Compact vacuum pyrolysis system ideal for production of plastic medical products

SCHWING Technologies cleans small tools and machine parts

In hospitals and medical practices, billions of sterile-packaged disposable plastic syringes are used, then disposed after only a single use. They are typically manufactured by injection moulding polypropylene using small metal nozzles and nozzle rings. These approximately 6- to 7-cm long machine parts must be cleaned regularly. Engineers at SCHWING Technologies have developed a new small-format vacuum pyrolysis system for these components and other tools. VACUCLEAN COMPACT system is particularly suitable for the thermal removal of plastic from small tooling to a maximum loading capacity of 50 kg. The fully automatic process is safe and gentle, requiring about six to eight hours for vacuum pyrolysis and oxidation cycles at a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Celsius.

Lightweight and compact system

The unit weighs only about 750 kilograms and, with its 100 x 125 x 245 cm (W x D x H) dimenstions, is only slightly larger than a spacious refrigerator. All essential components are integrated into the interior of the system to save space: these include a catalytic converter line, a vacuum pump, a control cabinet and fittings – featuring a 50 x 50 x 35 cm (W x D x H) cleaning chamber including loading platform. A touchscreen panel makes the control of the system easy to operate. Thanks to an external tower light, users always have a clear view of the cleaning status, even from a distance.

Thermal cleaning: energy efficient and environmentally friendly

With the new, electrically operated and easy-to-install system, the SCHWING engineering team is responding to the increased international demand for more compact systems, which will greatly benefit manufacturers of plastic medical products. The small-format system operates energy efficiently and environmentally friendly with low emissions. Additional advantages for producers of medical plastic products: Shorter machine downtimes and an increased service life of the cleaned components not only saves time but also reduces costs.

Keywords: Medical production, plastic medical products, VACUCLEAN COMPACT, vacuum pyrolysis system, thermal cleaning, polypropylene, plastic removal, tool cleaning, machine part cleaning, nozzles, nozzle rings, tool forms, injection moulding

Functional principle of the compact and fully automatic vacuum pyrolysis system. The cleaning process takes about six to eight hours and removes plastic safely and gently at a maximum of 450 degrees Celsius using vacuum pyrolysis and oxidation.