Three categories

Henkel says effective surface cleaning remains necessary for optimum bonding and sealing in most applications. Residues are often left from previous operations. For this reason, the company provides Loctite cleaning solutions that broadly fall into three categories.

The first is 'organic' where typically the residue is a lubricant or corrosion prevention fluid. For this purpose, alkaline cleaners are suitable.

'Inorganic' is the second cleaning category and includes rust, weld scale, smuts and oxides. Acids or acidic cleaners are suitable for these tasks and can be used to clean injection-moulded thermoset plastic.

The final category covers 90% of workshop cleaning and typically includes removal of grime, inks, glove and fingerprints. Henkel generally recommends alkaline or neutral cleaners for these tasks. Products for dedicated purposes are also available.