We are excited to announce the release of the eighth issue of ALIT Academy Magazine. This edition is packed with fascinating articles covering various topics related to innovation, cooperation, and participation. Additionally, it features advertisements from companies collaborating with ALIT, showcasing the synergy between industry leaders and our company.
Don’t miss out on this wealth of information and insights!
Read the Magazine here.
On 31 May 2024, ALIT Technologies created a magical moment with its first “Ferrari Experience” event, giving our customers an unforgettable day. Adrenaline, passion and networking opportunities characterised this extraordinary adventure. The event attracted companies from Italy and abroad, strengthening existing ties and creating new opportunities for collaboration. In this text you will see all the stages and photos of the event, are you ready?
The welcome at ALIT Technologies’ headquarters was special. We opened the doors of our home, inviting participants to discover the latest innovations and immerse themselves in our company culture. It was a time of sharing, where every smile and handshake showed our dedication and passion.
The trip to Maranello, the beating heart of Ferrari, brought with it a unique emotion. The visit to the Ferrari Museum was not just a tour, but a real journey through the history and triumphs of the brand. The cars on display told stories of courage and innovation, inspiring everyone present.
At the Montana Restaurant, famous among the big pilots, lunch was more than just a meal: it was a culinary experience in a unique atmosphere. Our guests were able to relax and socialise, making connections in a very special setting. See the photos below.
The excitement reached its peak when the participants climbed aboard the Ferraris. The track turned dreams into reality, offering a pure adrenaline experience. Feeling the power and elegance of these iconic racing cars was an unforgettable moment that left everyone with palpitating hearts.
After the adrenaline rush of the track, one of Modena’s oldest vinegar cellars welcomed our guests with a guided tour and tasting of balsamic vinegar. Here, we explored the secrets of the production of this precious condiment while admiring the world’s largest bottle of balsamic vinegar.
The exclusive dinner in the vinegar cellar rounded off the day perfectly. A special balsamic menu delighted everyone present, while a signature cake celebrated the success of the event. Each participant received a photo frame with pictures of the day, a tangible memento of an extraordinary experience.
ALIT Technologies’ Ferrari Experience was more than just an event: it was a unique opportunity to create bonds, discuss future collaborations and strengthen existing relationships in an informal and inspiring setting. This event demonstrated our commitment to creating meaningful experiences for our customers, focusing on their satisfaction and success.
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our upcoming events and contact us to explore new collaboration opportunities. Together, we can reach new heights!
At the heart of the dynamic Portuguese company Extrusal S.A., a big change is revolutionising the extrusion die cleaning process. Through the introduction of Claris 9346MB, an innovative product, Extrusal has achieved relevant results that are changing the landscape of the dies cleaning plant managing. Let’s find out how this winning partnership has not only optimised Extrusal’s operational efficiency but also contributed to a more sustainable management of the environment.
Before we dive into the wonderful technicalities of Claris and its effects, it is only right to introduce you to Extrusal, who it is and what it does!
EXTRUSAL S.A. is a Portuguese company operating in the metallurgical sector, specializing in the extrusion of aluminium components and profiles for the construction industry (window and door systems, shading and cladding solutions, railings, and facade systems), general industry (transportation, engineering, energy, among others), and the automotive industry. Founded in March 1972, Extrusal has consistently remained at the forefront of technology, with a primary focus on the quality of its products and services to ensure maximum satisfaction for both direct and indirect clients.
Extrusal S.A. headquarters in Aveiro, Portugal.
Currently, the industry represents approximately 74% of the company’s turnover (26% automotive industry and 43% general industry), with direct exports accounting for 37%. Architectural sector exports primarily target PALOP countries, while the Industry sector exports to Europe.
Extrusal’s production process consists of:
Extrusal was the first Portuguese company, and one of the few in Europe, to obtain certification for the global quality management system – NP EN ISO 9002 – in the areas of die manufacturing, extrusion, anodizing, and .Thermosetting powder coating. Additionally, in 1997, Extrusal was the first Portuguese company, and one of the few in Europe, to obtain certification for the global quality management system – NP EN ISO 9002 – in the areas of die manufacturing, extrusion, anodizing, and powder coating.
A pioneer in environmental defense and preservation, Extrusal built a wastewater treatment plant in 1982. Environmental awareness has driven the acquisition of new equipment and technologies, leading to the implementation of an Environmental Management System and obtaining ISO 14001 environmental certification in 2002. Process optimization and a focus on reuse/recycling have been fundamental at Extrusal. The company has embraced an ecological organizational culture with all stakeholders, promoting sustainable practices throughout the organization.
In the architectural sector, the focus is on developing solutions using recyclable or recycled materials, energy-efficient, and durable. Extrusal’s portfolio includes hinged and sliding systems, cladding systems, shading solutions, facade systems, balustrading solution, shutters, and aluminium systems for indoor use. Window and door solutions undergo tests for thermal, acoustic, and AEV (air permeability, water tightness, and wind resistance) performance. Extrusal is one of the pioneering companies in adopting the Class+ labeling system promoted by ADENE.
Extrusal offers a wide range of solutions for the Industry sector, leveraging aluminium’s characteristics such as lightness, conductivity, durability, malleability, recyclability, and non-toxicity across various industries (from food to aerospace). For the automotive sector, Extrusal develops structural and decorative components with high-quality finishing. The company also contributes to the solar industry through its “Pro-Solar” solutions, designing and developing innovative aluminium structures for mounting solar panels or collectors.
Last but not least, alongside offering pre-conceived profiles, Extrusal provides clients with the opportunity to present their own projects.
Now that we have laid the groundwork for the case history of Extrusal S.A., it is time to dive into the practical part that will capture the attention of the industry’s technicians. We will explore how the use of the Claris 9346MB in the mould cleaning department has brought observable benefits and revolutionised the way Extrusal approaches this crucial operational aspect.
Dimensional Quality control of dies by Extrusal S.A.
The die cleaning tank used in Extrusal has a nominal volume of 1000 litre. Before the introduction of CLARIS in this plant the customer was using the dye cleaning solution, consisting in sodium hydroxide 30% w/w, for 24hours. As described by our colleague Pedro Oliveira “After this time has elapsed the alkaline solution was regularly dismissed because it was exhaust, no longer useful for cleaning of new extrusion dies. Practically there was a consumption of about 1000 litre of NaOH 30% every 24h work, and during this time the average amount of cleaned materials was about 6 baskets of extrusion dies”. Pedro continues by telling us that “After a visit to the die cleaning plant, and after collection of the preliminary technical date, it was organized a first test with Claris 9346MB. It was prepared the 1000 litre of NaOH 30% as usual, and it was added 25 g/l of CLARIS 9346MB, namely 25 Kg. Then the operators started the cleaning of extrusion dies as usual. After 24 hours, the operators realized that the bath was still effective, i.e still able to clean the extrusion dies, so a new cleaning cycle was started without changing the alkaline solution and without adding again CLARIS 9346MB. The cleaning of materials in this second cycle of 24h was perfectly efficient and after a total of 48 hours of use, the die cleaning bath was disposed of”. Pedro tells us that “with great customer satisfaction, the lifetime of the alkaline solution was doubled, without compromising its efficiency and productivity in any way“. The thermographic profiles collected against time are shown in Fig 1.
Pedro explains to us that “The blue colour profile refers to the test conducted WITHOUT Claris 9346MB, while the orange colour profile refers to the test conducted WITH 25g/l of Claris 9346MB dissolved in the alkaline cleaning solution. It can be observed that in the presence of CLARIS 9346MB, after about 24 hours, it was possible to insert a new load of baskets into the die cleaning tank, the temperature of the bath rose (also thanks to the exothermic reaction of aluminium dissolution) up to around 90°C, and then gradually dropped to at approximately 80°C over the next 24 hours. The thermographic profile was similar to that of the solution (blue line) without CLARIS, but the lifetime of the alkaline solution was double: An addition of 25 Kg of CLARIS 9346MB permit to the cleaning solution to treat double quantity of parts: truly fantastic!”
Fig 1: Thermographic profile of the alkaline cleaning solution without (blue) and with CLARIS 9346MB
We asked Pedro to explain us why the presence of Claris prolongs so much the lifetime of the extrusion die cleaning bath. And he replied that ” Cleaning an extrusion die means first removing the solidified aluminium that remains in the holes of the die. If Claris 9346MB is present in the alkaline solution, the dissolution process of the solid aluminium is modified, and thanks to Claris 9346MB it becomes in practice possible to mechanically extract the aluminium block from the matrix without dissolving too much of it in the liquid solution. In this way the process bath is not enriched too much with aluminium, and therefore remains much more active. To the point that, in the presence of a correct dosage of Claris 9346MB, the quantity of treatable dies can be doubled”.
An example of aluminium residues that can be extracted from extrusion dies without dissolving too much aluminium in the alkaline solution is visible in Fig. 2.
Fig 2: residual aluminium blocks extracted from extrusion dies using 25g/l of CLARIS 9346MB in the alkaline solution.
| Without CLARIS 9346MB | With CLARIS 9346MB | |
| Lifetime of alkaline solution | 24h | 48h |
| Al (TOTAL) dissolved in the exhaust cleaning solution | 105 g/l | 105 g/l |
| n° of treated die basket | 6 | 12 |
Pedro confirms that “The use of Claris 9346MB at Extrusal S.A. it is now a consolidated practice, and the customer declares himself fully satisfied with the benefits deriving from its introduction in the dies cleaning process. The consumption of alkaline solution has been significantly reduced and with it the disposal of used alkaline solutions. From the environmental point of view, much more aluminium can be recycled and thanks to the controlled reaction, less gas is expelled into the atmosphere. This die cleaning process reduces smells in the working area, ensuring better working conditions to the operators”.
CONCLUSION:
Claris 9346MB is an innovative additive for aluminum extrusion die cleaning, offering enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and extended bath life. It significantly improves the cleaning process, ensuring better performance and sustainability. Want to learn more? Visit our product page and contact us through our form. Follow ALIT Technologies on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest advancements. Our commercial and technical staff are ready to assist you with any inquiries!
ALIT Technologies S.p.A has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the ISO 14001:2015 certification, complementing its existing ISO 9001:2015 certification and reaffirming the company’s commitment in maintaining exceptionally high-quality standards.
Both the ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards provide a framework for improving quality management practices and environmental protection, showcasing an integrated dedication to operational excellence and sustainability.
The ISO 9001:2015 certification, previously awarded by the certification body SGS ITALIA s.p.a., has already validated the implementation of a quality management system aligned with customer needs, bolstering ALIT Technologies’ reputation as a reliable partner and advocate for continuous improvement. Now, with the new ISO 14001:2015 certification, the company further distinguishes itself for its commitment to sustainable practices, minimising environmental impact and aligning with global standards.
ISO 9001:2015 specifically emphasises customer focus and active involvement of leadership and staff, promoting an approach that treats activities as processes within a coherent system. Attaining this certification also requires that company decisions be based on evidence provided by data analysis. In contrast, ISO 14001:2015 needs the formulation of environmental policies and strategic planning to continually enhance sustainable performance, while adhering to legal requirements and established objectives. Additionally, it encourages employee and stakeholder engagement, as well as effective communication of information on environmental matters.
These certifications represent the ongoing growth journey of ALIT Technologies, which will undoubtedly continue to pursue new objectives.
On May 22nd 2024, ALIT Technologies’ CEO Loris Rossi will be speaking at S.M.A.R.T. 3, the third edition of the biennial conference organised by UCIF, the Italian Association affiliated with ANIMA Confindustria Meccanica and dedicated to representing manufacturers of finishing systems. The presentation will focus on the advantages and potential of the in-line paint stripping process.
We are delighted to announce that Loris Rossi, the CEO and founder of ALIT Technologies, will be among the speakers at the third edition of the S.M.A.R.T. Conference (Surface. Manufacturing. Advanced. Research. Trends), which takes place on May 22nd 2024 at the Fondazione Cariplo Conference Center in Milan.
Organized by UCIF – Unione Costruttori Impianti di Finitura, the event will feature talks by industry professionals discussing the future of finishing, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
Loris Rossi, as CEO of a growth-oriented company, will take a presentation about the great potential of in-line paint stripping. Today, this represents an incredible opportunity to achieve high levels of automation in the coating line.
Events like S.M.A.R.T. play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge exchange and serve as valuable networking opportunities in the surface treatment and finishing sector. For this reason, ALIT Technologies is pleased to actively participate in this initiative and share its point of view on the potential evolution of this industry.
In 2024, internalizing paint stripping becomes viable. But, how to choose the right technology, and what are the benefits? This article explores these questions through a case study.
For many companies involved in painting operations, having an in-house chemical paint stripping system can be essential. It can be used to reclaim defective parts and to strip hooks and frames used for hanging the components. In both cases, the ability to perform these operations internally provides significant advantages. For instance, the in-house paint-stripping of parts with surface defects is quicker, allowing for prompt reprocessing and avoiding delivery delays. Similarly, the in-house chemical paint-stripping of hooks instead of relying on external contractors, brings about clear benefits. The turnover of hooks becomes more regular and consistent, resulting in a better paint quality, and avoids the typical damages associated with thermal or mechanical stripping.
ALIT TECHNOLOGIES SpA, a leading provider of chemical paint stripping products and systems for metals, has introduced the comprehensive FASTRIP T5 MULTITANK system to meet the growing demand for internal paint stripping. The system includes a chemical stripping tank from the T5 series and a set of modular accessories tailored to the customer’s specific needs. With FASTRIP T5 MULTITANK, parts to be stripped can be loaded into specially designed baskets, lifted with the overhead crane, and effortlessly transferred to the FASTRIP T5 stripping tank. The stripped material is then moved to the rinse tank, where, if necessary, a final spray rinse can be performed using the ALIT mobile pump.
At this point, the basket containing the stripped and rinsed material is transferred, again with the overhead crane, to the loading and unloading tank, where any final dripping is collected. For a complete and detailed description of the FASTRIP T5 MULTITANK system, please refer to issue 3 of the ALIT ACADEMY Magazine. In this article, we present a new case study featuring a major client which has been stripping in-house frames for approximately 9 months (since April 2023) using the FASTRIP T5 MULTITANK system in conjunction with ALIT Technologies’ chemical products. The company has transitioned from an outsourced pyrolytic stripping process to an internal chemical stripping process, with the external process now limited to rare oversized hooks.
We asked Claudio Puppi, ALIT’s sales technician, to introduce the company involved in our case study.
Figure 1: Sabiana SpA, manufacturer of environmental conditioning devices
“Sabiana SpA (fig. 1) (www.sabiana.it) is an Italian company that conceives, designs, and manufactures devices for environmental conditioning of workplaces and living spaces. It builds equipment and systems for heating and cooling various spaces such as factories, offices, hotels, hospitals, shopping centers, and houses, all based on the most natural element: water. Sabiana’s product range includes air heaters, radiant panels, fan coils, air handling units, recovery units, electronic filters, evaporative coolers, and radiant systems. Established in 1929, Sabiana has grown in terms of business, article quality, and global presence. In 2014, Sabiana became part of AFG (Arbonia-Forster Holding AG), now Arbonia AG, an international technological leader in construction materials. Sabiana SpA has an in-house powder coating facility for applying epoxy-polyester coatings. This coating line produces a significant quantity of coating hooks that need regular stripping. In the past, Sabiana Spa used to rely on an external stripping service for this activity, with hooks collected in special boxes and regularly sent to the external provider.
Claudio Puppi continues saying that ALIT was contacted by the client which was interested in an alternative to pyrolysis. Tests on Sabiana Spa’s hooks were conducted in ALIT’s laboratories, revealing that stripping them with METALSTRIP 2011 at 80°C was feasible. Consequently, ALIT proposed the initial design of the FASTRIP T5 MULTITANK stripping system. This technical proposal was later refined to fit the client’s space, the geometries of the overhead crane, basket, and lifting system, with valuable input from Engineer Vincenzo Denti, Sabiana’s director, who prepared the work area. In April 2023, the FASTRIP T5 MULTITANK system was installed, and the client began internally performing regular chemical stripping of hooks. The management of this process was entrusted to Dr. Marco Colombo, a chemist at Sabiana SpA.
We asked Claudio Puppi for details on the process, and he specified that Sabiana SpA strips about 3 baskets of hooks per week, with variable cycle times ranging from a minimum of about 2 hours to a maximum of about 7 hours for hooks with very thick paint layers (fig. 2). The product used is METALSTRIP 2011 by ALIT TECHNOLOGIES Spa, maintained at a temperature of 80°C.
Figure 2: Sabiana hooks painted with very thick paint layers
After the stripping tank, the basket is transferred from the overhead crane to the rinse tank, where first immersion and then spray rinsing are performed using the ALIT mobile pump or a small pressure washer connected to the same rinse tank (fig. 3).
Figure 3: Spray rinsing of stripped hooks in the client’s facility
This minimizes water consumption, estimated at about 3000 litres per year. Despite stripping about 5000 kg of hooks annually, the consumption of stripping agent is low, approximately 1500 kg per year.” Claudio Puppi continues stating that these numbers have fully satisfied the client, who can now internally carry out stripping operations without:
• Managing the logistics of shipping and receiving hooks to the external stripping service, as was done previously.
• Worrying about the risk of thermal embrittlement of hooks, which was inherent in the previous pyrolytic process.
Following the introduction of FASTRIP T5 MULTITANK, the client has experienced the following benefits:
• Improved stripping quality.
• Fewer coating defects on final products.
• Hooks no longer damaged by the thermal stress generated by the pyrolytic process.
• Certification of hooks and their load-bearing capacity no longer deteriorates, as it did with the previous pyrolytic technology.
• Overall savings in the stripping process in terms of time and money.
| Paint stripping product | Metalstrip 2011 |
| Activator | Aktivator 2550 |
| Temperature | 75-80 °C |
| Treated parts | Epoxy-polyester powder coated hooks |
| Average basket load | approx. 40 kg of frames/basket |
| Average paint stripping time | 7 hours |
| No. basket/week | 2-3 |
| Estimated total annual paint stripper consumption | Approx. 1500 kg of product/year |
| Amount of waste water/year | Approx. 3000 kg of water/year |
Claudio Puppi emphasizes that this case study is another confirmation of the effectiveness of the FASTRIP T5 MULTITANK system and ALIT’s approach to the customer. When faced with an initial technical request, we conduct laboratory tests and work together with the client to design the best customized system solution (fig. 4). Precise, fast assembly is then carried out as ergonomically as possible, concluding with regular supplies of ALIT chemical products and a consistent service for analysing the stripping baths. Following this approach precisely, ALIT has achieved customer satisfaction with Sabiana SpA and is now ready for the next case study.
Figure 5: Complete FASTRIP T5 MULTI TANK System installed at Sabiana SpA
The paint stripping of metal parts requires increasingly sustainable, safe, and efficient processes. ALIT Technologies is at the forefront of offering advanced answers and innovative solutions to meet future challenges.
The metal surface treatment market in general and, more specifically, the chemical paint stripping sector are undergoing a significant transformation, with an increasing demand for cheaper but at the same time more efficient products. Traditional requirements persist but new trends are developing, driven by the need to minimise the toxicity of chemicals and improve the safety of plants, equipping them with the most advanced and efficient technological devices and tools.
The chemical paint stripping market is increasingly moving away from products containing methylene chloride and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which are well known for their high toxicity. Wherever possible, customers tend to opt for water-based paint strippers, such as METALSTRIP 2011 from ALIT Technologies. If, on the other hand, the specific technical conditions, such as the type of metal substrate or paint, do not allow for the use of water-based paint stripping agents, the products must be formulated with a 100% organic base. In these cases, too, chemicals with a low environmental and toxicological impact are preferred, such as the METALSTRIP 136 series from ALIT Technologies. For example, METALSTRIP 1365, an organic-based paint stripper for medium-temperature applications, is particularly appreciated by customers looking for an excellent compromise between paint stripping performance, bath filterability, and low environmental and toxicological impact.
All the mentioned products have a working temperature between 45 and 75 °C. This implicitly indicates that the market is moving away from paint stripping processes conducted at room temperature with hazardous NMP or methylene chloride-based chemicals and towards medium-temperature processes using more sustainable chemistry. Indeed, a higher temperature improves process efficiency and allows utilising formulations with raw materials that are less hazardous to the operator and the environment.
In-line paint stripping is a process carried out within a coating line to enable the hooks and frames required for hanging the components to be paint-stripped without removing them from the overhead conveyor. After workpiece unloading, the hooks and increasingly often the frames are led through a paint stripping tank while still hanging on the overhead conveyor, in order to go back to the line clean, free of any traces of paint, and ready for a new coating cycle.
With the increasingly widespread use of loading and unloading robots in coating lines, in-line paint stripping is also becoming more and more crucial to ensure the proper functioning of the robots themselves, as frames that have not been perfectly paint-stripped can compromise these machines’ performance degree, thus damaging the coated parts and even slowing down or stopping the workflow – all of which results in significant losses of turnover for the coating lines. Paint stripping quality thus becomes key to the efficiency of the entire process. Whereas in the past clean hooks were mainly needed to ensure good electrical contact between the parts to be painted and the line itself, now the optimisation of the unloading robots’ operation is an equally important factor. Clean frames guarantee all of this – and in-line chemical paint stripping plants are the means to meet such requirements.
ALIT Technologies operates at the very heart of these transformations, offering a comprehensive range of solutions to meet evolving market needs. Among its services, it conducts paint stripping laboratory tests, provides detailed chemical and engineering reports, and offers complete solutions in terms of both in-line paint stripping systems and related chemicals.
In summary, the paint stripping industry is moving in a more sustainable, safe, and efficient direction – and ALIT is at the forefront in offering advanced answers and innovative solutions to meet future challenges.
The seventh issue of ALIT Magazine is finally out!
Our aptitude for big projects has given life to the richest edition of our house-organ and we are happy to present it to you today.
As always, within this issue you will find several case studies that we think are useful for understanding the functioning and effectiveness of our products.
In particular, we wrote an article which shows an application case of CLARIS 9346MB, our additive which has allowed the Portuguese company Extrusal, specialized in the extrusion of aluminium profiles, to double the life of the alkaline solution used in the cleaning tank of the moulds.
Another case study tells the story of the Multi-Tank paint stripping process implemented in a company – Sabiana – producing air conditioning equipment which, thanks to the technology provided by ALIT Technologies, has obtained various advantages in terms of quality and costs.
Inside the Magazine there are two important news relating to the growth of the company: ALIT Technologies has become a joint-stock company and has launched a new brand – Mas-King – specialized in the manufacturing of masking equipment for the painting industry.
Furthermore, the company obtained, during 2023, two certifications, which we wanted to talk about in the Magazine. These testify to ALIT’s commitment to the continuous implementation of cutting-edge technologies.
As for automation, we would like to present you “packaGINA”, a completely automatic system for filling tanks with chemical products, positioning the lid, closing it and applying labels.
The seventh issue could not miss the section dedicated to new arrivals in the ALIT family and to those who are celebrating five years in the team.
What else? We look forward to meeting you during 2024 at two important international fairs: PaintExpo and Aluminium!
What is told in the magazine represents tangible proof of our continuous commitment to growth and improvement. Enthusiastic about a bright future and the new goals that await us, we thank you for the precious collaboration and for the trust you place in us. Continue to follow us for further news!
Read ALIT Academy Magazine n.7
More and more coaters are choosing to paint strip the hooks and frames employed in their coating operations to avoid using them as disposable items. The standard method requires stopping production so they can be removed, replaced with new ones, and paint stripped separately. Aware of the importance of working with a continuous flow, however, ALIT Technologies has designed a plant that fulfills this task without interrupting the manufacturing cycle. FASTRIP ISP was conceived precisely to tackle the challenge of integrating the hook and frame paint stripping phase into coating lines.
1. Hanging frames used for industrial coating operations
As mentioned, many companies today need to remove the paint residues deposited on their coating tools, including hanging hooks, load bars and frames, through a paint stripping operation aimed at re-using them.
But why do hooks and frames need to be cleaned?
Especially when it comes to electrostatic coating, the excellent electrical conductivity of the parts is of the essence. However, this can be significantly undermined by any impurities and paint layers deposited on the hooks and frames and acting as electrical insulators. Decreased conductivity also increases overspray, thus likely affecting the coating results. Therefore, paint stripping hooks and frames allows companies to re-use these accessories countless times without incurring the cost of buying new ones while ensuring flawless finishes.
Recognizing the importance of this process, ALIT Technologies accepted the challenge of developing an efficient solution for paint stripping hooks and frames. With this goal in mind, it designed and built FASTRIP ISP. Thanks to its modular design, this in-line chemical paint stripping system for hooks and frames can be easily integrated into existing production lines, ensuring the continuity of the coating cycle.
2. An example of a customized FASTRIP ISP machine for in-line paint stripping of hooks with a connected filter press
The FASTRIP ISP paint stripping system consists of two main units: the paint stripping tank and the FASTRIP FP series filtration system.
The tank is made of AISI 304 steel and contains an adjustable volume of paint stripper, which is simultaneously heated and subjected to ultrasonic waves. The combined effect of the chemical attack by the paint stripper, high temperature, and ultrasound allows removing a paint layer in as little as 3 minutes. While remaining hooked onto the overhead conveyor, the items to be paint-stripped are partially submerged into the stripping tank as they pass through. The tank’s linear length is proportional to the coating line’s speed, usually within a range of 4-8 meters. The paint stripping product is heated by electric heating plates attached externally to the tank, guaranteeing high standards of safety and ease of maintenance at the same time. The ultrasonic batteries are also externally flanged, easy to access, and highly robust. The tank is insulated to minimize heat loss and its shape optimizes sludge filtration.
The FASTRIP FP series filtration system is connected to the paint stripping tank and allows consistent removal of the coating sludge that accumulates in the bath. Sludge is continuously removed from the tank’s bottom and filtered with a filter press. The clean paint stripper can then be automatically recirculated to the paint stripping tank. The configuration options of the filter press, liquid tanks and piping are extremely varied and can be customized according to customer needs.
Adding a water rinse module to remove any paint stripping oil residues and an infrared lamp system for drying is also possible.
The benefits of using FASTRIP ISP for paint stripping hooks and frames are numerous:
One of the goals of ALIT Technologies is to offer complete systems that provide all-round solutions. The market demanded a plant capable of paint stripping the hooks and frames used in coating processes – and the ALIT team met this need by designing and launching FASTRIP ISP. Of course, this type of plant also requires the use of chemical agents, so ALIT Technologies also developed a wide range of paint stripping products that guarantee optimal results when combined with the FASTRIP ISP system. These include as follows:
These paint strippers are used to fill the tank during the plant’s start-up. Usually, their use is limited to this phase.
They are used routinely to feed the paint stripping tank during regular operation. They should be added periodically to maintain optimal bath chemical parameters. The operator determines the quantities to be added through a simple chemical analysis of the bath.
This non-toxic liquid forms a floating layer of about 4 cm above the paint stripper in the tank. It helps reduce heat loss and odor emissions and preserve the paint stripper from contact with air.
This new product has improved fluidity and sludge settling capacity characteristics. One of its main features is its full compatibility with ALIT Technologies’ other paint stripper series, meaning that it can be added directly into the FASTRIP ISP tank, gradually replacing the product used previously without the need to refill the tank completely.
All these products are part of ALIT’s METALSTRIP product range, and in addition to providing excellent performance, they meet strict environmental sustainability requirements.
A major company in Northern Italy producing and marketing wire mesh, fences and gates asked us to supply two complete FASTRIP ISP plants for paint stripping its hooks and frames. The paints to be removed were polyester coatings and the size of the hooks ranged from 70 cm in height to 50 cm in width.
The company had two already existing coating lines: due to space constraints and the chain’s layout, we had to design two custom plants with elevated paint stripping tanks.
ALIT’s Engineering division conducted a detailed geometric survey of the space available and the overhead conveyor in the area of interest. It then presented the customer with a design that was gradually refined until approval. The paint stripping and filtration areas were designed to fit into the existing spaces without interfering with the adjacent coating and robotic unloading areas.
With regard to automation, it was agreed that the plant would comply with INDUSTRY 4.0 standards. The main switchboard was equipped with advanced technologies to exchange process data with the customer’s management software and allow for remote service and monitoring. The wiring and insulation materials on board the machine were selected based on ALIT’s experience in the paint stripping industry, balancing the required chemical and thermal resistance characteristics.
The company protagonist of this case study has undoubtedly obtained many benefits from its new FASTRIP ISP. In addition to radically decreased costs, opting for this plant from ALIT Technologies has enabled it to lower its environmental impact, reduce its long-term costs and increase its turnover by eliminating the need to stop the coating line.
Would you also like to implement such an innovative system for your business?
Get in touch with the ALIT team: together, we will identify the most suitable solution for your production needs!
Most companies performing aluminum surface pre-treatment operations use products containing high levels of fluorides, which call for special water purification treatments. However, especially today, in an era marked by pollution, it is necessary to embrace more and more sustainable practices – even in the aluminum industry.
From a legislative point of view, European regulations set maximum limits for the presence of fluorides in waste water. In Italy, for example, up to 6 ppm are allowed in surface discharge water and 12 ppm in waste water discharged into the sewerage system (subject to specific regional restrictions). This is why the treatment of process water is an indispensable production step in the aluminum industry. However, the traditional purification cycle based on an acidification phase followed by neutralization with lime often fails to achieve such low fluoride concentrations, even with prolonged cycle times. Sophisticated purification systems are therefore designed for this purpose, capable of removing specific pollutants.
If one of the challenges of today’s industry is to pursue productive growth while preserving our planet, the mission of Alit Technologies is to offer advanced technologies to reduce its customers’ environmental impact, generating a synergy that can lead to significant progress and improvement.
Implementing clear strategies is key to achieving one’s goals. This is why Alit Technologies’ experts have devised an innovation that makes it easy to comply with the limits for the presence of fluorides in waste water. Their research work resulted in the creation of the Fluoridite series, an effective solution to tackle this challenge.
Fluoridite is a liquid product formulated to break down fluorides in waste water in the aluminum, steel, and glass industries. This agent can be added to the baths during the purification process, allowing fluorides to be removed from the treated water.
It has an exceptionally high efficiency and it can be easily used in already existing plants without the need to change their layout or waste water circulation system. After installation, it requires only a few adjustments to ensure that the discharged water’s fluoride concentration is below 2 ppm.
When it comes to products intended for industrial use, it is always particularly interesting to analyze them in actual production contexts where their properties can be put to the test.
The three case studies collected below not only demonstrate the effectiveness of Fluoridite in keeping fluoride levels below regulatory limits for both sewage and surface discharge water, but also offer some examples of concrete applications that may be useful in understanding how this product works.
As already pointed out, the basic issue reported by companies is the need not to exceed the legal limits for the concentration of fluorides in waste water. This also results in a production issue since, in order to comply with these regulations, manufacturers can be forced to reduce the use of products containing hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives and, consequently, limit their production flow.
The first success case we would like to present concerns a company headquartered in northern Italy, which coats about 15 tons per day of aluminum every 8-hour shift. It now uses Fluoridite for its purification process. The production line includes alkaline, acid, and non-chromic passivation pre-treatment stages and the purification plant handles 5 m3/h of cleaning water. Fluoridite’s dosage is about 800 ppm in the first tank, followed by neutralization with lime to pH 8 and flocculation. Thanks to the use of Fluoridite, the clarified water always has fluoride values below 9 ppm, i.e. below the legal limit of 12 ppm for discharge into the sewage system.
The protagonist of the second success case is another Italian company specializing in the coating of aluminum profiles and sheets, which processes around 60 tons per day in three 8-hour shifts. The company has two surface pre-treatment lines, one performing acid degreasing/deoxidation and non-chromic passivation and the other alkaline degreasing, acid deoxidation, and non-chromic passivation. The purification line collects water from both plants (6 m3/h in total). To comply with the 6 ppm limit for surface discharge water, the dosage of Fluoridite here is approximately 3500 ppm.
The third case study concerns a company located in central Italy, specializing in the coating and decoration of aluminum profiles. It processes around 50-55 tons per day in three shifts with a treatment operation involving several stages. Waste water is conveyed to a purification plant using Fluoridite. The limit for fluorides, again equal to 6 ppm, is successfully achieved through the accurate dosing of Fluoridite in the purification tank, which has reduced the fluoride concentration in the discharged water from around 30 ppm to less than 4 ppm, thus safely meeting the legal limit.
The use of Fluoridite brings several benefits, including as follows:
In summary, Fluoridite is a clear example of Alit Technologies’ constant dedication to research and development. It is the result of this company’s commitment to offer state-of-the-art solutions for a more sustainable and compliant industrial future.
And if it is true that collaboration in the industrial sector is of paramount importance in moving towards a greener future, Alit Technologies urges all companies dealing with the presence of fluorides in waste water to contact its specialized staff to identify the best solution to their specific needs.
Together, we can do more!
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