BEKO TECHNOLOGIES helps bike engineers keep compressed air cycling efficiently

Compressed air experts, BEKO TECHNOLOGIES, helped bike component engineers, Hope Technology, to save energy and costs by installing compressed air equipment that not only improved their compressed air quality but also protected their machinery in the process. Read this case study to find out more.

A story of Hope

Hope Technology is one of the world leaders in engineering bicycle components. Based in Barnoldswick, United Kingdom the company began life in the late 1980s as a subcontract machining business making tools and fixtures for local aerospace companies. In 1989, they began making disc brakes for newly developed mountain bikes. Initially for the personal use of the owners Ian Weatherill and Simon Sharp but they quickly realised these brakes could be sold as a product in their own right.

Hope now manufactures almost every part for a bicycle, including hubs, brakes, headset, stems, bottom brackets and lights. The only major part left to develop is the actual frame, which may happen in the not too distant future. All parts are proudly manufactured in Hope’s Barnoldswick factory which is a true state-of the-art facility. Almost 150 staff operating the factory 24-7, running 55 CNC machines, anodising individual components and hand assembling the finished parts – around 50% of which are exported to over 40 countries.

Saddled with poor compressed air

Hope Technologies had poor compressed air quality on site, which was affecting product quality at their factory. BEKO TECHNOLOGIES recommended and installed a refrigeration dryer, oil water separators and condensate drains together with a carbon tower and membrane dryer for their compressed air system.

The refrigeration dryer and carbon tower with filters clean the compressed air which is used to manufacture and spray the carbon fibre cycle parts, frames, handlebars and seat stems in the production area. The air quality is critical as the compressed air comes in to direct contact with the carbon fibre as the parts are bonded together. The membrane dryer is used for the CMM equipment where a -20 degrees Celsius dew point is required to protect the air bearings, any water contamination could cause surface rust and require a very expensive refurbishment.

Hope restored their air and product quality

Since installing the refrigeration dryer and carbon tower Hope’s compressed air quality has increased from ISO standard 2.5.4 to class 2.4.1. There has also been an increase in product quality with no product spoilage in the carbon frame production area and the spray shop. The CMM machine bearings have been kept dry thanks to the membrane dryer and has increased life of the bearings.

For more information visit www.beko-technologies.com.