WAGNER Powder Coating System Enhances Productivity for Julius vom Hofe

Julius vom Hofe Invests in WAGNER Powder Coating System

The trend is towards individual colors and intelligent coatings.

Julius vom Hofe GmbH & Co KG specializes in the production of high-quality shelving systems, ranging from storage and archive shelving to specialized racks for items like beverage crates, cable drums, hoses, and tires, as well as multi-story, walk-in shelving systems. These are manufactured at the Lüdenscheid site from quality steel and subsequently powder-coated. The coating is one of the most important quality features. "The surface must be flawless," explains Christian Jünemann, Managing Director at Jul. vom Hofe. "Furthermore, we are currently seeing increasing demand for individual colors and intelligent coatings, such as antistatic or antibacterial finishes." To better meet these customer requirements, the company replaced its aging coating system with a new powder coating system from WAGNER.

Productivity and Sustainability Were Key Factors

When selecting the new system, high productivity was initially important for Jul. vom Hofe. "We manufacture exclusively in Germany. Alongside our qualified employees, we therefore need efficient technologies to remain competitive. In the case of powder coating, this means: 'Fast color changes, time-saving cleaning, and low powder consumption.'"

After comparing various suppliers, Jul. vom Hofe opted for a WAGNER coating system with a PXM powder center. Where previously two employees had to work in protective suits for two hours, color changes now take between 10 and a maximum of 20 minutes, provided color contamination into the next color is reliably avoided. This is made possible by a sophisticated design and automation. The powder is not only blown out from the inside of the suction tubes (see image), but the outside of the tubes is also automatically stripped. An intelligent menu guide assists the employee through the color change on the display. It also simplifies work that powder can be conveyed directly from the carton for small batches. For large coating tasks, it is possible to convey from a larger fluid container. A vibration table under the carton or fluid container optimally prepares the powder for subsequent fluidization. During coating, the system's recovery system captures excess powder, allowing it to be reused.

"It is important to us to take responsibility for people and the environment. That's why we focus on sustainable solutions when selecting our technologies," explains Christian Jünemann, outlining the company philosophy. Other decision criteria for the WAGNER system included safe, ergonomic working conditions for employees and low energy consumption.

Implementing Customer Wishes Flexibly

With the WAGNER PXM powder center, Jul. vom Hofe is now able to meet customer wishes flexibly and yet economically. From the management's perspective, the investment in the new system has paid off. "We have been working with the WAGNER powder center since May 2015 and are very satisfied," reports Managing Director Christian Jünemann. "Not only in terms of costs and coating quality. Our employees have also reported that the new system makes their work considerably easier. We are pleased about that."

About WAGNER:

WAGNER is a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced devices and systems for applying wet and powder coatings, paints, and other liquid media to surfaces. WAGNER surface technologies are used in industry as well as in trade and by DIY enthusiasts. WAGNER stands out due to its complete product and technology range, from material conveying, mixing, dosing, movement, and control technology, including material logistics, to the application of various materials to surfaces. Cabin and recovery technology for powder coating, as well as bonding and marking technology, complement the product portfolio.

The WAGNER Group operates globally with approximately 1,450 employees, 18 operational companies, and around 300 international WAGNER representatives. The WAGNER Group is owned by the Josef WAGNER Foundations, which, in addition to promoting the corporate group, exclusively pursue non-profit, charitable goals.

More information at www.wagner-group.com