FOCUS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The air from the warmer factory hall , where the machines generate waste heat , is transferred into the colder factory hall .
Above and below : Bending on Bystronic press brakes at Brand Metallbau .
A nitrogen generator was recently installed to further enhance autonomy .
bending machines , one Xpert 80 and two Xpert 320s , are contributing to reduced power consumption . The ‘ Energy Saver ’ function means that , when the press brakes are not in use , they switch to standby mode . This is similar to modern cars waiting at a red traffic light .
The new fleet of machines was preceded by a wide range of energy-saving measures . The company has been utilising its waste heat for many years . Air from the warmer factory , where the cutting and bending machines generate waste heat , is transferred into the colder factory hall . An upgrade of the heating fans also resulted in further progress .
In addition , Alex Brand has optimised insulation of the building façade and installed a new heating system , which has further reduced heating costs . The lighting was also modernised during the renovation of the factory ; new LED lighting consumes about 80 per cent less electricity than the older lights .
Energy flow optimisation
Alex Brand is already forging new plans to further increase the energy efficiency of his business . He is not only committed to assuming responsibility and reducing the company ’ s ecological footprint but also , and above all , to economic efficiency . As a jobshop that earns 50 per cent of its turnover as a supplier to the machine industry , Brand Metallbau is particularly sensitive to cost pressure , particularly since labour costs in Switzerland are higher than in neighbouring countries .
To make the most of the company ’ s photovoltaic system , Alex Brand examines the energy flows in his company very carefully .
“ It makes more sense for us to use the electricity ourself than to feed it into the supply grid for just five centimes per kilowatt hour ,” he explains . That is why he is looking for ways to utilise generated electricity even more efficiently . The nitrogen generator and the charging station for electric vehicles have increased his flexibility .
Alex Brand intends to implement further improvements in the coming years . His goal is to become completely self-sufficient in terms of fuel . n
Brand Metallbau
Business areas : Metal construction , steel construction and sheet metal processing from start to finish
Production location : Schattdorf , Switzerland
Number of employees : 45 Production area : 3,700m ²
70 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR October 2021