As a leading global manufacturer of outdoor and architectural lighting, WE-EF Leuchten GmbH operates in a demanding sector where product durability and performance is key. High quality castings are therefore essential – and that requires high quality melt.
To meet this demand, increase production capacity and to modernize its in-house casting operations for optimal energy efficiency, the company has invested in a new StrikoMelter MHS melting furnace for its facility in Steinhöfel, Germany.
From crucible to shaft melting: a strategic upgrade
Until recently, WE-EF relied on a crucible furnace for its melting operations. However, increasing wear, rising production targets and the need for improved energy performance led the company to reassess its melting technology.
The investment in a new shaft melting furnace was driven by three key objectives:
- Reducing energy consumption in line with corporate sustainability goals
- Increasing melting capacity to support production
- Replacing ageing equipment to improve operational reliability
The installation of two additional casting machines – required a corresponding increase in melting capacity, which the new StrikoMelter aluminium furnace now reliably provides.
Why the StrikoMelter MHS?
After evaluating available technologies, WE-EF selected the StrikoMelter MHS shaft melting furnace.
“We liked the concept and the figures” explains Martin Rose at WE-EF.
The StrikoMelter MHS combines high melting performance with compact design and outstanding energy efficiency. By using the proven shaft melting principle, exhaust gases are utilized to preheat the charging material, significantly reducing energy losses. For WE-EF, this meant not only meeting increased capacity requirements but doing so in a highly resource-efficient way.
Supporting high-quality aluminium casting
With the new StrikoMelter MHS, WE-EF has strengthened its melting operations to reliably support both current production and future growth. The investment reflects a clear commitment to technological advancement, energy efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
34% reduction in energy consumption
Energy efficiency played a central role in the investment decision. As a manufacturer of durable outdoor lighting solutions, sustainability and responsible resource management are integral to WE-EF’s philosophy. The results speak for themselves. “We’ve been able to reduce our energy consumption in the melting area by up to 34% “, said Martin.
This substantial reduction underlines the efficiency advantages of StrikoMelter, particularly compared to crucible furnaces. In addition to lower operating costs, the company will benefit from improved CO₂ performance and greater process stability.
