Parts Cleaning Machinery
Parts cleaning is the method by which grease and other contaminants are removed from the surface of any metal item set to be plated, or the method by which contaminants and machining residue is removed from completed parts. Parts cleaning machinery is any type of equipment that aids in this cleaning process.
Quick links to Parts Cleaning Machinery Information
Techniques and Processes Used by Parts Cleaning Machinery
Parts cleaning machinery may be differentiated by the following techniques:
- Manual
- Mechanical/Semi-Automatic
- Automatic
- Robot-Supported
It may be quite simple, rather complex, or used as part of a larger procedure, like electroplating or galvanizing.
Here is an example of a fairly common parts cleaning procedure:
- Pre-Cleaning
- Main Cleaning
- Rinsing
- Rinsing with Deionized Water
- Rinsing with Corrosion Protection
- Drying
The processes used by parts cleaning machinery are quite varied, including:
- Sprinkling
- Spraying
- Power Washing
- Blasting
- Flooding
- Movement of Parts (Turning, Oscillating, etc.)
- Circulation of Bath/Agitation
- Gas/Air Injection Into the Bath
- Boiling Under Pressure
- Injection Flooding
- Pressure Flooding
- Ultrasonic Cleaning
- Megasonic Cleaning
- Carbon Dioxide Cleaning
Parts Cleaning Machinery Design and Customization
Parts cleaning machinery often comes in the form of washers. Parts washers are quite variable, providing customers with several different, frequently customizable, options. A typical parts washer may be solvent-based or aqueous/water-based. Solvent-based parts cleaning machinery was invented in the 1950s and is incredibly effective in removing stubborn corrosion and chemicals. Parts cleaning machinery uses a degreasing agent along with these solvent-based cleaners to effectively remove residual oil-based coolant and anti-rusting agents applied during the machining process. However, they are also hard on the environment and hazardous to health if used improperly. Partially for this reason, aqueous-based parts cleaning machinery, which is safer and more economically and environmentally-friendly than solvent-based, has become more popular. Today, the traditional hazardous cleaning agents like TCE and PCE are only used in airtight plants, regulated by modern volume shift systems that limit any emissions.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Parts Cleaning Machinery
Parts cleaning machinery are incredibly useful, but they do occupy the space of an extremely complex industrial process. For that reason, it’s best to approach a purchase as well-informed as you can be. When considering the parts cleaning machinery you will purchase, remember to educate yourself on the quality and cleanliness standards of your application or industry, like the auto industry’s VDA 19/ISO 16232 standard for the cleanliness of road vehicles fluid circuit components. Customers may also present you with their own set of requirements regarding remaining contamination, corrosion protection, spots, and gloss level. The better informed you are, the smoother the purchasing process will go, and the better equipment you’ll get!
Notable Types of Parts Cleaning Machinery
Notable types of parts washers include:
- Immersion Parts Washers
- Sink-on-Drum
- Ultrasonic Parts Washers
- Soaking Units
- Brush Units
- Soaking and Brush Combination Units
- Direct Sprayer Parts Washers