues and sharing our expertise, we contribute to developing regulations that balance industry needs with environmental and societal concerns.

Sustainability is ingrained in our corporate culture and business practices. We continually seek innovative solutions to minimise our environmental footprint, reduce waste, and conserve resources. From utilising sustainable raw materials in our products to implementing energy-efficient manufacturing processes, we strive to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our business.

Our approach to compliance and sustainable growth involves proactive monitoring of regulatory changes, adherence to internal policies and standards, stakeholder engagement, and a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility. By aligning our operations with regulatory requirements and sustainability principles, we aim to ensure compliance and drive long-term, sustainable growth for Ashar Locker and the communities we serve.

How does Ashar Locker envision the role of cutting-edge global design criteria in shaping the Indian anti-clogging market, and what benefits does it bring to your customers?

We have always believed in innovation and technology, and our products are in huge demand across all minerals in the industry. Our dedicated R&D team has always focused on developing products that create value for our customers. Some of our flagship products, like the Anti-clogging screens, have enabled our customers to operate their plants during heavy monsoons.

These screens combine polyurethane with steel to make them high-flexible screens that allow each wire to vibrate individually from end to end, allowing the material to pass through smoothly even in the wettest conditions. Ashar Locker was the first to introduce this product in India, which enabled our customers to achieve high throughput screening throughout the monsoon season. Screening in those three months of the year had been a massive pain point for the industry. Poly-Ripple is an excellent alternative in any application where a customer encounters blinding in traditional wire mesh. Our technology used in the production process is developed in-house and is proprietary to our group.