🏭 Customer

Michelin North America, Inc.
Greenville, South Carolina Facility

Michelin is one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers, operating highly automated facilities that rely on precise and dependable compressed air systems.

At their Greenville, South Carolina facility, Michelin had previously implemented Super-Dry point-of-use dryers on several 3D printing systems. These installations delivered reliable performance and helped protect sensitive equipment from moisture contamination.

Based on the success of those systems, Michelin selected Super-Dry again when installing a new laser engraving system.

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⚠️ The Challenge

The new laser engraver requires clean, dry compressed air to ensure reliable operation and protect sensitive laser components.

Machine Air Requirements

Compressed Air Functions

💨 Exhauster unit operation

🌪 Dust blow-off on engraved parts

🔒 Positive pressure inside the laser head to prevent dust contamination

Moisture or particulate contamination in the air supply could cause:

• contamination inside the laser enclosure
• buildup on optical components
• inconsistent engraving quality
• increased maintenance and downtime

Although the plant air system provides approximately 90 psi, Michelin needed a solution that ensured the air delivered to the engraver consistently met the ISO 8573-1 compressed air quality specification.

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🛠 The Solution

To meet these requirements, Michelin implemented a Super-Dry multi-stage point-of-use air treatment system designed to remove liquid water, particulates, and water vapor before the air reaches the laser system.

Installed Super-Dry Components

💧 FSD-185-W — Bulk Liquid Separator

Removes bulk liquid water and condensate from the compressed air stream before downstream filtration and drying.

Benefits:

- protects downstream components

- improves drying efficiency

- prevents liquid carryover

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🧰 SAF-185 Filter Housing with Grade X Element

Provides 1-micron particulate filtration, removing fine contaminants from the compressed air stream.

Benefits:

- protects the desiccant dryer

- prevents particulate contamination of laser components

- improves air system reliability

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🌬 D-1 Desiccant Compressed Air Dryer

A point-of-use desiccant dryer that removes remaining water vapor from the compressed air using activated alumina.

Benefits:

- delivers consistently dry air

- protects sensitive laser optics

- ensures compliance with required air quality standards

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⚙️ System Operation

The installed Super-Dry system treats the compressed air in three stages:

1️⃣ Bulk liquid removal — FSD-185-W separator
2️⃣ Particulate filtration — SAF-185 with Grade X element
3️⃣ Final moisture removal — D-1 desiccant dryer

This staged treatment process ensures reliable removal of bulk liquids, particulate contamination, and water vapor, allowing the laser engraver to consistently operate within the ISO 8573-1 Class 5.4.5 compressed air quality requirement specified by the equipment manufacturer.

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⭐ Why Point-of-Use Drying Was Critical

For precision equipment like laser engravers, air quality must be controlled at the machine itself, not just at the plant air system.

Point-of-use drying provides several advantages:

🎯 Guaranteed ISO air quality at the machine

Even if moisture exists elsewhere in the plant system, the air reaching the engraver meets the ISO 8573-1 requirement.

🔬 Protection of sensitive optics

Dry air prevents condensation or contamination inside the laser enclosure and optical components.

🛡 Stable positive pressure in the laser head

Clean, dry air maintains a protective barrier that prevents dust from entering the laser housing.

⚙️ Reduced maintenance and downtime

Removing moisture and particulates reduces the risk of contamination that could affect engraving quality or equipment reliability.

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📈 The Results

After installing the Super-Dry system, Michelin achieved several operational benefits.

✔ Consistent ISO-quality compressed air
The air supplied to the laser engraver meets the ISO 8573-1 Class 5.4.5 requirement.

✔ Protection of sensitive laser components
Dry air prevents contamination inside the laser head and optical enclosure.

✔ Reduced maintenance risk
The system prevents condensation and particulate contamination.

✔ Proven technology expansion
Michelin confidently expanded their use of Super-Dry technology, building on the success of existing installations supporting 3D printing systems.

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📊 Application Summary

Customer: Michelin North America, Inc.
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Application: Laser Engraving System

Installed Super-Dry System

💧 FSD-185-W Bulk Liquid Separator
🧰 SAF-185 Filter with Grade X 1-Micron Element
🌬 D-1 Desiccant Compressed Air Dryer