| Buying a new production part washing system | | | | these is appropriate. |
| can be an overwhelming experience. With all | | | | |
| the options and decisions to make, it is easy | | | | The final appearance of the part is another |
| to overlook important details and end up with | | | | result to consider. When finished, should the |
| an unsatisfactory machine. The key decision | | | | part be free of spotting? What type of rust |
| to be made before purchase is what level of | | | | inhibitor, if any, should be applied? Is |
| cleanliness will this equipment be expected | | | | there a specific temperature the part must be |
| to achieve. | | | | upon exit from the washer? |
| | | | |
| Before deciding on equipment, the customer | | | | Equipment selection will vary depending on |
| should outline the specifications to be met. | | | | the composition of the part, the soil to be |
| For example, what is the production rate | | | | removed and the production rate necessary to |
| demanded? How dry is dry and how clean is | | | | maintain. Additionally, blind holes, |
| clean? What are the guidelines regarding rust | | | | contours, and the size of the part to be |
| and spotting? How will the wastewater be | | | | washed are determining factors in equipment |
| disposed? These are all important concerns | | | | selection. |
| that, if answered thoroughly, will help the | | | | |
| manufacturer select the perfect washer. | | | | The soil that is cleaned from the part will |
| | | | help determine elements of the machine design |
| Buying an aqueous washer requires significant | | | | along with playing a role in selection of |
| research analysis and an extended timeline to | | | | cleaning chemistry. Soil can be judged on |
| prove out a process, design a system to | | | | numerous factors. For example, particulates, |
| duplicate that proven process and build the | | | | metal chips, shop dirt, grinding chips, |
| machine to that design. The results needed to | | | | coolant and organic oils all require |
| be attained determine the equipment to be | | | | different methods of removal. This knowledge |
| purchased. Aqueous systems use water and | | | | will help determine how the cleaning fluid |
| mechanical action (such as spray impingement, | | | | reacts in soil and how best to treat the |
| immersion/agitation, ultrasonic energy, | | | | cleaning solution during production to help |
| turbulation, or part motion) to clean soil | | | | garner consistent results. |
| from the part. | | | | |
| | | | With information about the cleaning |
| A successful aqueous cleaning process is | | | | specifications settled, it is possible to |
| based on 5 variables, which all contribute to | | | | begin design of the cleaning process. |
| the end goal of meeting cleanliness | | | | Alkaline cleaning chemistry is dependent upon |
| objectives. These include the material being | | | | the soil and the material from which the part |
| washed, the soil being removed, the chemistry | | | | is made. Alkaline cleaners generally can use |
| used to clean, the temperature of the | | | | a low concentration of 1-4%. Consultation |
| solution and the mechanical action needed to | | | | with an experienced, qualified vendor is |
| remove that soil. Each variable effects the | | | | important when picking the cleaning |
| end product and a change in one variable | | | | chemistry. They will be able to guide the |
| effects the entire process. The key is to | | | | customer through the selection process and |
| select a machine style that will be best able | | | | find a chemistry to fit their unique needs. |
| to utilize the information regarding these | | | | |
| variables | | | | The physical design of the washer is |
| | | | determined by the specifications, along with |
| Cleanliness specifications vary | | | | variables such as plant floor space, utility |
| significantly, which means the customer must | | | | location, accessibility of service locations, |
| know how clean he considers clean. There are | | | | and the ventilation requirements. Some plants |
| various tests that can be used to measure | | | | use a central washer, others use a cellular |
| cleanliness. Subjective tests include the | | | | method, and the decision between these two |
| white glove wipe test, scotch tape test, and | | | | options will shape the design of the washer. |
| the UV light test. These methods rely on the | | | | Washer designs come in 7 main forms. These |
| subjective opinion of the individual | | | | are cabinet cleaners, immersion systems, |
| performing the test and can vary from person | | | | ultrasonic systems, conveyor systems, |
| to person so building a machine based on | | | | indexing units, rotary auger drums, and |
| their results is strongly discouraged. | | | | return to operator systems. All have unique |
| Objective tests, conversely, which provide a | | | | advantages and disadvantages. A qualified |
| quantifiable result include the Millipore | | | | vendor will help the customer sort through |
| test, particle measurement and particle count | | | | the different options and select a washer |
| are preferred. | | | | design appropriate for their space and needs. |
| | | | |
| Dryness is another area of concern. The main | | | | A customer that can follow the steps of |
| factor in determining dryness specifications | | | | washer design and partner with a qualified |
| is the next manufacturing process the part | | | | vendor will be able to efficiently create a |
| will travel to. There are three types of dry | | | | new washer. Through careful planning and |
| and they include bone dry, flash dry within a | | | | research, the customer will end up with a |
| certain time frame, and simply free of water | | | | process that is able to clean their parts |
| puddles with no dripping. Examine the next | | | | effectively and serve them for a long time. |
| step in the process to determine which of | | | | |