Category: Alit Academy Magazine

Managing a chemical stripping plant can present significant challenges, such as high costs and process efficiency issues. This was precisely the situation faced by one of our industrial coating clients, who found themselves with an unused plant due to ineffective chemical solutions previously adopted. The plant was too expensive, complex, and had never been successfully launched.

Who is the client?

Our client, who prefers to remain anonymous, is a major international producer of high-strength stainless steel mesh used in security screens and doors. Specializing in the design and production of protective systems for residential, commercial, and industrial environments, the company stands out for the quality, safety, and innovation of its products. With a strong presence in international markets, the company is committed to providing certified, high-quality solutions.

Facing challenges with the stripping process, the client reached out to our long-standing distributor, G&R Finishing Equipment Co., Ltd. , with 27 years of experience in the powder coating sector. G&R, a leader in importing and distributing powder coating equipment in Thailand, involved ALIT Technologies Spa to solve the problem and transform the inactive plant into a productive and efficient resource.

Who is G&R Finishing Equipment?

G&R Finishing Equipment Co., Ltd. is an established company in Thailand, with extensive experience in providing solutions for powder coating. The company specializes in the import, assembly, and distribution of machinery for coating applications, ensuring high-quality equipment and excellent post-sale services. The partnership with ALIT was established to address issues related to efficiency and coating quality, aiming to improve productivity and reduce waste.

The Client’s Problem and the Solution

Before ALIT’s intervention, the client faced high costs and quality issues in stripping. The paint on the treated parts was not fully removed, compromising the final product quality and increasing scrap costs. Unable to find a compatible stripper for their materials (stainless steel mesh and perforated aluminum), the client had already tested other solutions without success. G&R proposed using ALIT’s solutions, which proved to be more effective than the previously tested products. After a thorough analysis, G&R organized a trial, sending the client’s parts for testing ALIT’s stripping technology, with the aim of finding the most suitable solution for their needs.

ALIT’s Intervention: Analysis and Innovative Solution

ALIT started the project with a detailed analysis of the plant, identifying critical issues and proposing a targeted intervention. The advanced filtration system FASTRIP FP400-17P was installed to treat the sludge generated from the stripping process. This technology allowed for the regeneration of the chemical bath by filtering out the sludge and enabling the reuse of the chemicals, minimizing waste and extending the bath’s lifespan.Additionally, Metalstrip 1334 and Aktivator 1533 chemicals were used. Metalstrip 1334, applied at 50°C, effectively stripped materials like stainless steel mesh and perforated aluminum in about 60 minutes. The Aktivator 1533 ensured the alkalinity of the bath remained stable, improving the efficiency and consistency of the process.

Technology and Results: Efficiency and Sustainability

The core of the project was the introduction of the FASTRIP FP machine, which, thanks to pressure filtration, extended the chemical bath’s operational life, reducing maintenance interventions. The use of the flocculant AlitFlock further optimized filtration quality, improving the sustainability of the process and reducing processing times.

The results were outstanding: the client was able to strip 100% of the treated parts, minimizing costs and recovering defective parts instead of discarding them. Metalstrip 1334 worked much faster than previous strippers, saving significant time during the paint removal process. Additionally, the filtration system enabled the reuse of the chemical bath, significantly reducing operating costs.

Concrete Benefits for the Client

Thanks to the introduction of the FASTRIP FP system and the use of Metalstrip 1334, Aktivator 1533, and ALITFLOCK, the client achieved highly effective internal stripping, reducing operational costs and improving process quality. The internal management of the stripping process eliminated the need to outsource operations, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the production flow.

Collaboration with G&R and Full Support from ALIT

Pietro Mandorino, area manager of ALIT, closely followed the entire project, working in close collaboration with G&R Finishing and the client to ensure timely and efficient execution. Somboon Jongdepaisarn, Managing Director of G&R, emphasized how ALIT’s solutions represented a major step forward in the quality and efficiency of the stripping process, showcasing the value of a strong, results-oriented partnership.

Conclusion: A Success for the Client and the Industry

The restoration of the stripping plant in Thailand was a significant opportunity for the client, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. Thanks to the collaboration with G&R Finishing and ALIT Technologies, the client achieved exceptional results, restoring productivity and quality to the stripping process. This case demonstrates how technological innovation and a strong partnership can turn a challenge into an opportunity for growth and success.