Background — Drying Process in Casting and Machining
The client is a manufacturing factory with casting and machining as its primary processes. After machining, parts have cutting oil and metal debris adhering to them, making cleaning with cleaning solutions essential. However, the drying process to reliably remove residual cleaning solution from part surfaces was required afterward, significantly impacting overall production lead time.
Conventionally, compressed air from compressors was used for this drying work. While compressed air provides adequate pressure, it presented numerous challenges in terms of air hose handling and equipment operating costs. For large parts or complex-shaped workpieces that require air blowing from multiple angles, working within the constraints of hose length and installation locations was extremely difficult.
Challenge — Hose Constraints and Long Drying Times
Compressed air drying had a fundamental limitation: work could only be performed within the reach of air hoses. Air piping connection points installed in the factory were limited, and to blow air around an entire large workpiece, operators needed to change hose connections multiple times.
Additionally, hoses themselves were heavy and stiff, making fine handling difficult, with cases of cleaning solution remaining on workpiece undersides and in recessed areas. As a result, the entire drying process became prolonged, creating wait times for downstream processes and reducing productivity. Operators had been requesting "a drying tool that allows free movement."
Product Adopted — Cordless Electric Blower "Baritobashi"
To address these challenges, AirMore proposed the cordless electric blower "Baritobashi." Baritobashi operates on a rechargeable battery, requiring no connection to air hoses. Operators can simply pick up the Baritobashi and move freely around workpieces to perform drying work.
The air force needed for cleaning solution removal is fully provided, efficiently blowing off liquid droplets remaining on complex-shaped workpieces. Its lightweight, well-balanced design minimizes operator fatigue even during extended use.
Results — Dramatic Drying Time Reduction and Improved Work Freedom
After adopting the Baritobashi, drying process time was dramatically reduced compared to before. Eliminating the need to change and route air hoses removed work interruptions, enabling continuous and efficient drying.
Particularly significant improvements were seen in drying large workpieces and complex-shaped parts. With operators able to move freely around workpieces, air can be precisely directed from any angle. Residual cleaning solution on undersides and in recessed areas has been eliminated, improving quality reliability as well.
Furthermore, eliminating air hose connection work has contributed to reduced setup time. Overall factory production efficiency has improved, with smoother part supply to downstream processes enhancing line-wide throughput. On-site operators have given positive feedback, noting that work has become much easier and that the freedom of movement has reduced stress.