PRODUCTS & PROCESSES
Ultra-high-frequency , pulsating medium-pressure water jet instead of solid abrasive media
Cleaning weld seams on outer and inner surfaces in a targeted , sustainable and efficient manner
To avoid quality issues during the subsequent cathodic dip painting process , a renowned automobile manufacturer relies on Ecoclean ' s EcoCbooster technology for cleaning weld seams on integral subframes for electric vehicles . In contrast to the previously used method of solid media blasting , which requires an additional aqueous cleaning step , this virtually wear-free , fully automated process removes welding residues from the exterior and interior of parts in a targeted , resource-saving and cost-saving manner without the need for abrasives .
Electric and hybrid vehicles are changing the way vehicles are built in ways that go far beyond the drive technology . For example , due to the weight of the battery , integral subframes now need a higher load-bearing capacity . The redesign of these axle components is also prompting many vehicle manufacturers to reconsider and reassess their production processes . One of these processes is the cleaning step to remove impurities such as silicate islands , scale and smoke residues formed during welding ; these can cause major quality issues in the subsequent cathodic dip painting process and lead to corrosion damage . The cleaning technology generally used is blasting with a solid medium , for example corundum . To remove dust and abrasive residues from the parts prior to cathodic dip painting , another cleaning step in a separate machine is required .
Focus on cost efficiency , sustainability and occupational health and safety
These conventional blasting processes with an additional aqueous cleaning step are wearintensive and costly . Therefore , when designing a new production line for integral subframes , the project planner of a renowned German OEM sought information at parts2clean about ways to optimize this cleaning process . On the one hand , the aim was to clean
weld seams with same or better results , but cheaper , with less maintenance , and saving on resources . On the other hand , the dust pollution occurring in the vicinity of the solid-state blasting machines due to fragmented abrasive needed to be eliminated in order to improve working conditions .
Removing welding residues - parts cleaning included
The planner found what he was looking for with Ecoclean ' s EcoCbooster technology . The patented process employs mediumpressure water jetting in the range between 300 and 700 bar without addition of abrasives . Through the use of ultrasound , the pre-stressed column of water turns into
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54 MAY 2021 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag