![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sw.fst.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/21_27_IMG_0102_4c-1160x1469.jpg\")
Fewer Chemicals Needed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Degreasing is the first step in the phosphating process for the metal parts (see box). It takes place at all FST facilities and their suppliers and is based on the same model everywhere \u2013 which means this approach can save energy at other sites. \u201cI have already presented this approach to our facilities in Europe. An evaluation is underway. And we have already carried out pretests in the United States,\u201d Schmidt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The experts in Weinheim have already left these stages, including extensive testing at the laboratory level, far behind. The 45-degree solution has been proving itself since last summer. \u201cThis is a very stable process. The coating with a binding agent afterwards runs just as well as it did in the past,\u201d said Thomas Schw\u00f6bel, who oversees the pre-products unit. Schmidt added: \u201cWe see no difference in the performance. We even need fewer chemicals than before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from huge energy savings, Schw\u00f6bel can cite a range of other benefits of using low-temperature degreasing with the SurTec cleaning solution. Unlike a household washing machine, the washing agent is not pumped away as wastewater during the process. Instead, it is used again and again in each washing cycle for up to three months, benefiting the environment. But that means it has to be regularly de-oiled one floor below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA froth always formed when the previous detergent was used. It was not something we wanted,\u201d Schw\u00f6bel recalled. Additional safety measures were needed to protect employees, machines and the environment. Extra cleanup was also required to prevent wear and the deterioration of pumps and intakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The froth is now gone, and so is the annoying work associated with it. \u201cWe have it all under control,\u201d Schw\u00f6bel said. The new system offers yet another advantage: At low temperatures, there is a noticeable reduction in the amount of evaporation from the solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sw.fst.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/fst-sw-2024_2-1200sq_0004_Vektor-Smartobjekt.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMetal Parts Pretreatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A strong bond between metal carrier parts and elastomers is of crucial importance for the quality and longevity of a Simmerring\u00ae. With metal parts pretreatment, the surface of the already stamped and formed blank is prepared for a lasting bond, first with phosphating and then with a coating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process is divided into various successive steps. The metal parts start out as bulk material in perforated drums. In Weinheim, based on the diameters, they contain up to 20,000 rings. The drums are successively dipped into various baths during a largely automated process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first process step is degreasing. Here the drawing oils from the stamping and metal operation are removed \u2013 at first with a less-than-complete cleaning in the first bath. The \u201csecond run\u201d takes place next. As part of a project to save energy, Freudenberg Sealing \u00adTechnologies (FST) was able to reduce the washing temperature and, thus, the energy use associated with the two 1,500-liter (396-gallon) degreasing baths significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To round out the process: The other steps are called pickling, activating, phosphating, passivation and drying. \u201cWe are also testing ways to improve the pickling and activating baths to boost sustainability,\u201d said Dr. Stanislaus Schmidt. The metal rings are coated after the phosphating step.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n