Offer Everything Your Customer Wants

The CustomKraft Self Serve System is the most advanced self-service system available. It provides an unsurpassed market advantage with unique features and cycles, as well as extended vending times per customer. The systems are available with 8 to 12 different functions and three operating pressures. Any cycle may be delivered with hot or cold water, and with low-pressure, medium-pressure or high-pressure. Lower pressures are adjustable from 50 psi to full operating pressure. Typical settings are 100 psi for low-pressure, 250-400 psi for medium-pressure and 1100-1300 psi for high-pressure. Maximum recommended discharge pressure is 1750 psi.

Standard cycles are:

Custom cycles available upon request.

Color-coding and Sequential Numbering

The stainless steel bay control box and laminated aluminum menu sign use color-coded Lexan® decals to focus attention to the point of sale and brighten the bay. Control wiring and solenoids use the corresponding color-code throughout the system. All cycles are placed in order of desirable application to clarify proper operation for your customer. Intake solenoids are coded by color and organized in order of operation. Solenoid coils utilize lighted NEMA rated connectors to indicate cycle in use and aid in system diagnosis.

Piezoelectric Technology

By applying pressure or mechanical stress on certain natural non-symmetrical crystals an electric charge is produced in direct  proportion to the pressure.  Also, if the same crystal is subjected to an  electric field, the crystals expand or contract in direct proportion to the  electric field.  This piezoelectric effect serves as an extremely durable  electromechanical transducer, converting mechanical energy into  electrical energy.        

 Piezoelectric switches have a long service life and contain no mechanical parts.  They are ideal for harsh environments, able to withstand severe  impacts and are even seawater resistant.  The switches are tested to military (MIL) standards and have United States and Canadian Electric (CE) certification. 

Installation and Adjustments

The CustomKraft MultiPressure® system is the simplest to install and most versatile self-service equipment. Each bay has single delivery lines for the center-mount, foam brush and foam gun booms. This patented system eliminates the need for in-bay check valves, bundles of delivery lines to each bay and numerous low-pressure delivery pumps.

One bay – One pump

Desired delivery pressures may be factory set or field adjustable. Pressure adjustments are made by regulating the secondary by-pass flow rate. Automatic proportioning valves in the stainless steel tank set control chemical concentrations. Final chemical mixtures are gravity-fed to the pump and are not diluted in the pump manifold, providing uniformity in chemical concentration in all bays.

CustomKraft’s equipment is ETL & CETL listed.

CustomKraft® Time Belt Drive

CustomKraft has designed the optimum drive system to be efficient, flexible and durable. The CustomKraft Timing Belt Drive uses a standard motor sprocket, timing belt, bushings and CustomKraft's T-6 aluminum pump sprocket. The ABS Plastic Belt Guard totally encloses thedrive system for safety.

Timing Belt Drive 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CustomKraft Timing Belt Drive System

CustomKraft’s timing belt drive system enables peak performance while offering the versatility of a belt drive system. The unit is 99% efficient, thus, utilizing the total horsepower of the motor. The timing belt requires no adjustment after initial set-up and has a 10-year life expectancy. Reduced belt slippage lowers operating temperature and drive wear.

CustomKraft’s T-6 aluminum sprocket weighs much less than ordinary timing belt sprockets. The reduced weight minimizes belt breakage and fraying, as well as, the “flywheel effect” at the end of a selection.

CustomKraft ABS Plastic Belt Guard

CustomKraft’s ABS (acrylonitrile butadien stryrene) high-impact plastic belt guard is a two-piece assembly, which detaches with a single finger latch. The guard totally encloses the drive system for ultimate safety. The base of the belt guard is fixed, with the top opening fully to expose the drive assembly.

Adjustment

A single bolt located on the front of the motor base allows for easy pump and motor maintenance as well as the initial belt tensioning adjustment.

Purchasing CustomKraft Self-service Equipment

Factors to consider when purchasing CustomKraft self-service car wash equipment are 1) quality of components, 2) ease and need of maintenance, 3) simplicity of design, 4) company support and 5) price.  If all equipment were built with the same components and design, it would be easy.  Many consider self-service equipment as, “just a pump and motor”.  However, it is not that simple.  Minor differences in equipment make significant differences in required maintenance and equipment longevity. 

Quality Components

In the absence of experience, select equipment with components designed to function at higher capacities.  The selection of quality components is based on aesthetic quality, durability and lowest real cost.  

Aesthetic quality of components will improve the overall appearance of the finished product and generally reflect the grade of the component.  The best components have substantial construction and a sturdy appearance.  In addition, better component materials will have good chemicalcompatibility and permanence.  

Durability is longevity or the ability of the component to survive.  An example would be pumps designed to operate at 4.0 gallons per minute (gpm) at 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi), will last longer operating at 3.5 gpm at 1,250 psi.

Real cost of a component is more difficult to determine.  The real cost is equal to purchase price x requirement of repair or replacement.  The cost of repair or replacement is significant, due to lost production and operation time.  Therefore, solid components are desirable to lower the real cost.  

Ease and Need of Maintenance

CustomKraft equipment operates for long periods without maintenance while optimizing versatility, performance and machine life.  CustomKraft equipment requires less maintenance and has easy accessibility for maintenance or component replacement.  Component arrangement allows access for service with minimal difficulty.  CustomKraft equipment designs require less maintenance to meet the demands of busy owner/operators. 

Simplicity of Design

Simplicity of design may be categorized by the ability to understand operation and the overall reduction of components to perform the task.  Components should have logical placement and workings.  CustomKraft designs are easily understood and have clear flow patterns.  CustomKraft electrical systems are color-coded with high and low voltages isolated.  CustomKraft designs are driven to improve performance and reduce components.  CustomKraft designs have the best value with the lowest operation cost. 

Company Support

The finest equipment manufactured will need maintenance and replacement components.  Company support may be measured by equipment warranties, certifications, system documentation and training furnished.  The distributor network and proximity to the site will determine response time for service.

Warranties are offered for items that will not fail during the specified period.  Manufacturer’s issue warranties for in respect to quality of components used in fabrication.  Longer warranties commonly indicate a high quality component. 

CustomKraft equipment carries Edison Testing Laboratory (ETL) and Canadian Edison Testing Laboratory (CETL) markings and listings to assure proper application of components.  All-inclusive manuals for parts and troubleshooting permit customers to self-educate and perform service for the equipment.  CustomKraft also provides training seminars and electronic materials (CD’s).  Our local distributor will provide an important lifeline to insure a profitable facility.

Purchase Price

Usually the predominant factor in choosing equipment is actually the least important.  Project costs are driven by land and structure.  Equipment costs are a much smaller percentage of the project. Location and appearance are crucial, but so are system reliability and ease of operation.  Purchasing equipment based solely on price overlooks reliability, versatility or required maintenance. 

Differentiating Equipment

A precursory inspection of self-service equipment reveals similar pumps, motors and stainless steel frames.  With closer examination, major differences are found in models, support components and certifications.  Better components require less maintenance plus have increased warranties and efficiencies.    

The bay meter is the point-of-sale and is contacted by every customer.  It is essential to present a clean, high-quality and aesthetically pleasing bay meter.  Quality of the mechanism is determined by appearance, ease of operation, security and dependability.  Well-defined instructions permit smooth operation of the system with little familiarity.  Customers demand mechanisms that accept money easily, activates the equipment and operates properly.   Many bay meter options are available due to varied site locations.  The most basic meter box should be stainless steel with a high-security lock, employ a rotary switch, electronic coin acceptor and digital display timer.  Up-scale sites will dictate the use of more options. 

Notable options include:

  1. bill acceptance
  2. credit card acceptance
  3. piezoelectric touch-button selection
  4. cycle indicator lights
  5. remote cycle controller to change cycles from the bay hose.    

CustomKraft manufactures primarily with CAT PUMPS triplex ceramic plunger pumps.  High-pressure pumps are considered the heart of self-service car wash equipment.  There are only a few pump brands used throughout the industry.  Pump selection is typically based on familiarity or standardizing with existing systems.  Ceramic plunger pumps and the reduction of components have contributed to quieter operation, increased reliability and easier serviceability.  Some pump models produce higher pressure and/or volume capabilities.  When making a pump model selection, consider component availability, capabilities and warranty.  The most popular models are 5CP2120W and the 310 models.    

Drive systems also influence efficiency of the motor to pump operation.  The CustomKraft timing belt drive is 99% efficient, requires no tension adjustment and has an anticipated life expectancy of 10 years.  The direct drive system is 99.9% efficient, requires no tension adjustments or maintenance.  However, this system drives the pump at full revolutions per minute (RPM) of the motor, causing higher crankshaft and bearing wear, shortening pump life.  The most common drive is a single “Vee” belt. It is only 67% efficient, requires routine tension adjustment and belt replacement every two years.  Increasing efficiency with multiple “Vee” belts makes an incremental improvement to 70%, but also requires monthly adjustment and replacement every two years. 

Although stainless steel frames and tanks seem rather straight forward and ubiquitous throughout the various self-service brands, minor differences play an important role in durability and reliability.  CustomKraft increases the metal thickness or gauge used to reduce equipment vibration and durability in shipment.  By decreasing vibrations, the mounted components will have a longer service life.  Component fasteners must be strong enough to withstand years of use.  Plastic chemical tanks develop cracks and leaks, requiring repair or replacement, so CustomKraft uses only stainless steel and gravity feed on all systems.

CustomKraft builds with both electric motor starters to variable frequency inverters.  The variable frequency inverter allows for maximum versatility with smoother operation, decreased energy consumption and the reduction of components.  The inverter operates a standard three phase electric motor at several speeds, allowing the system to deliver several pressures using a single pump and motor per bay.  The inverter ramps the motor up to speed, drastically reducing the inrush amperage demanded at start-up.  The unit will operate a  three phase motor with either single or three phase input voltage.  Motor starters with digital operation (on or off) are used most commonly. Starters are less efficient than inverters and will demand 8 to 10 times operating amperage (motors operating at 9 amps during operation, draw 70 to 90 amps at initiation).  Motor starters will only operate phase correct electric motors (single phase electricity will operate only single phase motors).  although starters have limitations, their simple operation is appealing.    

CustomKraft VFD System®

CustomKraft’s variable frequency drive system reduces components and increases versatility, allowing up to eight different adjustable motor speeds.  The system is manufactured in both a stacked and bench style configuration. 

Operation

The system operates similar to the original CustomKraft MultiPressure System® with fewer components and smoother operation.  Any cycle may be delivered with hot or cold water and up to eight (8) adjustable operating pressures.  Pressures may be adjusted from 100 pounds per square inch (psi) up to 1800 psi. 

Once a cycle is selected, the delivery line is purged with high-pressure; as the solution reaches the bay, the motor slows to a preset speed, delivering the selected product at the desired pressure. 

Exclusive features for the variable frequency drive (VFD) unit include:

Tubular stainless steel stacked frame for spatial efficiency with component accessibility.

Hinged stainless steel electrical boxes with lock-out for flexibility and safety.

Clear acrylic flush mount tank lids with “drop-in” design for easier access to chemical tanks. 

Super E Baldor® 5 horsepower 3 phase motor for increased electrical efficiency (NEMA nominal efficiency rating 90.5%).

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for bay reliability and versatility (see Light Touch meter box).

Variable frequency drive unit is capable of up to eight (8) different motor speeds with “soft start” to increase electrical efficiency and reduce component fatigue.

Single pump/tank unit for fewer connections and easier installation.  Available in separate modules for mobility (modules must be connected on-site).

Overall reduction of components to further increase system reliability. 

Equipment options:

Piezoelectric switch “Light Touch” coin meter.

Built-in hour meter and Ethernet port.

The “Gripper” remote bay controller.

Modem accessible data.

Features standard on CustomKraft VFD units:

Stainless steel tubular frames with anodized aluminum backboard.

Baldor energy efficient motors, 5 horsepower three phase (unit will operate on single or three phase without changing motors).

Cat 5CP2120W plunger pump(s) capable of 4 gallons per minute (gpm) at 2500 psi with a lifetime warranty discharge manifold, set to deliver 3.6 gpm at 1250 psi (also available with Cat 310W).

Flange mounts for easy pump removal and maintenance.

Hinged stainless steel electrical enclosures, with lock-out on high voltage for safety.

Individually fused 100 VA transformers for each bay with an additional auxiliary transformer for tank level control, freeze protection and foam board operation.

Single point primary voltage connection for each electrical box with on-board disconnects.

Owner bay start buttons with timer reset.

Timing belt drive for 99% power efficiency (available in direct drive).

ABS plastic belt guard with single thumb latch that totally encloses drive system for unsurpassed safety.

Modular inlet solenoid manifold for full port feed, insuring bay to bay consistency (all bays soap alike and wax alike).

Inlet manifold is equipped with stainless steel interchangeable seats and Viton® seals.

Lighted plug-in (DIN) connectors for all solenoids for simple diagnostics.

Color-coded components and wiring systems.

Copper inlet manifolds with all fittings crimped for lasting durability.

Dixmor® Weep Miser® controller for efficient flow control for the weep system.

Individual stainless steel chemical tanks for gravity flow on all cycles.

Crydom® float switch for positive fluid level controls on high volume tanks.

Hydrominder® automatic chemical proportioning valves for low volume tanks.

Synflex® high-pressure thermal plastic delivery hose to eliminate residual chemical and permit freezing without hose failure.

Sensortron® electronic coin acceptance in all components.

Dixmor® LED 7 (bilingual) display timers with last minute horn.

Full-face Lexan® coin box decal for attractive durability.

Plug-in terminal strip to allow easy removal of bay meter face during maintenance operations.

Full system manual, operating animation and diagnostics provided.

Customer educational seminars provided with classroom and hands-on laboratory.
Custom Kraft