Cylinder brushes have played a crucial role in industrial and commercial applications for over a century. Their versatile design and adaptability have enabled a wide range of uses across various industries. Check out the inside cover page in the collage image. It’s pulled from the 1952 E Gornell & Sons (“Gornell Brush”) catalog. Although we’re not sure now what those huge cylinder brushes next to Mr. Gornell were for, we can bet they were used in either industrial, manufacturing or food processing applications.
Early 20th Century: Manufacturing and Textile Processing
In the early 1900s, cylinder brushes were integral to the burgeoning industrial revolution. Textile mills relied on them for cleaning, carding, and processing fabrics faster than human hands alone could. Their rotating action helped remove lint and dust from fabric surfaces, ensuring smooth production lines.
In paper manufacturing, cylinder brushes cleaned and conditioned rollers, maintaining product quality and reducing downtime. Even today, brushes are utilized in paper mills for cleaning and processing applications.
Mid-20th Century: Agricultural and Food Processing
By the mid-1900s, agriculture and food processing industries embraced cylinder brushes. In agricultural machinery, these brushes cleaned harvested crops like potatoes, carrots, and beets, removing soil and debris before packaging.
In food processing plants, cylinder brushes cleaned conveyor belts and sorted produce, enhancing sanitation and efficiency. Many of these processes are still in use in agriculture today!
Late 20th Century: Automotive and Metalworking
The rise of the automotive industry in the latter half of the century saw cylinder brushes being used in car manufacturing plants. They cleaned and polished metal parts, removed burrs from machined components, and prepared surfaces for painting.
Although not cylinder brushes specifically, there are also beam sweep brushes used to clean off the tracks on the paint line. Schaefer Brush offers many of these brushes for overhead conveyor systems to reduce downtime by cleaning the track constantly.
Similarly, in metalworking, cylinder brushes have been used for deburring, polishing, and surface finishing, contributing to precision engineering. Surface prep and finishing is still one area where high-quality brushes are demanded to ensure a high-quality product.
Early 21st Century: Environmental and Industrial Cleaning
As environmental concerns grew in the 21st century, cylinder brushes found applications in eco-friendly cleaning technologies. Street-sweeping machines equipped with these brushes cleaned urban areas, reducing pollution and improving public hygiene.
In industrial cleaning, they were used in large-scale facilities for scrubbing floors, conveyor belts, and production equipment.
Present Day: Advanced Manufacturing and Specialized Applications
Today, cylinder brushes continue to be found useful with advancements in material science and automation. They are designed with specialized bristles to handle unique tasks in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and medical device manufacturing.
Their precision in cleaning delicate surfaces, applying coatings, and managing high-speed production lines highlights their enduring relevance.
Takeaways
Over the past century, cylinder brushes have adapted to meet the changing needs of various industries. From textile processing and agricultural cleaning to automotive production and modern industrial applications, their versatility has stood the test of time.
As technology advances, the future of cylinder brushes promises even more innovative applications, driven by new materials and automation technologies. Here at Schaefer Brush, we’re keeping up with the latest technology to ensure we can provide cost-effective and high-quality solutions to ensure we are offering our customers the best in the industry.
Schaefer Brush Names New President and CEO
/0 Comments/in Corporate, News /by Michelle SwiniarskiSchaefer Brush Manufacturing, LLC is pleased to announce that its Board has appointed Gonzalo Martinez as President and Chief Executive Officer effective December 1, 2021.
Schaefer Brush’s “Number One Priority”
/0 Comments/in Corporate /by EllaWhat is our Safety Culture like?
Schaefer Brush’s approach to safety in the workplace is inclusive and adaptive, meaning anyone can have a positive impact on safety at any given time. The safety culture in the workplace is set up so that any employee can bring up a concern or suggestion for improvement whenever they feel it is needed.
However, safety in the workplace is never quite perfect. As the business grows and the number of machines in the building increases, the safety of the building must be constantly assed, taking in factors like noise, walking room, and the ability to view signs that indicate any tools that may be needed in case of an emergency.
Overall, the approach to safety at Schaefer brush is constantly working towards improvements. This is why Engineering and Quality Manager, Erin Clay, describes safety in the workplace culture as our “Number one priority”
How are we Constantly Improving Safety in the Workplace?
Again, anyone can have a positive impact on safety. If an employee has specific questions or concerns about their safety or others, our team at Schaefer Brush immediately gets to work to improve the workplace as soon as possible. Our employees have a big say and take responsibility to report problems they may have. The culture of safety within Schaefer Brush makes sure no one is scared to speak up about a suggestion that could remove the possibility of an injury.
Erin Clay states, “We try hard to address issues right away”
Why does Effective Training Matter?
An effective process of training both new and existing employees has been cautiously thought through. As soon as a new worker starts their first day, they are given a basic building safety tour and emergency procedures walk through. They are shown were any fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, exits, and severe weather shelters are. Some employees are trained in forklift, fire extinguisher, chemical, and electrical safety as well. Each machine operator also is trained specifically for each machine that they will be operating, to prevent any confusion that risks injury.
Refresher training is also provided for forklifts and fire extinguishers when required. General safety refreshers are also provided to employees when needed, if there are ever concerns with safety risks or corners being cut.
SAFETY COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT
“To Provide a Safe and Healthful Work Environment through the Involvement of Management and Employees”
Schaefer Brush Series 8138 Overview
/0 Comments/in Corporate /by EllaWhat is the 8138 Series?
The 8138 series is a series of welder brushes with different filament materials that each serve a different purpose. Each plastic handle is filled with wire filament and stapled to the head of the brush on one side.
Schaefer Brush is a leading American manufacturer of these brushes. This machine can make 10,000 brushes per shift. The plastic handles with ergonomic finger grooves, make the handle ideal for grip and precision in harder to reach areas. This design factor is important because welding brushes need stability and precision for the jobs they are used in.
What different Filament Types are there?
There are 7 different filament types, each serving its own purpose and use in different industries.
How do I Match a Filament to a Task?
When selecting a scratch brush filament, consider:
Applications of Filaments
Welding brushes are essential tools for surface preparation, cleaning, and finishing in metalworking. The type of filament used in a scratch brush directly affects its performance, durability, and suitability for specific tasks. Here’s a breakdown of common filament types and their best-use scenarios:
Best for: Lightweight cleaning of non-ferrous metals
Why use it:
Softer than steel, reduces surface damage
Non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant
Lightweight and easy to handle
Applications:
Aircraft and automotive components
Non-ferrous metal cleaning
Surface prep without contamination
Best for: Gentle cleaning of many metals
Why use it:
Softer than steel
Non-sparking
Won’t scratch softer metals
Applications:
Electrical components
Soft metal surfaces
Best for: Non-sparking cleaning of soft to medium metals
Why use it:
Medium abrasiveness for effective cleaning
High corrosion resistance
Conductive but non-magnetic
Applications:
Oil & gas equipment cleaning
Marine surface prep
Electrical component maintenance
Best for: General cleaning of surfaces, light rust and dirt removal, surface preparation
Why use it:
Consistent brushing action
Heat-resistant
Applications:
Carbon steel surfaces
Weld seam cleaning
Removing paint or rust
Best for: Non-contaminating cleaning on stainless and non-ferrous metals
Why use it:
Corrosion-resistant
Non-reactive with stainless steel
Maintains surface integrity
Applications:
Stainless steel welds
Aluminum and brass cleaning
Food-grade and medical equipment prep
Best for: Dusting, polishing, and fine cleaning
Why use it:
Extremely gentle on delicate surfaces
Non-sparking and non-conductive
Ideal for organic and sensitive materials
Applications:
Glass and wood cleaning
Soft metal polishing
Art restoration and optics maintenance
Best for: Light-duty cleaning, polishing, and deburring
Why use it:
Flexible and non-abrasive
Safe for most delicate surfaces
Applications:
Plastic and wood surfaces
Light rust or paint removal
Surface finishing and prep
Precision for Every Application: Schaefer Brush’s Custom Brush Solutions
/0 Comments/in Corporate /by Amy Linzmeyer-JelinekFor more than a century, Schaefer Brush has built brushes that power industries forward. While our catalog offers hundreds of proven designs, many projects demand something entirely unique. That’s where our custom brush capabilities deliver exceptional value.
Our work in the OEM sector, particularly in the HVAC industry, showcases our ability to design brushes that integrate seamlessly into specialized equipment. Whether the need is a unique diameter for tube cleaning or a brush that’s completely non-sparking, we engineer solutions that others can’t match.
Solving Unique Industry Challenges
Every custom project starts with a problem that can’t be solved off the shelf. Schaefer Brush has partnered with customers to:
Material Expertise You Can Count On
Our supply network is as diverse as the industries we serve. Schaefer Brush can source and work with materials ranging from inconel and food-grade nylons to special animal fibers and high-performance alloys.
We frequently manufacture with:
With over a century of experience, our team guides customers toward the best materials for their application, ensuring reliability, performance, and safety.
A Clear Process from Concept to Delivery
Our custom brush process is designed for precision:
Why Customers Choose Schaefer Brush
When a standard brush won’t work, Schaefer Brush delivers a solution that will. From HVAC OEMs to specialized industrial applications, we bring the experience, materials, and manufacturing capabilities to create brushes that perform exactly as needed.
Schaefer Brush — Custom-Made to Fit Your Challenge.
From Industry Roots to Modern Innovations: The Legacy of Cylinder Brushes
/0 Comments/in Corporate /by Amy Linzmeyer-JelinekCylinder brushes have played a crucial role in industrial and commercial applications for over a century. Their versatile design and adaptability have enabled a wide range of uses across various industries. Check out the inside cover page in the collage image. It’s pulled from the 1952 E Gornell & Sons (“Gornell Brush”) catalog. Although we’re not sure now what those huge cylinder brushes next to Mr. Gornell were for, we can bet they were used in either industrial, manufacturing or food processing applications.
Early 20th Century: Manufacturing and Textile Processing
In the early 1900s, cylinder brushes were integral to the burgeoning industrial revolution. Textile mills relied on them for cleaning, carding, and processing fabrics faster than human hands alone could. Their rotating action helped remove lint and dust from fabric surfaces, ensuring smooth production lines.
In paper manufacturing, cylinder brushes cleaned and conditioned rollers, maintaining product quality and reducing downtime. Even today, brushes are utilized in paper mills for cleaning and processing applications.
Mid-20th Century: Agricultural and Food Processing
By the mid-1900s, agriculture and food processing industries embraced cylinder brushes. In agricultural machinery, these brushes cleaned harvested crops like potatoes, carrots, and beets, removing soil and debris before packaging.
In food processing plants, cylinder brushes cleaned conveyor belts and sorted produce, enhancing sanitation and efficiency. Many of these processes are still in use in agriculture today!
Late 20th Century: Automotive and Metalworking
The rise of the automotive industry in the latter half of the century saw cylinder brushes being used in car manufacturing plants. They cleaned and polished metal parts, removed burrs from machined components, and prepared surfaces for painting.
Although not cylinder brushes specifically, there are also beam sweep brushes used to clean off the tracks on the paint line. Schaefer Brush offers many of these brushes for overhead conveyor systems to reduce downtime by cleaning the track constantly.
Similarly, in metalworking, cylinder brushes have been used for deburring, polishing, and surface finishing, contributing to precision engineering. Surface prep and finishing is still one area where high-quality brushes are demanded to ensure a high-quality product.
Early 21st Century: Environmental and Industrial Cleaning
As environmental concerns grew in the 21st century, cylinder brushes found applications in eco-friendly cleaning technologies. Street-sweeping machines equipped with these brushes cleaned urban areas, reducing pollution and improving public hygiene.
In industrial cleaning, they were used in large-scale facilities for scrubbing floors, conveyor belts, and production equipment.
Present Day: Advanced Manufacturing and Specialized Applications
Today, cylinder brushes continue to be found useful with advancements in material science and automation. They are designed with specialized bristles to handle unique tasks in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and medical device manufacturing.
Their precision in cleaning delicate surfaces, applying coatings, and managing high-speed production lines highlights their enduring relevance.
Takeaways
Over the past century, cylinder brushes have adapted to meet the changing needs of various industries. From textile processing and agricultural cleaning to automotive production and modern industrial applications, their versatility has stood the test of time.
As technology advances, the future of cylinder brushes promises even more innovative applications, driven by new materials and automation technologies. Here at Schaefer Brush, we’re keeping up with the latest technology to ensure we can provide cost-effective and high-quality solutions to ensure we are offering our customers the best in the industry.
Enhanced Cleaning with Spin Grit and Spin Clean Brushes
/0 Comments/in Corporate /by Amy Linzmeyer-JelinekSpin Grit and Spin Clean brushes are designed to deliver superior cleaning performance, especially in industrial applications like condenser cleaning. These brushes are built with specialized features, making them an ideal choice for achieving better results compared to traditional cleaning tools.
What Are Spin Grit and Spin Clean Brushes?
These brushes are crafted with a single stem construction and silicon carbide and nylon coextruded bristles. The silicon carbide throughout the filaments provide exceptional durability and abrasive power, which are ideal for cleaning tasks that require more than just a regular scrub. The bristles in these brushes are uniquely designed to be oversized. This allows the long bristles to bend over during use, ensuring that the aggressive filaments come into maximum contact with the surface to be cleaned.
In addition to the long bristles, our Spin-Clean brushes feature short bristles strategically positioned to reach into the grooves, ensuring thorough cleaning of every part of the surface, including difficult-to-reach areas.
Applications and Benefits
Spin Grit and Spin Clean brushes are ideal for cleaning and maintaining condenser tubes. Specifically, the design of these brushes makes them perfect for brass tubes. Their unique bristle structure allows for superior contact with the lands and grooves of the tube, resulting in better cleaning performance.
Some of the benefits of these brushes include:
These features combine to provide a cleaner surface with fewer passes, reducing cleaning time and improving overall efficiency.
Why Choose Spin Grit and Spin Clean Brushes?
Compared to conventional brushes, Spin Grit and Spin Clean brushes offer several distinct advantages:
For businesses seeking to improve cleaning efficiency and reduce maintenance costs, Spin Grit and Spin Clean brushes are an excellent investment. With enhanced design and superior materials, they outperform traditional brushes, providing long-lasting, reliable cleaning solutions for a range of industrial needs.
Improved Capabilities at Schaefer Brush
/0 Comments/in Corporate /by Amy Linzmeyer-JelinekAt Schaefer Brush, we’re excited to expand our capabilities to offer even better burr brushes. These power tube brushes with blunt ends are essential for cleaning out blind holes—those hard-to-reach areas in machining, manufacturing, and maintenance.
We’ve made significant advancements in both materials and manufacturing processes. By investing in state-of-the-art technology and high-quality materials, we’ve enhanced the durability and effectiveness of our burr brushes. This ensures they deliver consistent, reliable performance even in the most demanding environments.
Key features of our enhanced burr brushes include:
Schaefer Brush is committed to providing solutions that redefine industry standards. Our expanded range of burr brushes is just one way we’re helping our customers achieve greater precision and efficiency in their operations.
For more information, send an email to info@schaeferbrush.com.
How to Choose Your Industrial Brush Filament
/in Conveyor Cleaning, HVAC/Refrigeration, MRO/Industrial, Plumbing /by Michelle SwiniarskiIndustrial brushes are manufactured with filaments specifically made to help you with industrial and commercial debris removal and cleaning. At Schaefer Brush, we ensure that each brush is crafted using industrial quality and long-lasting filaments with tradesmen, manufacturers and maintenance professionals in mind.
Choosing the right brush filament can seem daunting at first, especially with so many options available from which to choose. We’ve crafted a list of different brush filament options for you so that you can decide which brush is the best fit for you!
A Closer Look: HVAC Accessories
/in HVAC/Refrigeration /by Michelle SwiniarskiSchaefer Brush has been designing and manufacturing industrial quality, long-lasting, efficient cleaning tools that are designed to perform under heavy use by tradesmen since 1905. Beyond our impressive line of professional HVAC/Refrigeration brushes, we also manufacture the accessories HVAC/Refrigeration professionals need to get the job done!
Plumbing Brush Selection Guide
/in Plumbing /by Michelle SwiniarskiSchaefer Brush offers a wide variety of copper fitting brushes and plumbing tools for your professional needs. We manufacture a great selection of these brushes with both stainless steel and carbon filament options so you can clean and deburr fittings and tubing in a variety of plumbing applications. Our goal is to always provide precision and quality brushes created with modern technology and equipment so that you can trust that our products will be able to handle the job that needs to be done.
MRO/Industrial Brush Selection Guide
/in MRO/Industrial /by Michelle SwiniarskiWhether you’re looking for professional-grade brushes for surface preparation, treatment, or scheduled maintenance, Schaefer Brush has you covered! We manufacture the best industrial brushes for maintenance, repair and operations. We’re ready to help you keep manufacturing equipment performing at its best.