New or conversion? Sooner or later, this question arises in many electroplating and surface technology companies when looking at their ageing machinery. This was also the case at Strähle-Galvanik GmbH in Zaisenhausen, which had to make a decision about a large, ageing zinc plant from 1989.
Sven Reimold, Managing Director of Strähle and MVB Metallveredelung, opted for an extensive conversion concept, which was launched after the "Digital Jetzt" funding premium was announced and secured. "Digital Jetzt" expired at the end of 2023. However, the "go-digital" programme from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), which subsidizes consulting and the digitalization of systems, is still available. With "Digital Plus", there was a smaller subsidy for the new software. There was also financial assistance for energy and resource efficiency from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) for a new dryer. The following measures were necessary:
- Extensive floor renovation
- Complete water inlets and outlets renewed
- Tubs partially renewed and partially refurbished
- Switch cabinet system renewed
- Trolleys refurbished and replaced with IWLAN - no more trailing cables
- New Safedry dryer with dehumidification module
- Expansion of the storage space in the system for raw and finished goods
- New 1500 TIA Portal Profi NET control system
- New product carrier rails
The aim was to optimize the system, increase its speed, use energy and resources effectively and drastically reduce electricity and gas consumption. In addition, the old Siemens S5 control system and the double-chamber trough dryer without a lid were to be replaced by an efficient dryer with a lid and frequency control of the fans integrated into the new software with Profi NET.
The new Safedry dryer saves money year after year
The control system now uses new software that has been subsidized by the government
Conclusion:
The total investment sum amounted to 500,000 euros, which includes a total subsidy of 82,000 euros for this project. The new dryer technology, the storage expansion and more effective processes should lead to a payback period of 3 years. The gas and electricity savings from the dryer alone will save the company 6000 euros a year.
