Overview ^ Client Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG ^ Location Memmingen, Germany ^ Application Manufacture of sensitive electronic components Products DH oil-free compressor Rohde & Schwarz adopts oil-free technology from CompAir Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG has embarked on a programme to upgrade its compressed air supply to CompAir's oil-free, DH compressors at its main production plant in Memmingen (Germany). The aim was to improve production reliability, while at the same time reducing compressed air costs and the company has already achieved these targets, with fast payback and improved efficiency. Application Details Rohde & Schwarz develops and manufactures complex devices for wireless and measurement technology, with more than half of the world's mobile phones checked by the company's measurement systems. A key application at the company's main plant in Memmingen is the manufacture of electronic components. Here, state-of-the art pick and place machines are used to convey these components pneumatically. Customer Benefits Improved production reliability and cost reduction Compressed air quality At Rohde & Schwarz, compressed air quality is monitored closely. Previously, the company used oil-lubricated compressors to produce its compressed air, using a system comprising an adsorption dryer, activated carbon adsorber and filter combination. This requires a large quantity of compressed air, which must be oil-free air to avoid any damage to the sensitive valves on the conveyor system. Oil-free compressed air is also used to blow the pcb boards clean after production. However, this was costly, as around 20% of the compressed air produced was required for the regeneration of the adsorption dryer.

CASE STUDY Fast payback - through lower power consumption and reduced maintenance costs Clean, reliable source of 100% oil-free air reducing production downtime and product network Increased air availability - to meet new production capacities High energy-efficiency - with water lubrication Reduction in the cost of spare parts - through extended service life Alfred Ahon, who is responsible for manufacturing technology projects at the Memmingen plant and therefore, for renewing the compressed air supply, says, “We continuously measure the residual oil content of the compressed air produced and...