Greater Flexibility in Component Cleaning:
Modular System for Large Components in the Commercial Vehicle Industry
In the production of large and heavy components for the commercial vehicle industry, flexible and modular cleaning concepts are required that reliably meet stringent cleanliness standards while ensuring a high level of process reliability. Manufacturers need systems that are specifically designed for large-volume components, capable of handling multiple part variants, and scalable to accommodate future requirements. Against this background, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers in the Netherlands has selected a highly flexible, custom-engineered cleaning system from BvL Oberflächentechnik GmbH, based in Emsbüren, Germany, for cleaning flywheel housings used in the powertrain.
Scalable and Future-Proof
The Geyser system used in this application from BvL Oberflächentechnik GmbH has been specifically designed for cleaning various large-volume components supplied from machining processes. Different variants of flywheel housings are thoroughly and reliably cleaned fully automatically in short cycle times. Additional component types can be integrated into the cleaning process in the future with minimal effort. This makes the system fully compliant with key manufacturer requirements for scalability and future-proof production.
Modern and reliable robotic handling
A central element of the solution is the integrated robotic cell. It ensures safe and precise handling of the heavy components and their optimal alignment during the cleaning process. Thanks to a variable gripper, different geometries can be reliably picked up and precisely positioned. This enables effective cleaning of demanding areas such as bores, undercuts, and blind holes. At the same time, robotic handling ensures short cycle times, high process stability, and reduced carryover of media and contaminants, which has a positive effect on bath service life.
Reliable cleaning, drying, and cooling in one system
The customer-specific system consists of a Geyser, Nevada, and Arctic module. In the Geyser chamber, cleaning takes place in an immersion unit using intensive water agitation
(the “whirlpool effect”). The component is then moved and rotated in a controlled manner around the nozzle frame in the rinsing area to reliably reach all relevant surfaces. High-performance filtration technology ensures continuous removal of contaminants from the cleaning medium.
After wet cleaning, the flywheel housings are transported via a roller conveyor to an external vacuum dryer, which ensures complete drying. In the subsequent cooling tunnel, the components are cooled to ambient temperature (± 3 °C). This allows the flywheel housings to be transferred directly to the downstream leak testing process without any additional waiting time.
This project clearly demonstrates how modular and flexible cleaning concepts can meet the high requirements of the commercial vehicle industry. Designed for large components, multiple part variants, and future expansion, the system provides the foundation for sustainable and scalable production—an essential advantage for internationally operating manufacturers.
More information: https://www.bvl-cleaning.com/en/industries/automotive-engineering
BvL Oberflächentechnik GmbH is one of the largest suppliers of water-based industrial cleaning systems in Germany. As a system partner, BvL offers customized customer solutions – from small compact washing systems to filtration and automation solutions to complex customer-specific large-scale projects with process monitoring; always complemented by reliable service. As part of a long-established family business with roots dating back to 1860, the fifth-generation owner families stand for technical excellence, innovative strength, and absolute reliability. The company currently employs around 170 people. BvL has a strong market position in exports and a comprehensive sales and service network in 20 countries.
Contact
BvL Oberflächentechnik GmbH
Grenzstr. 16
48488 Emsbüren (Germany)
Phone.: +49 5903 951-60
info@bvl-group.de
www.bvl-cleaning.com
Presse release
Christine Brühöfner
Marketing
