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SOLVARO GmbH, developer and manufacturer of components in perforated plate and non-perforated metal, has successfully reduced the amount of lubricant consumed during production by 60%. Due to a new minimal quantity lubrication system and a reduction in the number of oil types used, not only have significant cost savings been achieved, but also less special waste and cleaner workstations.
2.5 litres less oil for every tonne of plate
At a speed of 30.5 metres per minute, the new minimal quantity lubrication units put oil on the plate in the Solvaro production hall. Electronic controls actuate a series of solenoid valves through which a precisely pre-programmed quantity of oil flows. A variety of configurations provide the ideal lubrication required for further processing. ‘With the new lubrication system and a reduction in the number of oil types used – from eleven to three – we have repositioned our company in this area both economically and ecologically,’ says Gerhard Bullinger, Solvaro CEO, who was responsible for launching the ‘Oil Savings’ project. Since then, Solvaro employees have helped rethink company workflows, and the company has procured machines and reduced the number of oil types it uses for a total savings of 30,000 litres of oil.
Individual solutions demand innovative processes
A general rule in metal forming also holds true for metal perforation: the lubrication determines the production limitations. ‘Our claim of providing the ideal solution for every customer also includes the correct method of lubrication. Because it has an impact on the quality of the results and on production efficiency. This is why we develop an individual lubrication method/lubricant configuration for every order. For example, if a component has to be residue-free for further processing particularly quickly, we use an oil that evaporates quickly,’ says Bullinger. Dealing with resources in production in a sustainable way does not rule out customised processes. One look around the Solvaro production hall shows that there are no liquid assets in the form of special waste lying around on the floor here.