At Wrightform, we are committed to aligning cutting-edge technology with environmentally responsible practices, ensuring efficiency and sustainability are core to our operations. By integrating advanced nitrogen generation, renewable solar energy, and innovative energy recovery systems, we’ve created a manufacturing process that minimises environmental impact while maintaining the precision and quality our customers expect.
The Nitrogen Generation Process: Efficient and Sustainable
Nitrogen is essential in laser cutting as a shielding and assist gas for high-precision results. Historically, we relied on liquid nitrogen deliveries from our supplier in Yorkshire. These deliveries involved energy-intensive cryogenic liquefaction (consuming up to 1.0 kWh per cubic meter) and transportation, which contributed significantly to emissions.
With our MSS pure nitrogen generator, we extract nitrogen gas on-site from compressed air. This system eliminates the need for energy-hungry liquefaction and long-distance transportation. Booster pumps pressurise the nitrogen up to 300 bar, delivering it directly to our laser cutting machines. This self-contained approach has dramatically reduced energy consumption and emissions while enhancing operational efficiency.
Harnessing Solar Energy for a Greener Future
Our solar power system, installed in 2015, has generated over 1.2 million kWh of renewable energy, significantly offsetting our nitrogen generators and laser-cutting equipment’s electricity demands. Laser cutting is inherently energy-intensive, but this renewable energy contribution ensures we rely less on fossil fuels and grid power.
By combining solar energy with our nitrogen generator, we’ve created a sustainable and integrated system that aligns with our environmental goals. This synergy allows us to meet high production demands while maintaining a lower carbon footprint.
Energy Recovery: Heating Our Workshops
In addition to using renewable energy, we’ve implemented a system that captures the heat released during nitrogen compression. Instead of allowing this energy to dissipate, it is circulated throughout our workshops to provide heating for our workforce. This dual-purpose approach reduces waste and supports a more comfortable working environment, exemplifying how we prioritise sustainability and employee well-being.
Metal Waste Separation and Recycling
At Wrightform, we ensure that 100% of metal product waste from our fabrication processes is meticulously separated and recycled. Recycling metal lowers energy use, as recycling metals like steel and aluminium consumes significantly less energy than primary production. For example, recycling steel saves approximately 74% of the energy compared to producing it from raw materials.
This practice aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing waste sent to landfills and conserving natural resources. For metal fabrication companies, recycling represents a responsible and efficient way to manage production by products, supporting the circular economy while contributing to a greener environment.
Sustainability in Action: A Holistic Approach
Our sustainability initiatives extend beyond nitrogen and solar energy. By optimising material use in laser cutting, reducing waste, recovering heat from our processes and recycling waste, we’ve created a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency. Together, these efforts demonstrate how innovative technology can work alongside renewable energy and waste reduction to create a sustainable manufacturing process.
Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement
Wrightform is committed to ongoing sustainability improvements. Future initiatives may include expanding renewable energy sources, further optimising our nitrogen generation process, and enhancing energy recovery systems. We aim to demonstrate that sustainable practices are not just an add-on but an integral part of modern manufacturing.
At Wrightform, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Investing in technologies that reduce environmental impact sets a standard for responsible manufacturing in the metal industry.