Trendgineering
Spraying against the virus
| Ana Laura Vera, Petra Rehmet
Swissmex reacts to increasing demand in Mexiko
Disinfection of large areas: Spraying is the best method. Suitable systems with a backpack tank and spray lance have long been a familiar sight in agriculture. Suppliers of these systems, for example Swissmex in Lagos de Moreno, Mexico, are experiencing great demand during the corona pandemic. Since 1996, Swissmex has been successfully using machines from KraussMaffei to manufacture components such as nozzles, strainers and lids. Ahead spoke to the Marketing Manager of Swissmex.
Ahead
Swissmex is a specialist in the area of compression sprayers. How long has your company been involved in this area?
Swissmex
Our company was founded in 1960, and we started producing backpack sprayers a short time later. They were naturally still made of metal at that time, initially in brass and then in stainless steel. We now produce handheld sprayers, backpack sprayers and even large spraying systems for tractors.
Ahead
And plastic then replaced metal, is that correct?
Swissmex
Precisely. That was during the 1970s. Metal processing is complicated, but plastic processing was so advanced by then that we were able to utilize it. This gave us much greater design freedom. For example, we were able to ergonomically adapt the backpack tanks, an important factor in terms of user-friendliness. Plastic is also highly resistant to chemicals.
Ahead
Apart from the tank, what else is made of plastic?
Swissmex
The tank is blow molded while the small parts which we need, e.g. the strainer, are produced using the injection molding process. During filling, the strainer prevents dirt from getting into the tank. The lid, the nozzle at the front and the pump system are also injection molded parts. Since products used in agriculture must be robust and durable, our mission is to supply the best possible quality. KraussMaffei supports us greatly in this.
Since 1960
Swissmex manufactures backpack sprayers
Ahead
What machine types and clamping forces do you use?
Swissmex
We have KraussMaffei injection molding machines with 785 to 1692 kN. We sometimes replaced a machine in order to use the latest technology each time. However, the machines have been operating continuously ever since we purchased the first ones in 1996.
Ahead
How important are technical data such as the cycle time or energy consumption?
Precision
A KraussMaffei system at Swissmex
Ahead
What do you all process?
Swissmex
In our opinion, the most important aspect is that the machine runs constantly without any downtimes since this represents the basis for production efficiency. Other aspects include a fast cycle time and the necessary precision that is required to achieve a high yield of OK parts. Our KraussMaffei machines are also first-class in terms of energy consumption. Everything together is necessary so that we can offer our products on the market at an attractive price. Four of our machines also feature the APC plus function which regulates the shot weight during every cycle. This function is extremely useful with complex materials.
Ahead
How has corona changed your business?
Swissmex
Compression sprayers are playing an important role in the pandemic because they are the best way to disinfect surfaces, for example in private households or in public areas such as hospitals, schools and cinemas. The models usually have a filling volume of up to 12 liters since they are very easy to handle. Recently, however, there has been increasing demand for designs with 16 to 20 liters. We only normally see this in the agricultural sector. These designs are now being used by municipal administrations to disinfect public spaces.
working at full capacity
The production at Swissmex
Ahead
How important was KraussMaffei for you during this period?
Swissmex
We really appreciate business partners whom we can rely on through thick and thin. KraussMaffei is simply the right company for us in the field of technology. Our production department is working at full capacity and since everything is operating stably, we can satisfy the high demand for our products. Good service is also an important factor when we quickly need a spare part or a technician.
Ahead
It's said that corona will remain part of a new normality. Do you therefore have any new objectives regarding your products?
Swissmex
We are always optimizing our products, for example by making them even more ergonomic or further improving the pump system. We are a very innovative and agile company in this respect. We therefore believe that we are well-equipped to cope with every challenge and can always adapt to market requirements. Naturally also with the aid of our partners such as KraussMaffei.