This is how we clean
With temperatures from approx. 430 °C organic substances (polymers/plastics) are decomposed into low temperature carbonization gas and carbon and removed in this manner from the tools and machine parts. This process is called pyrolysis. With thermal cleaning, the actual pyrolysis phase is followed by a thermal oxidation phase where the remaining carbon is completely removed.
The art consists of optimizing the cleaning process in regard to the sensitivity of the product to be cleaned, the cleaning quality, duration, safety, energy efficiency and environmental compatibility.
Removal of plastics, paints and other coatings
SCHWING deliberately takes advantage of the individual cleaning processes, for example pyrolysis under vacuum or fluidized bed pyrolysis and combines them since more than 50 years of experience in thermal process control. This produces customized cleaning concepts for specific applications, tools and/or materials satisfying every customer.
Pyrolysis in vacuum furnace
The removal of plastic deposits on tools and long components is usually done with VACUCLEAN in an electrically heated vacuum-cleaning chamber. The temperature is measured directly on the component, which is then slowly and carefully heated, whereby a large part of the attached polymers melt and runoff. At approx. 450 °C the remaining polymers disintegrate, the remaining carbon is then removed by supplied air (oxidation).
Thermal decomposition in fluidized bed
All polymers - even halogenated materials such as PVC or PTFE - including small and medium sized tools and components can be quickly and safely removed with the INNOVACLEAN fluidized bed pyrolysis system. INNOVACLEAN completely carbonizes each polymer from e.g. spray nozzles, perforated discs or spinnerets and assembled spin packs, static mixers, assembled pumps, non-return valves, hot runner components and many other components.
Pyrolysis in industrial furnace
Plastics without halogenated additives are removed with the environmentally friendly MAXICLEAN pyrolysis furnace. The tools and other components to be cleaned are thus not affected mechanically or thermally. MAXICLEAN is especially suitable for particularly large tools and complex components.
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Thermal Cleaning
- Advantage: thermal cleaning is currently the most environmentally friendly, quickest and most economical type of polymer removal. If the thermal cleaning is done in a vacuum or in a fluidized bed, it is possible to clean parts with particularly high care.
- Disadvantage: with particular sensitive and complex tools (e.g. spinnerets) it is possible that post-processing is required e.g. ultrasonic cleaning.
Conclusion: For basic cleaning as well as complete cleaning in the field of plastic removal the special SCHWING pyrolysis furnaces and fluidized bed systems are best suited.
Manual cleaning
con soplete, rascador, cepillo, etc.
- Advantage: can be done in the factory.
- Disadvantage: often leads to damage to parts of the tool and the machine. The part being cleaned can be affected by uneven heating. Damaged tool surfaces reduce production quality. Most suitable for very robust machine parts.
No cleaning of porous surfaces, only suitable for smooth surfaces.
Conclusion: this type of cleaning should not be used.
Mechanical cleaning
Blasting: dry ice, water, blasting agent
- Advantage: Dry ice is environmentally friendly and protects the material.
- Disadvantage: Dry ice is too expensive to be used as an exclusive cleaning process and is not yet economically viable. Other types of blasting used in mechanical cleaning leave remnants of blasting agent and surface damage on tools and parts.
Conclusion: should be used preferably for post-processing of the part being cleaned for partial cleaning.
Chemical cleaning
- Disadvantage: Damage to tool possible, polluting (depending on the solvent / chemical), high operating costs, time intensive.
Conclusion: can be used in post processing for particular contaminants. Otherwise, rather unsuitable.
Ultrasonic cleaning
- Advantage: Environmentally friendly and no damage to surfaces. This technique has the advantage of being able to penetrate areas that are difficult to access. Often the components do not have to be disassembled.
- Disadvantage: only suitable for light contamination / residues.
Conclusion: Post-treatment with ultrasound is the ideal complement for thermal cleaning of small or sensitive components.
Cleaning with laser
- Advantage: Very precise and gentle cleaning.
- Disadvantage: high investment costs, high safety regulations, only suitable for very thin and homogeneous contaminants.
Conclusion: not yet economical at present.
"Total Expertise in Thermal Cleaning"
Thermal cleaning systems
SCHWING is the only manufacturer worldwide who offers all advanced thermal cleaning technologies for the removal of polymers and organic contaminations from metal tools and machine parts of any type and size. Whether using pyrolysis, thermal decomposition under vacuum conditions or a thermal conversion process in a fluidized bed, SCHWING masters all methods to clean components without any residues.
CLEAN – cleaned perfectly without carbon residues
QUICKLY cleaned and immediately returned to production
GENTLE on the part, tool and the environment
ECONOMICAL in terms of energy consumption and operation
SAFE through operation with intelligent controls
You want to learn more?
Please call +49 2845 930-115, send us an e-mail or contact one of our experts with any question you may have.