WORLD NOVELTY
Efficient cleaning of bulk solids -
simply with light
The idea is as simple as it is brilliant!
Five years ago, the SLCR team asked itself the question:
Couldn't we also clean and prepare screws, nuts and clips, etc. in bulk with the laser?
In line with the SLCR philosophy of constantly developing new processes and applications and making them ready for industrial use, this idea was also scrutinised.
Initial tests in 2019, which we completed together with the company DÖRKEN, were able to answer the first fundamental questions and we came to the conclusion that it was worth taking a closer look.
Based on further fundamental tests, the two companies then launched the ambitious ‘LAMA’ project in 2021 in direct cooperation with users. Can laser technology replace chemical and other conventional processes in the surface treatment of bulk solids?
Fundamental tests and analyses were started to clarify this:
- Can the performance requirements in terms of throughput be met?
- Is the basic material compatibility given
- Is the new process economical?
- Can the environmental balance be improved compared to previous cleaning processes such as chemical cleaning and abrasive blasting?
After intensive investigations and many tests, the answer from Dörken and SLCR was clear: YES, we can!
So in 2021, we launched the ambitious ‘LAMA’ development programme to develop a new process and application for lasers in surface treatment and to demonstrate the feasibility of industrial applicability.
The project, which is also funded by the Ministry of Education and Research, began in direct cooperation with users with the aim of replacing or supplementing chemical and other conventional processes in the surface treatment of bulk solids with the newly developed SLCR laser process.
During the development phase, the various sub-goals were pursued step by step
- The system performance for processing various bulk materials was scaled up from an initial 10-12 kg / h to 400 to 1,000 kg / h in the meantime.
- The process limits were tested in numerous investigations, always focussing on the material compatibility of the bulk material. Material compatibility has been proven for all components tested to date.
- The economic efficiency of the SLCR process has also been demonstrated in comparison to conventional processes. Savings potential of over 20% is possible.
- Finally, environmental compatibility was analysed. Major progress can be made here. Reduced energy requirements and minimised disposal costs (chemicals and blasting material are completely eliminated) as well as a significant reduction in the CO2 footprint in production of over 35% demonstrate this.
The summary so far:
By the end of the year, the new SLCR cleaning process will have been tested and approved as a preparation for the zinc coating of bulk material and will be available for industrial series application:
LAMA - LIGHTCLEANER WAVE LINE
The actual pilot system (2025, demonstrator 4) is currently undergoing a stress test (continuous operation under series production conditions). Here, 450-650 kg of varying bulk materials are processed, from small nuts to 10 cm long screws.
The results are able to withstand all requirements and exceed the expectations of all partner companies.
Approval for the patented process is expected in late autumn.
We are proud to present to the world
SLCR - LAMA™, the first SLCR LIGHTCLEANER WAVE LINE
Join us on the road to a new form of surface treatment for bulk materials.
Benefit from cost savings of over 20% and a reduction in your CO2 footprint of over 35%.