Wire Manufacturer Air-Knife Drying

Electronics

Wire manufacturer eliminates costly solution waste through Paxton's Air Knife technology.

Paxton's engineered air solutions provide cost-effective alternatives to compressed air systems for manufacturers worldwide.

A leading Indian wire manufacturer struggled with cleaning solution adhering to the wire during its extrusion process. Its makeshift compressed air system was wasting expensive cleaning solution at $200 per litre, and Paxton’s engineering team solved the problem with four Stainless Steel Air Knives above and below the conveyor, reducing plant energy consumption by 80% compared to compressed air.

01 The Problem

Cleaning solution carried over on wire

The manufacturer’s cleaning solution was adhering to the wire during its extrusion process and carrying over onto the finished product. Their makeshift system of crimped pipes and compressed air (150 CFM at 60 PSI), backed up by mechanical wipers, was inefficient, wasting expensive cleaning solution and straining plant operations, with the compressed air alone calling for 25hp and keeping the compressor running continuously.

02 The Implication

Waste, energy use and maintenance costs

The inefficient system created multiple challenges: high energy consumption, excessive maintenance costs, and significant cleaning solution waste incurring substantial costs of $200 per litre. These issues impacted both production quality and overall plant efficiency.

03 The Solution

Four Stainless Steel Air Knives

Paxton’s engineering team worked in close liaison with the manufacturer to implement four Stainless Steel Air Knives, positioned above and below the conveyor and spanning the wire’s direction of travel.

The continuous, uninterrupted air slot of the Air Knives gives uniform coverage, which eliminated cleaning solution carry over and wastage whilst reducing plant energy consumption by 80% compared to compressed air. The system was designed to deliver 850 CFM at 2.2 PSI without using compressed air.

Results
  • 80%
    Lower Energy Costs
  • Improved
    Product Quality
  • Eliminated
    Solution Waste

This installation showcases how Paxton’s engineering excellence delivers substantial cost savings. Their Air Knife and Blower technology provides superior performance while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to the equivalent Compressed Air systems.

Jamie Garwood Business Development Manager | SolvAir

Could this work on your line? Talk it through with a SolvAir engineer.

Trusted by electronics manufacturers across the globe, SolvAir's Air Knife Systems are proven across the world's most demanding production lines.

Aisin
Prysmian
Ultrasonic Sciences
Continental
Valeo
Tesla
Scientific Games
Bosch
Actia
BASF
Samsung
Magna
Bekaert
Aisin
Prysmian
Ultrasonic Sciences
Continental
Valeo
Tesla
Scientific Games
Bosch
Actia
BASF
Samsung
Magna
Bekaert
Aisin
Prysmian
Ultrasonic Sciences
Continental
Valeo
Tesla
Scientific Games
Bosch
Actia
BASF
Samsung
Magna
Bekaert

Wondering what air could do on your line?

Talk it through with a SolvAir engineer. If compressed air is anywhere in your cleaning, drying or blow-off process, the savings case usually writes itself.

+44 (0)1473 320 307

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