In hospitals and medical practices, billions of sterile-packaged disposable plastic syringes are used, then disposed after only a single use. They are typically manufactured by injection moulding polypropylene using small metal nozzles and nozzle rings. These approximately 6- to 7-cm long machine parts must be cleaned regularly. Engineers at SCHWING Technologies have developed a new small-format vacuum pyrolysis system for these components and other tools. VACUCLEAN COMPACT system is particularly suitable for the thermal removal of plastic from small tooling to a maximum loading capacity of 50 kg. The fully automatic process is safe and gentle, requiring about six to eight hours for vacuum pyrolysis and oxidation cycles at a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Celsius.
Lightweight and compact system
The unit weighs only about 750 kilograms and, with its 100 x 125 x 245 cm (W x D x H) dimenstions, is only slightly larger than a spacious refrigerator. All essential components are integrated into the interior of the system to save space: these include a catalytic converter line, a vacuum pump, a control cabinet and fittings – featuring a 50 x 50 x 35 cm (W x D x H) cleaning chamber including loading platform. A touchscreen panel makes the control of the system easy to operate. Thanks to an external tower light, users always have a clear view of the cleaning status, even from a distance.
Thermal cleaning: energy efficient and environmentally friendly
With the new, electrically operated and easy-to-install system, the SCHWING engineering team is responding to the increased international demand for more compact systems, which will greatly benefit manufacturers of plastic medical products. The small-format system operates energy efficiently and environmentally friendly with low emissions. Additional advantages for producers of medical plastic products: Shorter machine downtimes and an increased service life of the cleaned components not only saves time but also reduces costs.