Increasing demands for component cleanliness, process reliability and energy efficiency are driving the need for smarter industrial cleaning technologies. Responding to these challenges, Ecoclean GmbH has introduced two new developments designed to optimise cleaning quality while reducing energy, resource consumption and operating costs.

The company’s new Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) system enables automated analysis and monitoring of cleaning and rinsing baths using multiple measurement methods within a single platform. Suitable for both multi-bath immersion and chamber cleaning systems, the technology automatically analyses cleaner concentration and bath contamination, helping manufacturers maintain consistent process quality while minimising unnecessary media usage and bath changes.

Unlike conventional solutions that require multiple sensors and manual testing, the LOC system combines titration, pH, conductivity and surface tension measurement in one integrated solution. The technology also enables automated sampling directly from connected process stations, reducing operator intervention and improving process transparency.

Future developments will include total organic carbon (TOC) and particle measurement capabilities, further expanding the system’s analytical functionality.

Alongside the LOC system, Ecoclean has introduced Smart Drying technology, an AI-supported solution designed to optimise hot air and vacuum drying processes. Developed using data from thousands of drying tests, the system continuously analyses humidity, temperature and pressure within the process chamber to determine the most efficient drying strategy for individual components.

By intelligently adapting the drying cycle, Smart Drying reduces energy consumption and process times while ensuring consistently dry components, even when processing different workpiece types.

The new technologies also support increasing documentation and traceability requirements by continuously recording process parameters and enabling stable, reproducible cleaning and drying performance. According to Ecoclean, future development work will focus on expanding AI capabilities into cleaning and rinsing process control.

More information www.ecoclean-group.net

United Machining says its advanced laser technology is transforming the design and manufacture of high-quality textured shoe moulds. The laser process delivers high accuracy and repeatability, combined with design and manufacturing flexibility, predictability and reliability.

To meet the growing and evolving demands from designers of footwear brands for increasingly fine and complex surface structures, United Machining’s laser texturing technology offers a new and cost-competitive way to deliver geometric and natural textures. The process, based on United Machining’s knowledge of high-quality surface finishes, allows manufacturers to achieve structured and fine textures in competitive lead times compared with conventional design and manufacturing processes.

United Machining’s laser texturing technology is a completely digital and repeatable process that reduces manual operations, allows unlimited design flexibility and supports manufacturers in shortening time-to-market. It is these commercial advantages that have alerted the footwear sector to the potential of three- and five-axis laser technology.

The dimension of the laser spot is 0.05 mm, allowing the creation of fine, intricate and complex surface structures that are beyond the scope of conventional technologies. United Machining’s proprietary software helps manufacturers reduce manual operations and a reliance on specialised, manual expertise.

Freedom of design, thanks to the characteristics of this laser solution and the digital processes involved, enables manufacturers to design and apply all kind of textures on parts and mould inserts – a source of market differentiation. In the past, when manufacturers wanted to develop their own bespoke textures, the traditional route forward was to outsource the work, which often impacted lead times and, on occasion, could affect quality.

The use of laser technology means an end to tool breakage issues and the delivery of a safe, flexible and reliable texturing process.

More information www.gfms.com

German maritime propulsion specialist Schottel GmbH has modernised its manufacturing operations with the installation of a roller conveyor shot-blast machine from Rösler. Integrated directly into the company’s steel sheet processing line at its Dörth facility, the RRB 22/5 system has improved efficiency, automation and process reliability.

Founded in 1921, Schottel is a global developer and manufacturer of ship propulsion and manoeuvring systems, offering outputs from 50 to 30,000 kW. As part of an ongoing modernisation programme, the company replaced manual blast room operations with a continuous-flow automated system capable of handling a wide range of flame-cut steel components and plates.

A key requirement was achieving a surface roughness depth of at least Rz 70 µm to ensure optimal adhesion of anti-corrosion coatings used in harsh maritime environments. Rösler developed a bespoke solution based on its standard RRB 22/5 platform, enabling partially automated processing of steel plates up to 5 m long.

The machine incorporates six 15 kW Gamma 400G turbines, delivering high blasting performance with lower energy consumption. Compared with conventional turbine designs, the Y-shaped throwing blades increase blasting efficiency by up to 20% while extending wear life, reports Rösler. A quick-change blade system also minimises maintenance downtime.

Before final approval, Schottel conducted extensive trials using representative workpieces at an existing Rösler customer site operating a near-identical system. Tests confirmed the required surface finish and coating adhesion performance while demonstrating lower wear rates and reduced operational costs.

 

“The results of the blast trials and the positive feedback from the reference customer absolutely convinced us that the RRB 22/5 meets all our quality demands,” says Frank Steinert, manufacturing manager at Schottel.

More information www.rosler.com

As part of its sustainability strategy, AkzoNobel Powder Coatings has launched Eco+ Services, a suite of technical, digital and data-driven solutions designed to help manufacturers measure, understand and improve the sustainability of their coating operations.

Combining digital tools, technical expertise and verified environmental data, Eco+ Services provides manufacturers with practical insights into coating performance, energy consumption and carbon footprint. The initiative is designed to help businesses translate sustainability targets into measurable operational improvements while enhancing process efficiency and environmental transparency.

“Customers today are looking for more than high-performance coatings,” says Jorrit van Rijn, marketing director of AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. “Manufacturers want partners who can help them run more efficient coating operations and better understand their environmental footprint. Eco+ Services gives customers the insights they need to improve performance and make informed decisions about their operations.”

The new offering focuses on three key areas: application optimisation, energy savings and access to verified environmental data. Application optimisation includes Flightpath Pro, an AI-driven solution developed in partnership with CoatingAI that optimises spray gun settings using cloud-based data analysis. The system helps manufacturers reduce overspray and defects while improving coating consistency and lowering material consumption.

Energy-saving services include carbon footprint and curing line assessments that identify opportunities to reduce energy usage and emissions. Eco+ Services also provides verified environmental reporting tools, including third-party certified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for the Interpon D powder coatings range.

“Our technical expertise has always been central to how we support customers,” declares van Rijn. “By combining specialist knowledge with digital tools and environmental insights, Eco+ Services helps manufacturers improve coating performance, reduce carbon footprint and gain clearer visibility of their environmental impact.”

More information www.akzonobel.com