Sustainability for Capital goods?

In general: Capital goods have a good eco-bilance trough excellent serviceability, their long lifetime and materials which can and will be recycled (Steel, Aluminium …). Being in operation for 10-15 years is nothing special for capital goods. We even have seen machines which are close to 100 years and fulfil their duty due to upgrades, such as the latest sensor technology and efficient drive systems.

But beyond that – what can be done?
The focus layed on what is within the reach of an Industrial Designer:

• Reduction of used materials (less materials used, less shipping efforts due to reduced weight)
• Reduction of mechanical parts in the housing: Simpler mechanisms can be used due to the flexible outer shell (which is great for the environment and production costs)
• Less paint, which makes recycling metal parts even easier and less toxic
• Reduction of machine interfaces: A reduced array of really necessary hard-buttons – due to functionality and safety - remain on the machine, while a wireless touch panel on which the operator can fulfil more advanced tasks and can adjust settings, reduces the number of screens used on the shop floor.

The result is a case study of an injection molding machine, which is completely wrapped in two types of metal fabric. Both resistant to mechanical manipulation, such as cuts or flying objects, while providing insight in the process area.
The woven metal mesh provides completely new possibilities in form giving on industrial machines, while reducing panel gaps, weight and carbon footprint.

The possible reduction on the machine housing is massive:
-43% in CO₂ e (-705kg CO₂ e) and
-57% in weight! (-188kg)

Massive reductions are possible


Scale model of the case study

Angelo Schulz (GM defortec) and Samuel Joas (left to right) on the semester show at HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd