Karl Roll's new Focus cleaning system has been developed in response to the latest requirements in industrial parts cleaning. Designed as a cost-effective solvent cleaning solution, it incorporates all the essential features needed to achieve high cleanliness standards reliably and consistently, while also minimising energy consumption and resource use.
The system is particularly suited to applications where cleaning volumes are relatively low but quality expectations remain very high.
Ongoing changes across manufacturing industries are creating new challenges for component cleaning. Many companies now need to process smaller batches more frequently, while simultaneously meeting increasingly stringent cleanliness specifications. This shift demands cleaning technology that not only delivers reliable and repeatable results but also operates economically and efficiently.
To address these requirements, Karl Roll has developed the Focus, a closed-loop solvent cleaning system that combines high-performance cleaning with excellent value for money. The system provides an accessible entry point into premium component cleaning, making advanced cleaning technology available even to businesses working with limited investment budgets.
The compact machine has a small footprint and requires a standard industrial power supply and a compressed air connection. Operating under full vacuum, the Focus can be used with either hydrocarbons or modified alcohols. Its working chamber accommodates loads measuring up to 565 x 365 x 250mm and weighing up to 50kg.
As a plug-and-play solution, the Focus has been designed with all the key features required to achieve demanding cleanliness standards. The system includes two solvent tanks, each with its own media circulation circuit and bypass filtration. This configuration allows one tank to be used for pre-cleaning and the other for fine cleaning when particularly high levels of cleanliness are required.
Alternatively, the first tank can be dedicated to cleaning while the second is used for corrosion protection or conservation processes. In both scenarios, two high-performance pumps ensure rapid emptying of the working chamber, contributing to efficient cycle times. The machine also features integrated ultrasonic cleaning, with the frequency adjustable to meet specific customer requirements.
To improve operator comfort and safety, the system is equipped with a loading aid that supports ergonomic handling. For higher levels of automation, this can be upgraded to include automatic loading and unloading. A barcode scanning system is also available, enabling unattended operation and improved process traceability.
Low operating costs were a key consideration throughout the development process. Careful selection of components, including vacuum pumps, heaters and drain pumps, has resulted in a highly efficient balance between performance and energy consumption. Like all Karl Roll solvent cleaning systems, the Focus is equipped with an integrated distillation unit that continuously processes and regenerates the solvent.
The distilled oil is continuously removed by an automatic oil discharge system, allowing the solvent to remain free from residual oil contamination for extended periods. This significantly prolongs the service life of the cleaning medium and reduces operating costs.
Further improvements in energy efficiency are achieved through the recovery and utilisation of heat generated by the distillation unit, alongside effective insulation of all heated media. Particulate contamination removed during the cleaning process is captured by a dedicated filtration system. To minimise the risk of solvent emissions during manual filter replacement, the machine can be equipped with an optional automatic lid-locking system that ensures the filter housing remains securely sealed.
By concentrating on the essential features required to achieve demanding cleanliness standards, the Focus establishes a new benchmark for cost-effectiveness and resource efficiency in applications involving lower cleaning volumes. Its combination of performance, economy and reliability makes it an ideal solution for the high-quality cleaning of small and medium-sized components.