The Swiss technology group Feintool develops and produces tools, presses, plants and systems as well as high-precision parts and components using forming and fineblanking processes. The company is also active in Germany, the Czech Republic, Japan, China and the USA. With its technologies, Feintool is paving the way for sustainable and efficient mobility solutions, among other things. The criteria of sustainability and energy efficiency also had top priority with regard to the planned lighting refurbishment of the company's own sites.

At Feintool System Parts Obertshausen in Hesse, outdated metal halide lamps (also known as HQL lamps) not only resulted in high energy consumption in the past, but also required an enormous amount of maintenance. "In addition to frequent breakdowns, the covers had to be constantly cleaned," says Dirk Eckgold, responsible for maintenance and repair, describing the situation. There was no question of converting to modern LED technology - especially as work is carried out around the clock in Obertshausen and the lighting is therefore in constant use.

Vulnerability of plastic covers made of PC

In addition to their high energy-saving potential, LED luminaires also stand for a long service life - provided there is no corrosion damage or stress cracks in the plastic covers, which could cause them to fall down. The cause of stress cracks lies in the material properties of the covers. These are usually made of polycarbonate (PC). This has many advantages: PC is not only light and transparent, but also extremely heat-resistant and impact-resistant. In addition, PC is resistant to diluted acids, many oils and greases. However, there is one not insignificant weak point: mineral oils. These are often used in heavy industry, for example in the coolants and lubricants of large milling and drilling machines or lathes.

Under its own brand Concept Light, Deutsche Lichtmiete has launched Steel Buddy, an LED strip light that has been specially developed for the mineral oil-containing environment of heavy industry. In addition to the standard use of corrosion-resistant metals, this product uses a cover made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which makes the Steel Buddy particularly resistant to mineral oils. "This not only increases safety, but also increases the service life enormously," says Stella Dreyer, Head of Research and Development at Deutsche Lichtmiete.

The advantages of Light as a Service

In addition to the eight production halls in Obertshausen with a total area of 23,000 square meters, Feintool has also converted the lighting at its Swiss headquarters with its partner from Germany. In addition, the lighting in Jessen in Saxony-Anhalt is currently being refurbished, and further locations are being planned. "The conversion was always carried out during ongoing operations, even at weekends, so there were no restrictions whatsoever," says Eckgold.

He sees a major advantage not only in the high product quality, but also in the Light-as-a-Service concept. Feintool did not have to make any investment for the conversion with Deutsche Lichtmiete, which means the company can protect its liquidity. "Even if there is a breakdown, we don't incur any additional costs," says Eckgold. "Maintenance, service and, if necessary, replacement lights are covered by the monthly rental fee."

Savings through intelligent control

The overall lighting costs are significantly lower than before the conversion due to the considerable energy savings, especially as the new lighting system also enables intelligent control. Depending on the amount of daylight, only as much artificial light as necessary is added. "Even on cloudy days, we can still use the natural light that comes through the skylights and side glazing," says Eckgold. By controlling the lighting individually depending on the incident daylight, the company generally achieves additional savings of up to 15 percent.