ActionLaser’s Solution for Global Milk Processors

Case Study: ActionLaser’s Solution for Global Milk Processors

Laser drilling technology improves quality, in robotic and automated equipment

Safe and efficient production of milk requires intensive labour and capital investments. Innovation through robotic milking systems has improved the milk yield as well as reducing operational costs related to improved milk quality targets and data collection requirements for product traceability. However, a solution to the frequent human intervention required to maintain traditional filtration systems has remained elusive.

The Problem: Robotic systems still required manual intervention for maintenance, requiring farmers to replace traditional filters every eight hours. These traditional filters experience fouling, variable flow rates, pressure issues, and other processing inefficiencies, all of which reduced the effectiveness of autonomous robots.

Brief: In 2016, ActionLaser was selected by a major systems supplier to the global dairy industry for a collaborative Research and Development (R&D) project. The goal was to develop an alternative, fouling resistant filtration screen that would eliminate human intervention; and which could easily be deployed into new or existing robotic milking facilities.

The Process: ActionLaser supported the eight-year collaborative journey from concept to commercialisation. This involved rigorous R&D, introducing new technologies, refining hypotheses, optimising fabrication methods, and validating market applications. Each step enriched ActionLaser’s Intellectual Property portfolio and expanded its technical capabilities to solve its client’s problem.

The Solution: By early 2024, ActionLaser had successfully refined its innovative filtration technology for final testing in Europe. This advancement has reduced fouling, eliminated downtime, and increased yields compared to traditional filters. ActionLaser not only developed and manufactured the laser-drilled screen but also fabricated the complete removable and reusable filtration element, ready for deployment by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) into dairy operations worldwide.

Outcome and Benefits: The culmination of ActionLaser’s R&D efforts yielded a breakthrough in dairy filtration technology. The laser-drilled stainless-steel screen offers superior performance, addressing longstanding maintenance issues due to fouling and operational inconsistency. This innovation enhances not only product quality, but also improves overall productivity and cost-efficiency for dairy producers by eliminating the last significant need for human intervention.

Conclusion: From conception to commercialisation, ActionLaser’s efforts exemplify the power of collaboration in innovating to overcome industry challenges. By leveraging laser drilling technology, ActionLaser has not only disrupted traditional filtration methods but also set a new standard for efficiency and reliability in dairy processing. This success underscores ActionLaser’s commitment to advancing technology and delivering impactful solutions for its partners and customers.

For further information, or to discuss your business needs contact:

W: www.actionlaser.com

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