"Automated dry ice blasting is gaining in importance" – Interview

What trends do you see in the field of dry ice blasting?

For customers in the dry ice blasting sector, combination blasting is usually still an unknown but often ideal application. In this context, ‘standard’ dry ice blasting is not sufficient. Here, surfaces can be treated in different ways using various abrasive media, such as sand, thereby achieving a particularly high cleaning power. I am currently compiling these findings from tests in a ‘study’.

Many companies are also considering automating dry ice blasting. This includes direct dry ice production combined with the blasting unit and the necessary interfaces and sensors. ASCO has created a complete solution for this trend.

There is also an increasing number of enquiries for mobile dry ice production systems. ASCO is ideally positioned to meet these requirements with its ISO tank containers and customised solutions, in which dry ice pelletisers are installed within containers.

In addition, ASCO offers soundproofing solutions in the form of cabins with CO₂ monitoring. These soundproofing solutions are in increasing demand, as we know that dry ice blasting generates a lot of noise. As occupational safety plays a major role in Germany, ASCO develops customised solutions to enable dry ice blasting to continue as usual.

In your opinion, which sectors/industries are particularly suited to the dry ice blasting method, and what do you see as the advantages?

In principle, dry ice blasting can be used in all industries and trades. However, our key customers are still found in foundries, plastic injection moulding, the trades and industrial services. At present, I am observing a stagnation in the automotive industry and among automotive suppliers. The trend in plastic injection moulding continues to rise, although the automotive sector’s share is declining. Additionally, new trends are emerging in microelectronics and restoration. Services in the trades (woodworking, painting, facades) are also on the rise.

What is behind your ‘Vereinigte Eisstrahl Betriebe’ project?

The idea behind this project is based on having uniformly trained specialist staff for blasting services on construction sites using ASCO technology. The aim is to establish a nationwide network in Germany, enabling personnel with standardised ASCO expertise to be deployed on large-scale projects. Two specialist consultants from the field service are currently visiting various construction sites. Their aim is to generate orders for blasting services.

You have been an ASCO partner for years with your company ‘Trockeneishandel Bad Berka’. How do ASCO blasting machines differ from those of other manufacturers?

With its modular blasting machine concept, ASCO has created an all-rounder. The modular design of ASCO’s blasting machines allows for unlimited applications. In addition to the blasting machines, ASCO offers the ideal equipment. The equipment can be adapted to all requirements. The ASCOJET Combi Blaster 1708 is a 3-in-1 unit. With a few accessories, you get three units in one, which naturally brings major advantages. You save on investment costs, space and weight.

The new generation of machines clearly demonstrates that user feedback is quickly incorporated into product development. This is the case with the ASCOJET Combi Blaster 1708, which has undergone various improvements. A new ergonomic blasting gun, a larger and better-integrated abrasive compartment, and easier adjustment of the abrasive flow rate. These improvements make operation even simpler and more reliable. In addition, the training centre in Bad Hönningen will be used in future to train users in ASCO blasting technology and to impart knowledge in application technology. This naturally also includes the topic of occupational safety.

Contact details:

Trockeneishandel Bad Berka
Heinrich Schütz Strasse 14
DE - 99438 Bad Berka

Mr Andreas Oesterheld
Email: andreas.oesterheld@trockeneishandel-badberka.de

Mobile: +49 172 86 77 022
Tel.: +49 36458 181263
Fax: +49 36458 181275
www.trockeneishandel-badberka.de