For in-line dry component cleaning applications, ACP systems is releasing itsPowerSnow QuattroClean technology. The process compresses recycled liquid CO2 into cleaning granules using an integral unit. Compressed air then accelerates the granules, fed through a purpose-designed nozzle, for blasting on to surface that requires cleaning. Thanks to the elimination of the customary external pellet production and logistical effort associated with conventional dry ice cleaning, it is possible to realise a fully-automated and uninterrupted cleaning or deburring process.

The new cleaning process efficiently removes stubborn particulate and filmic contamination from virtually all materials and material combinations. Using cleaning granules made from recycled liquid CO2, the process can clean entire surfaces or selected areas in a reproducible manner. Applications range from surface finishing in body-in-white automotive processes and the removal of welding beads, to the fine deburring of medical instruments and fine-tolerance watch components.

Cylinders or tanks feed the mediato the QuattroClean PowerSnow system, thus offering unlimited shelf life.The jet of compressed air containing the granules has a temperature of around -78°C.

On impacting on the surface, four effects occur. A thermal effect leads to sudden local cooling, where the different expansion coefficients between the substrate and the contaminants cause cracks to form in the latter. A mechanical effect also takes place, where the transfer of momentum detaches impurities. When the snow granules impact on the surface, they undergo a transition from the solid to the gaseous phase, with an abrupt increase in volume of around 600 times. This so-called sublimation effect creates micro-pressure waves that also detach contaminants. In addition, during the transition phase, a solvent effect removes filmic/organic contamination.
For further information www.acp-systems.com

Technical discussions, a strongly attended expert forum and a positive overall mood on all three days of the trade fair testified to the fact that the recently concluded 20th parts2clean exhibition fulfilled all expectations. More than 3000 trade visitors came to the event, the majority of them armed with tasks and projects, as well as a thirst for new information. This resulted in numerous high-quality contacts, new projects and even direct business deals for the more than 150 exhibitors (from 14 countries) at the event.

“We placed a stronger focus on the range of solutions offered at parts2clean for tasks where the highest cleanliness requirements need to be met,” reportedChristoph Nowak, project director at Deutsche Messe, “We thus succeeded in attracting more visitors from this segment of the industry to parts2clean.”

This was confirmed by Dr Günther Schmauz, board member at ACP systems: “With our high-purity snow-blast cleaning solutions, we were previously more of a niche supplier at parts2clean. At this year’s event, however, we were able to welcome a large number of trade fair guests from the fields of EUV lithography, including system partners and suppliers, as well as e-mobility.”

Rainer Straub, board of management and VPsales andcustomer service at
Ecoclean, expressed similar sentiments: “Parts2clean was significantly more successful for us this year than in 2022, certainly due to the ‘high-purity’ theme, which is a focal point in our programme.”

According to Manfred Holzleg, general manager of Safechem Europe “parts2clean always provides the opportunity to meet a diverse audience. This year, we were able to hold numerous discussions, especially with visitors from industries that are new to us. As a result, we can open up new fields of business.”
For further information www.parts2clean.de/en

The lack of flexibility and unsatisfactory powder coating qualities at external job shops induced a Dutch manufacturer of industrial furniture to bring its coating operation in-house. Unlike its competitors, ML Constructie decided to also perform paint preparation by shot blasting in-house with an automatic shot blasting machine from Rösler. Compared with manual processes, the shot blasting cycle times are not only eight times faster, the
automatic solution also produces better qualities at lower costs.

Since manual blast operations are hard and exhausting, it is very difficult to find and keep the people for this kind of work. With the Rösler blast machine, however, employees must only place workpieces onto the respective fixtures and remove them after the blast process.

Another significant contribution towards a better working environment is the low noise emissions, which are considerably lower than manual blast rooms. Moreover, the automated shot-blast process is eight to 10 times faster, while another benefit is the blast machine’s two rails in ‘Y’ design. This configuration allows the operator to place workpieces onto the fixture at one rail branch, while workpieces from the other rail branch undergo blasting. Therefore, unproductive idle equipment times aremore or less a thing of the past. Last but not least, the overall blast cleaning quality is considerably better.

“In the automated shot-blast process, blast media gets into even the tiniest workpiece
corners,” says Ben Luizink, co-owner atML Constructie.”This is nearly impossible with manual shot-blasting operations. Furthermore, the Rösler shot-blast machine is very
tight and emits practically no dust. Since we are coating the workpieces in the same production hall, this is a huge benefit.”
For further information www.rosler.com