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.