Precision cleaning for complex designs

Precision cleaning is often required where high precision, complex components are being manufactured. Here, MecWash Systems explains how its Aqueous Vapour Degreaser (AVD) technology can bring high quality component cleaning to the most demanding applications

Specialist engineering businesses or small cells within larger organisations often focus on the most esoteric components, electronic sensors, aerospace components, scientific or medical components - often in relatively small volumes. Such environments require the sophistication of the largest wash systems, but also one that fits comfortably in a modestly sized manufacturing cell.

The MecWash AVD was designed for this market, where high standards of cleaning are critical, but space is at a premium. As with all MecWash Systems units, the concept is centred on a front-loading drum within which components are held in purposedesigned fixtures, or loaded into baskets. The drum rotates about a horizontal axis throughout the wash process, or can be set to oscillate for particularly delicate components.

The basic cleaning process comprises immersion and spray washing then immersion and spray rinsing, followed by hot air drying. Where the component geometry or the nature of the contamination dictates, ultrasonic washing and vacuum drying are also included.

John Pattison, MD, explains: "The AVD system is highly compact and extremely versatile, and can clean and degrease a very wide range of components. The machine is only 1.2m wide so it fits neatly into a small cell, yet delivers a washing performance to compete with the largest systems including ultrasonics and vacuum drying."

Case studies Birmingham-based specialist turned parts manufacturer, Rowan Precision, demonstrates the advantages of the AVD in practice - the company produces turned and milled parts, from 0.5 to 85mm diameter. The focus here is on the removal of swarf and neat machining oils. The capabilities of the AVD enable the company to use a single cleaning system for its full range of materials including brass, aluminium, steel and plastics. Selection of MecWash's AC32 multi-metal cleaning chemical, which provides inhibition for a wide range of metals, completes the approach.

"The flexibility of the system is very important because of the diverse range of products and customer requirements," says Rowan Precision's director, Martin Barker, who points out that orders can comprise anything from 100 to 1 million units.

Similarly, CNC precision turning component manufacturer, Qualiturn, uses a MecWash AVD that cleans components from the company's 18 machining centres - mostly in steel, brass and aluminium of varying dimensions and configurations.

"Each of our customers needs to be able to slot the component straight into his production process without the need for further cleaning operations," says Nick Groom, MD, "which is why all our products now pass through one of two MecWash units that we have on site." Alongside the AVD, which is dedicated to more complex designs and includes integrated ultrasonic capability and vacuum drying, the company also operates a MecWash Solo.