, is a global provider of industrial packaging solutions, offering comprehensive packaging, digital and logistics services to customers worldwide. The company’s mission is to save environmental and financial resources by optimizing supply chains. Nefab collaborates with its customers to develop innovative, intelligent packaging and logistics solutions, always adhering to high ethical standards and social responsibility. With over 75 years of experience, a presence in 38 countries, and more than 4,900 employees, Nefab delivers global solutions with local support. The company serves industries such as LiB & E-mobility, Telecom, Semicon, Healthcare, Datacom, Mining & Construction and Energy.

NEFAB approached NOYEN with the need to automate the cleaning process for specialized transport packaging. NEFAB provides logistics services and develops packaging solutions designed for transporting and protecting various components, including EV batteries. These solutions cater to highest needs of the automotive and industrial sectors globally.

The Challenge – what did the client need?
The existing cleaning process for complete packaging sets – consisting of an HDPE container, EPP trays, and an HDPE lid was carried out manually. The process was time-consuming, labor-intensive, and insufficiently efficient in the context of the projected production volumes. The client was unable to achieve the expected throughput, which was the primary issue.

NEFAB required:

• Full automation of the transport packaging cleaning process,
• Cleaning technology adapted to different material types (HDPE, EPP),
• A solution compliant with technical cleanliness guidelines,
• Flexibility and scalability of the system in line with project growth.

Solution implemented for the client
An automated cleaning line from NOYEN, consisting of dedicated cleaning devices for each packaging element:

• NOYEN EXPERT T 1000 WRD – lids cleaning,
• NOYEN EXPERT T Ionized Air Cleaning Device – trays cleaning, using ionized air,
• NOYEN SMART – containers cleaning.

The system was supplemented with a vision system whose main function is to detect the presence of batteries in trays. The line was designed as a fully automated system, equipped with robot cells, an integrated conveyor system, HMI panels, and a portable operator tablet. The system includes features that ensure work safety, and service access to the equipment has been optimized for ergonomic use. Additionally, the final section of the line was prepared to operate in a cleanroom environment – the transport system was designed for seamless integration with a cleanroom area.

Cleaning cycle time
The cleaning line was designed to ensure a fixed output cycle time of 90 seconds -meaning that every 90 seconds a complete packaging set (a container with clean trays inside, closed with a lid) is ready at the end of the line.
Each device in the line has individually adjusted process times, depending on the geometry of the elements, material, contamination level, and the specific cleaning process. The trays are buffered before cleaning, and the entire system is synchronized so that the final 90-second takt time is maintained without the need for additional buffering between stages.

Cleaning processes for containers: cleaning, rinsing, rinsing + hot air drying, vacuum drying.

Cleaning processes for trays: cleaning using ionized air.

Cleaning processes for lids: cleaning, rinsing, hot air drying.

Functionality and control
The line was designed in a modular layout, allowing for reconfiguration or expansion depending on changing production needs. The control system enables monitoring and control of key process parameters: temperatures, times, flow rates, and individual cleaning and drying stages. Additionally, the operator has access to process data such as: volume of water replenished, number of completed cycles, work schedules, and system performance monitoring, allowing for efficient management and quick response in case of process irregularities.

NOYEN’s cleaning chemical, was selected based on process tests conducted in the NOYEN laboratory.
The formulation ensures high efficiency in removing solid particles in accordance with technical cleanliness standards. It has been specifically developed to effectively eliminate common contaminants found on packaging used for transporting components into clean production environments – such as fingerprints and light oil residues, while minimizing the risk of streaks on surfaces. The product offers excellent material compatibility with commonly used packaging plastics (including HDPE, PP, and ABS), and its low foaming tendency within the 55–60°C temperature range further enhances the stability and effectiveness of the entire cleaning process.

What did NEFAB get from working with NOYEN?

• A complete, automated cleaning line adapted to all packaging elements,
• Repeatability and standardization of the cleaning process in accordance with technical cleanliness requirements,
• Technological support at every stage: from process design to final testing and validation,
• Possibility to expand the line as the project grows,
• A comprehensive solution delivered by a single supplier, with no need to coordinate multiple parties,
• Reduced risk of complaints related to unmet technical cleanliness requirements,
• Comprehensive care and support from the NOYEN team – from concept phase through implementation to service and system development.

Take a look at the realisation in the following video

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