JOACHIM RITTER
ICT | TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
Ecoclean GmbH - Monschau, Germany joachim.ritter@ecoclean-group.net
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.
E
lectric and hybrid vehicles are changing the way vehicles are built
blasting with a solid medium, for example corundum. To remove dust
in ways that go far beyond the drive technology. For example,
and abrasive residues from the parts prior to cathodic dip painting,
due to the weight of the battery, integral subframes now need a
another cleaning step in a separate machine is required.
higher load-bearing capacity. The redesign of these axle components reassess their production processes. One of these processes is the
Focus on cost efficiency, sustainability and occupational health and safety
cleaning step to remove impurities such as silicate islands, scale
These conventional blasting processes with an additional aqueous
and smoke residues formed during welding; these can cause major
cleaning step are wear-intensive and costly. Therefore, when
quality issues in the subsequent cathodic dip painting process and
designing a new production line for integral subframes, the project
lead to corrosion damage. The cleaning technology generally used is
planner of a renowned German OEM sought information at
is also prompting many vehicle manufacturers to reconsider and
© Ecoclean GmbH
The loading robot places the integral subframes to be processed on the transfer stations of the jet modules.
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N. 69 - MAY/JUNE 2021 - international PAINT&COATING magazine
