Industrial Parts Washing: Cleaning Machined Metal Parts
Cleaning Machined Metal Parts
In the world of precision metal part machining and fabrication, the value of the final machined parts is significantly enhanced when paired with effective parts washing and cleaning. For companies doing screw machining, CNC manufacturing, cutting, bending, milling and many other metal fabrication processes – Parts Cleaning Washers offer perfect synergy.
What is in Industrial Parts Washer?
An industrial parts washer is a cleaning device designed to remove contaminants such as grease, oil, dirt, and debris from metal parts, be they mechanical components, turned or milled parts or other machined parts. Parts washers are commonly used many industries including aerospace, manufacturing, and maintenance to ensure that parts are completely cleaned prior to the next phase of manufacturing (be it assembly, plating, adhesion etc.)
Parts Washers and Precision Parts Machining: A Perfect Synergy
Parts washers and metal machining fabrication go hand in hand to ensure production quality. Effective part cleaning of metal components after machining is crucial. By removing contaminants and residues from parts before and/or after machining, parts washers help enhance the quality of the machined parts. This synergy not only ensures the usability of the machined part but also enhances the quality of the final products. Integrating parts washers into your production operation ensures that every component is pristine, leading to smoother downstream operations and superior results.
Maximizing Performance with Effective Parts Cleaning
In the world of precision part machining, the fabrication and manufacturing of metal parts is significantly enhanced when paired with effective parts cleaning.
Importance of Cleaning Parts after Machining:
Accuracy and Precision: Clean parts ensure that contaminants do not interfere with the final use of the machined part. Machining oils and other residues or debris can lead to defects or inaccuracies in the final product.
Quality: The addition of parts cleaning enhances the finished part quality to meet necessary standards.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: Efficient parts cleaning reduces the need for excessive rework or downstream part rejection, leading to cost savings and increased efficiency.
Reduced Downtime: Clean components lead to smoother operation and fewer maintenance issues, minimizing downtime and improving overall productivity.
Types of Parts Washing Systems for Metal Fabrication Applications:
A common question one hears is what is the difference between a parts washer and a vapor degreaser? Here’s a quick overview of the 4 types of parts washers (including a vapor degreaser) and their advantages/disadvantages. The 4 parts washers from simplest to most complex are: 1. Manual Parts Washers, 2. Ultrasonic Parts Washers 3. Aqueous Parts Washers, 4. Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasers.
Manual Parts Washers:
Typically feature a tank with a cleaning solution and a brush or scrubbing tool for manual cleaning. These are often used for smaller parts or less complex cleaning tasks.
| MANUAL PART WASHERS | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Usually a tank with brush for scrubbing |
o Less complex operation
o Inexpensive equipment o Fast Implementation |
o Unreliable – due to inconsistencies in cleaning
o Ineffectual – dirt can be left on the part o Time consuming – manual labor o Limited capabilities |
2. Ultrasonic Parts Washers:
Usually a simple, single tank filled with solvents or detergents that utilize high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in a cleaning solution, which effectively remove dirt and contaminants from intricate or delicate parts.
| ULTRASONIC PART WASHERS | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Single tank filled with solvent |
o Less Complex Operation
o Somewhat inexpensive equipment o Ultrasonics Increase Cleaning |
o Expensive – bath maintenance o Rework – Part rework due to RE-contaminant redeposit o Ineffective – on many kinds of contaminants o Limited – limited cleaning capabilities |
3. Aqueous Parts Washers:
Aqueous systems are usually larger systems (using lots of floor space) as they have washing, rinsing, and drying stations as to clean the parts. They use water-based solutions combined with detergents to clean parts. They are effective for removing water-soluble contaminants.
| AQUEOUS PART WASHERS | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Use water-based solutions combined with detergents to clean parts. |
o Considered “eco-friendly”
o Uses water-based detergents |
o Unreliable – due to bath inconsistencies
o Ineffectual – due to dirt, water & detergent deposits left on the part o Time consuming – cycle times are usually 30 minutes or longer due to extended rinse and drying times o Expensive – large equipment outlay for wash, rinse, and dry tanks o Foot-print greedy – the equipment line takes up precious square footage o Destructive – might rust metal since water and metal are not compatible |
4. Vapor Degreasers:
Fully contained cleaning systems that usually have two-sumps - one accumulating dirty solvent & debris; the second (usually with equipped with ultrasonics) always filled with fresh clean solvent. These units heat the solvent to vaporization which condenses on parts to dissolve and remove grease and other contaminants. They are known for their efficiency in cleaning complex and precision components. Most vapor degreasers have ultrasonic immersion capability and solvent containment.
| VAPOR DEGREASERS With ULTRASONICS | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Usually two-sump systems that clean in vapor and ultrasonic immersion with no redeposit of contaminant. |
o Effective – removes hydrocarbon contaminants easily
o Reliable –consistent part cleaning every time, with no rinsing or drying needed o Efficient – Fast cleaning significantly reduces cycle time o Comprehensive -- able to achieve almost absolute cleanliness with virtually no residue even on parts with complex geometries o Economical -- Minimal maintenance & reduced costs o Distillable - Solvent is constantly distilled and reused |
o Higher Initial Expense o Uses solvents |
Modernize Your Cleaning Operation with Our ULTRA Vapor Degreasing Parts Washer!
Engineered for efficiency and durability, our ULTRA parts washer delivers powerful cleaning performance to remove grease, and machined part residue. Our ULTRA Vapor Degreasing Systems feature compact footprint, user-friendly design, adjustable temperature controls, and automation, to ensure thorough and precise cleaning while reducing operator labor.
Using advanced ultrasonic technology, the ULTRA parts washer delivers deep, thorough parts cleaning by emitting high-frequency sound waves that create microscopic bubbles. These bubbles gently dislodge and remove dirt, grease, and contaminants from even the most intricate and delicate parts. Ideal for precision components and intricate assemblies, our ULTRA ultrasonic parts washer ensures complete cleaning of complex geometries. The ULTRA provides effortless, efficient cleaning with a device that combines power, precision, and easy maintenance.
Conclusion
By ensuring that machined metal parts are cleaned effectively and completely, you can maintain high standards of production. The right parts cleaning solution will complement your operations, helping you achieve optimal quality in your machining processes.
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Give us a call or contact us to discuss your application and how the ULTRA Parts Cleaning System can support your metal fabrication operation. We can test clean parts in our lab and share our recommendations for optimized cleaning.
At Reliance, we take a comprehensive, systemic approach to supporting our customers to finding solution to their cleaning needs. Reliance Technical Support Department at 847-640-8923. We are glad to be of assistance.
