Innovative cleaning technology for
modern tool and plant engineering
Dry ice cleaning is a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for removing contamination from a wide variety of surfaces—an important component of innovative manufacturing processes in automation technology, plant engineering, and toolmaking. Meissner AG relies on automated solutions that combine precision, repeatability, and occupational safety with maximum cost-effectiveness. This technology offers decisive advantages over conventional methods, particularly in industrial manufacturing, where it is used to clean core boxes, molds, and technical components. Our expertise covers numerous industries – from mold making and blow mold manufacturing to medical technology, toolmaking, and
How does dry ice cleaning work?
In dry ice blasting, solid CO₂ particles are accelerated with compressed air and shot onto the surface to be cleaned. The particles instantly cool the contamination locally, causing it to become brittle. The dry ice sublimates on impact, expanding 700 to 1000 times and blasting the layer of dirt off the surface. The process is:
- Residue-free: No blasting media remains behind, as the dry ice evaporates completely.
- Gentle on materials: No damage to the surface, as the process is non-abrasive.
- Environmentally friendly: CO₂ is non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically inert.
- Versatile: Suitable for metal, plastic, and many other materials—ideal for precision tools and sensitive molds in toolmaking, as well as for tool repair and maintenance.
Your advantages at a glance:
- Increased efficiency and quality through automated, repeatable processes
- Reduced physical strain and improved occupational safety
- Immediate operational readiness—even in unmanned operation
- Flexibility for different component types and degrees of contamination – from additive manufacturing to classic prototype construction foundries
- Reduced ecological footprint by eliminating the use of chemical cleaning agents – a contribution to sustainable manufacturing in plant engineering
- Potential for ongoing cost savings
Dry ice cleaning in practice:
Automated dry ice cleaning for BOSCH
An outstanding example of Meissner AG’s expertise in automation technology and plant engineering is the project for BOSCH. Here, a fully automated dry ice cleaning system was developed and installed for cleaning core boxes. The actual cleaning work is performed by a robot, which not only increases efficiency but also significantly improves occupational safety.
Before automation, the core boxes at BOSCH had to be cleaned exclusively by hand – a physically demanding and noisy task. The new system with soundproof enclosure has reduced noise pollution from up to 140 dB to 78 dB. In addition, no personnel are directly present during cleaning, which significantly increases safety.
The efficiency of the system is impressive: cleaning time per core box has been reduced from up to five hours to just two, with the system being individually tailored to the customer’s requirements. Another advantage is that dry ice cleaning enables even sensitive surfaces to be cleaned without risk and without causing damage to materials. The system is successfully in use and underscores Meissner AG’s innovative strength and flexibility in toolmaking, toolmaking services, and sustainable manufacturing in plant engineering.
Meissner AG is also currently developing a customized automated dry ice cleaning system for Siemens Mobility.
Areas of application and future prospects for dry ice cleaning
These projects clearly show that dry ice cleaning is suitable wherever components need to be cleaned regularly and reliably – especially in the foundry, automotive, and plastics industries. Thanks to flexible automation, different types of components can be processed quickly and efficiently. The process also guarantees the highest standards in toolmaking services and quality management in toolmaking.
Meissner AG is continuously developing the technology further – with a view to even greater efficiency, integration of camera systems and AI, and individual adaptations to your requirements. This means our customers always stay one step ahead – whether in additive manufacturing in toolmaking, prototype construction for foundries, or innovative tool solutions for medical technology.
Successful partnerships
Please feel free to contact us
Would you like to learn more about the advantages of dry ice cleaning or are you looking for a customized solution?
The Meissner AG team will be happy to advise you—benefit from our experience gained from over 100 years of toolmaking and our professional standards for modern manufacturing processes!
