With Funding for the Latest Drying Technology

The rack entering the dryer, whose energy efficiency is government-subsidized (Source: Rudi Göbel GmbH & Co. KG)After four minutes at 60 °C, the parts are completely dry and stain-free (Source: Rudi Göbel GmbH & Co. KG) The investment in energy-saving heat pump technology solves staining and quality problems and is still government-funded.

Rudi Göbel GmbH & Co. KG manufactures injection-molded, stamped, and hybrid components made of plastic, metal, and silicone. These are formed, joined, and finished. Since its founding in 1957, the company from Helmbrechts in Upper Franconia has grown into a diversified specialist with customers worldwide.

When components are coated, drying is naturally required afterwards. For this purpose, Göbel, like many other manufacturers, had been using a simple hot air blower for many years. At 85 °C, the water adhering to the metal parts evaporated. The components became very hot, developed stains, and moreover, were not completely dry within the seven-minute cycle time. The subsequent soldering process could sometimes not be carried out, or only partially, because absolute stain-freeness is required for this. Furthermore, employees had to work very carefully when processing the highly heated parts due to thermal stress. And of course, the aging hot air dryer was a high energy consumer. It was and remains the maxim of Senior CEO Franz Pichler to always be technically up-to-date, and his son, Managing Director Frank Pichler, continues this practice across all Rudi Göbel Group plants to this day. It was time to introduce a new, efficient, and ecologically sound technology for drying as well, explains Operations Manager Reinhard Schneider. The materials specialist received the corresponding recommendation from a plant manufacturer.