The accumulator production facility of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies in Remagen is taking a new, sustainable approach to welding diaphragm accumulators. Instead of chemicals, a new laser technology is applied for cleaning.
Permanently secure welded joints on the upper and lower shells of accumulators require metallically clean surfaces. In order to prepare diaphragm accumulators for electron beam welding, since 2025, the Remagen site has used laser technology to remove unwanted substances from the welding edges of the two shells. These are mainly greases and oils that are applied during stamping, drawing and turning for process-related reasons. Until now, this cleaning has been carried out using wet chemistry in industrial washing machines.
Marcus Darms, Global Operations Manager, expects the laser technology to reduce power consumption by more than 90 per cent – with corresponding cost benefits. It also eliminates the use and disposal of process water and chemicals. On top of these positive sustainability aspects, the new technology offers advances in quality and productivity. Improved cleaning performance reduces scrap and rework. In addition, the integration of cleaning directly into the individual production lines simplifies and speeds up the material flow. The previous wet chemical cleaning system is a stand-alone solution that works for all production lines.
