Protective coating per nozzle
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The products are optimally lubricated as they exit the system, irrespective of their geometry. That is assured by the spray nozzles, which move freely in all directions and seamlessly adapt to the swivel angle and required amount of oil. Images: Eckardt Systems Corrosion protection – a report from the factory floor Protective coating per nozzle by Stefan Müller-Ivok Abrasive blast-cleaning following hot forming is certainly efficient; however, it also activates the surface of the cleaned parts. Consequently, measures must be taken immediately to counteract the threat of corrosion. Specializing in bodywork components Strahlcenter Venetis deploys corrosion protection systems that are able to offer several special features. oof frames, A and B-pillars, floor profiles and other important car body components are given very special treatment in the Strahlcenter Venetis located in the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. The layer of oxide scale that remains on the parts following the hot forming process is removed by means of so-called wheel shot blasting. This process sees abrasive media in the form of hardened, round steel shot blasted onto the surface of the workpiece via the blades of the wheel. This allows parts with larger surface areas and less complex shapes to 54 be quickly and thoroughly de-scaled. Any failure to remove the layer of oxide scale would significantly complicate further processing (welding, applying paint coatings and so on). Millions of parts are put through this procedure every year in the Strahlcenter Venetis. Fit for storage and transport As equally important is the step that directly follows. The de-scaled surfaces of the parts are now completely exposed – and must be protected against corrosion immediately. “That must happen straight away, because our customers require that we produce the parts a couple of days in advance” explains the Plant Manager Jürgen May. “Moreover, , SPECIAL PRESSING AND FORMING CUSTOM COMPONENTS

Daniel Assmann, Sales Manager at Eckardt Systems and Venetis Plant Manager Jürgen May. Jürgen May »Applying the oil uniformly is the be all and end all. Even the slightest deviations can mean it is not possible to reliably weld or bond the components.« blast cleaned parts are particularly prone to corrosion, for example when water condensate is present and they come into contact with salt air when shipped overseas via sea freight.” To ensure corrosion does not become an annoying topic, a special mixture of oil is used to coat the parts after they have been blasted clean. This process is an...

Overall view of the system at Venetis as seen from the output end. film thickness” the Plant Manager explains the , reasons why this approach is unsuitable. The company chose to bring the Bretten based company Eckardt Systems on board as their lubrication partner. Eckardt specializes in the construction of highly precise, high performance lubrication systems, which are based on different processes such as roller, squeeze-on and spray lubrication. These systems are in service around the globe, with focus on the automotive industry as the most important branch; consequently, Eckardt offers...

Side view of the system with the discernible filter system on top. service life” says Daniel Assmann. In this manner the remaining solid , particles in the oil mist are reliably removed, which makes extraction simpler and more efficient. All in all official measurements confirm that the prevailing air quality in the production hall is such that a company specializing in shot blast cleaning could not necessarily expect, adds the “top man” Jürgen May. Soft as wax thanks to heating Another feature makes a significant contribution to the long service life of the filter systems mentioned above:...