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How Caminox transformed laser cutting with on-site nitrogen generation

Based in northern Italy, Caminox has been a trusted name in precision laser cutting for over 40 years. Known for its quality and reliability, the company recently took a major step forward: producing nitrogen on-site with the help of Pneumatech.

 

This strategic shift replaced reliance on external nitrogen deliveries with a fully self-sufficient supply—cutting costs, enhancing flexibility, and contributing to their environmental goals. For Caminox, it was a natural next step in a broader plan to boost efficiency and reduce emissions across the board.

The role of nitrogen in laser cutting

In laser cutting, nitrogen is used as a shielding gas to remove molten material and cool the cutting zone. Because it’s inert, nitrogen prevents oxidation and preserves the quality of the cut—essential for stainless steel, aluminium, and other high-value materials.

 

For manufacturers like Caminox, nitrogen is a must-have. And the higher the quality and consistency of the nitrogen, the better the end result.

The challenges of relying on external supply

Until recently, Caminox depended on third-party deliveries of liquid nitrogen. That meant:

 

  • Fluctuating prices tied to global market changes
  • Unpredictable delivery schedules
  • Space occupied by a large cryogenic tank
  • Weekly truck refills with related CO₂ emissions
  • Increased maintenance and handling requirements

 

This setup not only added complexity and cost, but also made it harder to scale production efficiently.

 

“We wanted to become more autonomous, reduce operational risks, and focus fully on quality and production. On-site nitrogen generation gave us that freedom.” — Caminox

The solution: On-site nitrogen generation with Pneumatech

To eliminate these challenges, Caminox partnered with Pneumatech and local distributor Compressori & Service to install a tailor-made nitrogen generation system.

 

After a detailed technical assessment, Pneumatech provided a complete solution featuring:

 

 

The system now produces nitrogen at up to 99.999% purity, enabling smooth operation even during high-demand cycles. It also provides live system monitoring, ensuring stable pressure, purity, and performance—all controlled directly on-site.

Caminx nitrogen generator controller

Clean energy meets smart production

The decision to produce nitrogen in-house was part of a broader energy-efficiency strategy. Caminox had already invested in a photovoltaic system, powering their facility with renewable energy.

 

By running the Pneumatech nitrogen generator during off-peak hours and weekends—when energy demand is lower—they:

 

  • Maximise the use of solar energy
  • Avoid peak electricity tariffs
  • Store nitrogen for use throughout the week
  • Further reduce reliance on the grid

 

“With the solar system we installed in 2012, we’re now using every bit of clean energy we generate. The nitrogen system runs on weekends, which used to be wasted capacity.” — Caminox

Camino nitrogen generator installation

Measurable results in just 5 months

After only a few months of operation, the numbers speak for themselves. Caminox has already saved:

 

  • Over 24,000 m³ of nitroge
  • 9 truck deliveries, reducing road traffic and logistics
  • 14,000 kg of CO₂ by powering the system with solar energy

 

And that’s just the beginning. The new system will continue delivering savings month after month—while reducing environmental impact and streamlining operations.

Ready to take control of your nitrogen supply?

If your business relies on nitrogen for laser cutting or other applications, consider following Caminox’s lead. On-site generation gives you control, consistency, and cost savings—with less risk and more sustainability. Contact our experts today to explore a tailored solution for your facility.