PRODUCT REVIEWS
Inline dry component cleaning
For inline dry component cleaning applications , ACP Systems AG has developed new powersnow quattroClean technology . In this process , recycled liquid carbon dioxide is compressed into cleaning granules by a unit integrated into the system . These are then accelerated by compressed air , fed through a nozzle and blasted onto the surface to be cleaned . Fully automated and uninterrupted cleaning or deburring is possible .
“ In industrial parts cleaning , the goal of optimising energy and resource efficiency is leading to the increased use of dry processes to reliably remove contamination . At the same time , more and more companies are demanding automated cleaning processes that can be integrated into their production lines . The powersnow fulfils both requirements . Using cleaning granules made from recycled liquid carbon dioxide , the process can clean entire surfaces or selected areas in a reproducible manner . Applications range from surface finishing at the ‘ body-in-white ’ stage and the removal of welding beads to the fine deburring of medical instruments and highquality watch components ,” explained the manufacturer .
The medium is fed to the quattroClean powersnow system from cylinders or tanks and has an unlimited shelf life . A purpose-built unit integrated in the system compresses the liquid CO₂ into fine cleaning granules . This is markedly different to conventional dry ice cleaning , where pellets or dry ice blocks are produced externally and fed to the cleaning system . The system ’ s continuous , automated media supply is an essential prerequisite for fully automated , inline cleaning processes .
The macro particles generated by the compressor unit are accelerated by compressed air and blasted via a nozzle onto the surface to be cleaned in a targeted manner . The jet of compressed air containing the granules has a temperature of around minus 78 ° C .
“ On impacting the surface , the thermal effect leads to sudden local cooling , and the different expansion coefficients between the substrate and the contaminants cause cracks to form in the latter . The mechanical effect due to the momentum transfer detaches the 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 sublimation effect creates micro-pressure waves that also detach contaminants . In addition , during the transition phase , a solvent effect removes filmic / organic contamination ,” said the manufacturer .
The strength of these effects and the intensity of the cleaning jet can be adapted to different cleaning applications or workpieces by varying the volume flow of carbon dioxide , the compressed air pressure and the type of nozzle . This process flexibility makes the new technology extremely versatile . For example , the surfaces of car body parts can be selectively cleaned and activated automatically prior to bonding .
This is also the case when different materials ( such as metal and plastic or metal and wood ) are to be permanently bonded together . Other typical uses include the preparation of surfaces for bonding or welding and the removal of welding beads . Lines can also be utilised for these tasks , with robots carrying out the respective pre- and postprocessing steps .
The mechanical force of the granules and the local embrittlement caused by the intense cooling effect enables burrs to be removed inline from metal components . n
NOVEMBER 2023
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PUBLISHING DIRECTOR : Charlie Wise CONSULTANT : Jon Fellows EDITOR : Sara Waddington
GLOBAL COMMERCIAL MANAGER : Bobby Bagha PRINT CONSULTANT : Jamie Ringrose
DESIGN : Wroxy Meredith
International Sheet Metal Review is published 10 times per year by IN2 Publishing Ltd , on behalf of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions Ltd . © Mack-Brooks Exhibitions Limited .
Below : Differently designed nozzles adapt the dry cleaning process to different cleaning tasks . The nozzle design and dimensions are designed to ensure that hard-to-reach component areas can be cleaned .
The powersnow jet module on a robot .
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ISSN 1471-6542 While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this publication , Mack Brooks Exhibitions , In2Publishing Ltd and the editor cannot accept liability for any statement or error contained herein . © ISMR 2023
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