Paragon Rapid Technologies needed to replace its ageing on-site nitrogen generator with a new model that would be more efficient and achieve the high purity required in its selective laser sintering process.
However, there was an interesting proviso. The 3D printing operation occupies a building dating back to the 1940s, and the electricity supply can be erratic. To avoid any likelihood of the nitrogen supply being disrupted, Atlas Copco recommended the installation of a pneumatically powered, point-of-use nitrogen generator.
Many of Paragon’s manufacturing processes are reliant on compressed air, but one of the 3D printing technologies they use – Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) – also requires a consistent supply of high-purity nitrogen. However, the company’s existing nitrogen generator was approaching the end of its useful life. It was becoming increasingly difficult to source spare parts, and the gas purity levels fluctuated between 70 and 85 percent. The SLS process requires a minimum of 95 percent purity.
A new nitrogen generator needed to meet several key criteria. In addition to delivering a consistent supply of high-purity gas and lowering energy consumption, it had to fit within the existing generator’s footprint. The new generator needed to be quick and simple to install because demand for Paragon’s services meant there was no room for production delays or significant outages. Low maintenance requirements were also a key factor. In particular, Atlas Copco realised that the underlying issue with the building’s electrical supply was a key challenge in the delivery of reliable, high-purity nitrogen. Their recommendation was to deploy a pneumatic powered nitrogen generator, which could take advantage of the company’s existing compressed air network. In addition, their solution would be purpose-built to match Paragon’s specific volume requirements.
The NGMs 3 from Atlas Copco is a cost-efficient, point-of-use nitrogen generator designed for low-flow requirements, just like those at Paragon. It uses a proprietary membrane separation technology, meaning users can select the purity their application requires, from 95 to 99.5%. An easily calibrated integral gas purity sensor ensures the specified gas quality is met.
Crucially for Paragon, the NGMs 3 requires no electricity supply. Simply connect it to an existing compressed air supply, and it will begin generating nitrogen immediately.
Summarising their experience, Ryan Wake, Paragon’s Operations Manager, says: “We’ve been really impressed with our non-electric solution from Atlas Copco. It has not only achieved the desired levels of purity but also improved operational efficiencies. This, in turn, has improved product quality, reduced wastage and reduced our carbon footprint.”
Contact: Andrew Butler