Cleaning basket 4.0
The FRIES Kunststofftechnik GmbH with headquarters in Sulz/Vorarlberg is excited about the successful market implementation of the cleaning basket 4.0 “tech-rack custom”. The flexible all-in-one system for industrial purposes is made of new material (FRIES Comp21/22) and was developed specifically for the transportation, cleaning and storage of sensitive workpieces. In January 2019, the production of over 90,000 units began for a large order from a German industrial company – several other requests are being attended to.
The cleaning process is a significant factor for production operations in order to push forward the pace in the production process. A high level of efficiency contributes to a significant decrease in costs. The all-in-one system from the FRIES Kunststofftechnik GmbH has already proven itself. Both the workpiece carrier “tech-rack variogrid” and “techtray” as well as the “tech-rack” and “tech-rack custom” cleaning baskets allow for a safe transportation, secure storage and simple cleaning without turning and repackaging. This also applies to cleaning processes with watery media, on a solvent-basis and the use of ultrasound. This impressive resistance results from the fiber-glass reinforced polyamide (PA-GV) and through the newly developed material FRIES Comp21/22, which was designed specifically for the high demands for industrial component cleaning.
Industry 4.0 in a basket
A technical innovation and world debut permits the production “tech-rack custom” cleaning baskets. They can be loaded and unloaded by robots for the first time ever,” says Mag.(FH) Dr. Gerhard Bertsch, directing manager of sales & marketing at FRIES Kunststofftechnik GmbH. “A gripper can also be used to stack on pallets.” This is decisive for industries such as metal processing, medical technology, mechatronics, microelectornics or precision engineering. The highest degree of precision is the most important thing in the production process for sensitive workpieces. But it is also possible to stack with flexible rotary stacking pins in any size.
RFID chip for networked manufacturing process
Industry 4.0 also means that workpieces and machines can communicate independently with each other. They control the production completely independently. The FRIES workpiece carriers and cleaning baskets can be equipped with an RFID chip and thereby be networked in the manufacturing process. In addition to contact-free processes, a proper identification is possible as well. This makes it easy to determine which product phase the workpieces are currently in. The workpiece carriers and cleaning baskets are able to communicate and be located through the RFID chip.
Chemical and heat resistant
“The highest quality and safety are most important for construction components for the technical industry.Dust particles, chips or drilling emulsion must be removed after producing parts.This cleaning happens by using different methods and at different temperatures,” Mag explains.(FH) Dr. Gerhard Bertsch, directing manager of sales & marketing at FRIES Kunststofftechnik GmbH. The family-run company from Vorarlberg has successfully developed “tech-rack” systems made of plastic for years. They are resistant to chemicals and heat. This means the baskets can be used for a long period of time.
