Environmentally Friendly Pressroom Automation

Many conventional spray oiler application methods in the blank material processing by pressrooms used air atomizing technology that is messy, producing excessive lubricant waste into the air and production areas, creating an unsafe environment. An increasing concern for the environment has prompted many pressrooms to search for better options when it comes to these operations. They want cleaner, safer and more cost efficient replacements without sacrificing quality. In response to this need, Atlas Technologies, LLC (Fenton, MI) offers an environmentally friendly Spray Oiler System for blank material processing: the revolutionary GEN II Flex Spray Oiler system is a dramatic innovation over other spray oiler applications, using a unique spray nozzle design that is cleaner, safer and “greener.”

The GEN II Flex Oiler provides a spray nozzle application called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). This technique is precise and repeatable, putting the oil on the blank, not in the air, minimizing lubricant overspray. A secondary mist collection is not required in most applications, resulting in a cleaner and safer pressroom area. Significant cost savings have been reported due to decreased fluid usage and the absence of compressed air usage. The PWM design offers dial in application rates over a broad range while still utilizing the same fluid pressure, nozzle spacing and orifice size. Results indicate an improved fluid transfer rate of 90 percent PWM verses 50 percent for air atomized nozzles. This versatile and precise application method results in cost efficiencies in fluid consumption and aspiration maintenance. The GEN II Flex Spray Oiler is an environmentally friendly system that provides energy savings and cost reductions from the moment it is installed.

Atlas also designed an environmentally friendly wash system, the GEN II Flex Clean Blank and Coil Washer. This revolutionary “dry wash” system has proven to be a “greener” option to traditional oil- and water-based blank washing systems. The elimination of waste from changing messy fluid filters and the replacements of cleaning rolls and cartridges make the GEN II Clean Washer cost efficient and environmentally conscious. This unique linear brush technology is configured to provide constant wiping pressure on both sides of the blank ensuring a clean, unmarked product. The lubricant-free application will decrease maintenance protocols and, in turn, reduce time spent and energy costs. These two product designs can be integrated into one compact unit, offering an environmentally friendly blank washer and oiler system.

Atlas Technologies, 3100 Copper Avenue. Fenton, MI 48430, 810-714-2126, Fax: 810-629-8145, [email protected], www.atlastechnologies.com.